Reply to Is there any benefit to pumped breastmilk?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Yes, they're still getting antibodies from you.  OP, if you need formula, can you post here what brand you're looking for? Maybe if someone has extra they can get it to you.[/quote]

OP here. Everything I read said that direct breastfeeding is more beneficial because your body can tailor good bacteria and ward off illnesses by baby’s saliva. Pumped milk that is frozen degrades over time and that many of the antibodies and nutrients are lost. Some studies say women have less fat content in pumped milk. I also read that it’s harder to keep up supply with a pump longterm. [/quote]
Think of it this way. You're around your baby constantly. You're being exposed to the same germs and viruses as they are, and your immune system will respond to that, and that will pass through your breastmilk, regardless of whether your baby touches your nipple. But, yes, of course those antibodies and nutrients are lost over time, so the immediate transfer will have the highest benefits. That is why there are recommendations for how long stored milk can be frozen. Then there's the question of whether passed antibodies are actually absorbed by the baby. Most of what I've read says that after the first 4-6 months, beneficial antibodies are no longer absorbed through the gut.

Babies also get more effective at nursing, where they can nurse for a few minutes and be done, where as pumps efficiency will remain the same. You need to swap out valves and other pump parts every couple of months, or else the suction will degrade, which will cause your supply to dip.

OP, as others have said, if you look, you can find studies that support whichever feeding method you'd prefer. Your baby will be fine regardless of your decision. Feed them the way that works best for you. 
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