Formula for weight gain

So with all of my close friends either having just given birth or just about to, I have suddenly become very interested in all sorts of baby stuff, because if there's one thing a new or expectant mom needs, it's unsolicited information.

As a student of nutrition, we learn all about the health benefits of breastfeeding over formula feeding but obviously breastfeeding is sometimes not an option. Many people seem to have strong opinions about both options but obviously it's pretty difficult to say unless you're the one in that situation.

One of my coworkers just completed her Lactation Education Certification and we were having a discussion about formula fed babies and weight gain. Unfortunately, babies who gain weight rapidly during the first 4 months to 1 year of life tend to struggle with being overweight or obese later in life. Coincidentally, NPR's Patti Neighmond ran a story on why formula fed babies may experience faster weight gain, so I figured it was worth a read. I found it interesting that part of the reason formula fed babies may gain weight faster (thus possibly leading to weight issues later in life) is that  babies who are breastfeeding may satiate sooner thus consuming less breast milk. Babies' stomachs are pretty tiny as newborns and thus they really can't eat very much and the colostrum that newborns consume in the early stages of breastfeeding is very low in fat. Additionally human breast milk changes in caloric density during the life stage of the baby to address changing nutritional needs which means that volume for volume the calories, fat, carbohydrate and protein will be different between breast milk and formula depending on the life stage of the baby. Isn't the human body crazy?!

While the article brings to light some new research, it is still pretty preliminary stuff and shouldn't be used to judge mom's who aren't breastfeeding. Neighmond also profiles a few different types of formulas making this article a good resource if you had formula questions.

If you're like me and have no idea how to change a diaper, there are plenty of other things out there to read.