In the United States, only 75% of infants initiate breastfeeding from birth however, by the age of three months, 67%, or 2.7 million, of them rely on infant formula for some portion of their nutrition. Globally, only 38% of infants are exclusively breastfed. Under certain situations, breastfeeding might not be possible, unsuitable or inadequate, which warrants an interruption or cessation in breastfeeding. The decision to breastfeed is highly personal and is often influenced by many factors. In addition to its nutritional advantage, breastfeeding is convenient and inexpensive, and also is a bonding experience for the mother and infant. Recently, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reaffirms and updates their mission that exclusive breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and health protection for the first six months of life, and that breastfeeding with complementary foods from six months until at least 12 months of age is the ideal feeding pattern for infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months. The World Health Organization recommends that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six month of life.

Recently, studies have further suggested that breast milk mitigates infant programming of late metabolic diseases, particularly protecting against obesity and type 2 diabetes. Thus, breast milk is widely recognized as a biological fluid required for optimal infant growth and development. Extensive evidence has shown that breast milk contains a variety of bioactive agents that modify the function of the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system, as well as in brain development. Mothers’ own milk is considered to be the best source of infant nutrition.

Sample Enfamil Infant Formula no bottle