Breast milk is best or formula milk... Michelle Obama sparked the debate, what do experts and WHO say?: Formula Milk Explained: The debate over breast milk and formula milk has been raging for a long time. Now, a new statement by the former First Lady of the United States has reignited the discussion.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Every parent wants the best for their child, especially when it comes to their diet, nutrition, and health. Whether it's better to give a newborn breast milk or formula milk is a frequently debated question among new mothers. Meanwhile, former US First Lady Michelle Obama recently revealed in a conversation that she herself grew up on formula milk.

What is baby formula?

Experts explain that baby formula is a breast milk substitute given when a mother is unable to breastfeed her baby for some reason. It's typically made from cow's milk, but it's processed to closely resemble breast milk. When the baby is hungry, a prescribed amount of formula powder is mixed with boiled water and given to the baby.

However, doctors warn that bottle feeding can increase the risk of infection, so feeding with a bowl or spoon is considered safer. They also clarify that breast milk is best, but if the mother is seriously ill or unable to breastfeed for some reason, formula milk can be given. Experts advise that the baby should be fed according to his or her needs. Doctors say that for the first two months of life, only breast milk or its substitute is sufficient. If necessary, formula can be given from the day of birth.

What do the new WHO guidelines say?

The World Health Organization has updated its feeding guidelines for children under two years of age. According to this, children who are partially or completely formula-dependent can be given full-fat cow's milk after the age of six months. However, the WHO also clarifies that after six months, children's iron needs cannot be met by milk alone. Therefore, after this age, it is important to provide children with iron-rich solid foods. This can include meat, eggs, pulses, green leafy vegetables, beans, lentils, ground seeds, and nut butters, but without added salt and sugar.

These things should be kept in mind

The WHO recommends exclusive breast milk for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding for two years or more. For children under six months of age, if breast milk is not available, infant formula should be given exclusively. However, toddler formula is not recommended for children over 12 months of age.