There has been a lot of information in the press regarding the lack of omega 3 fatty acids in our diet. Omega 3′s are present in oily fish such as tuna, mackerel, salmon and sardines. These fatty acids are essential, as the body cannot produce them itself and has to obtain them from dietary sources. They are particularly important in the last 3 months of pregnancy for the healthy development of baby’s brain, eyes, immune system and nervous system. Some researchers also maintain that a lack of Omega 3′s during pregnancy can increase the chances of suffering from postpartum depression or the baby blues after baby is born.

The benefits of fish oil for the baby’s brain development do not end with childbirth, either. Many very well-controlled, double-blind studies have confirmed that babies who receive breastmilk enhanced with the brain-buillding omega-3 fat, DHA, will have higher IQs and a much lower incidence of learning disabilities, including autism and mental retardation, compared to babies who consume only “standard” breastmilk. The lack of DHA in infant formula is also believed to be the primary cause of higher rates of cognitive delay among formula-fed babies.

For the best growth and development of our babies, pregnant and nursing women need adequate amounts of omega-3s. This means encouraging pregnant and nursing women to eat fish regularly. It also means that young children need to consume foods with omega-3s. Infant and baby foods must include a source of omega-3s.

In this case, breast milk or infant formula milk supplies all the nutrition an infant needs in the first few months. Infant formula milk also contains the lipids DHA and ARA, nutrients found naturally in mother’s milk that supports infant mental and visual development.

Nowadays, the quality of infant formula milk has been improved by adding substances beneficial to the infant health, such as nucleotides, calcium, iron and vitamins. Addition of such substances in infant milk seems to promote a beneficial intestinal microflora to newborns by lowering the buffering capacity of the milk. Requirements for vitamins depend on the intake of calories, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and amino acids. Iron-fortified infant formulas have actually been credited for the declining incidence of anemia in infants.

Many breastfeeding mothers are anxious as to whether or not her baby is getting enough milk. Mothers who give their child infant formula milk don’t have this concern. Therefore, many mothers choose a combination of breastfeeding and feeding with infant formula milk.

Breastfeeding is the best choice for the mothers. Nevertheless, infant formula milk which has been added the essential nutrition is an only alternative way for the mothers who do not have enough breast milk to feed her baby.