This blog post is sponsored by RB.

I remember when I was expecting Vivi; I really didn’t put a whole ton of thought into
feeding her before she arrived. I planned on breastfeeding, and I just assumed the
experience would be completely natural and easy.

(Ellie practicing tummy time at two months)

However, I was completely wrong. For many reasons, it didn’t all work out as I had
planned. I had to supplement with formula, and I was plagued by guilt because I
wanted her to have the best.

(Ellie and some of her favorites at five months!)

Breast milk has been proven to be important to cognitive development in babies;
did you know that each fat droplet of breast milk is surrounded by MFGM (Milk Fat
Globule Membrane), a naturally occurring membrane with important components
that support brain development and the immune system? (Find more about MFGM
and infant nutrition here!)

(Ellie standing and attempting steps at one year!)

A baby’s brain grows so much during their first year; it’s completely full of exciting
and memorable milestones, and nutrition is a huge component to help babies
achieve those milestones. I think my favorite might be laughing, although it’s
honestly hard to choose. Those belly laughs are addicting, and I feel like that’s when
I really bond with my babies.

(Ellie and her chubby legs at 12 months.)

Considering the fact that a baby’s brain size increases 175 % * during their first year
(that’s incredible!), MFGM is important to this process. We all know the
indisputable benefits of breast milk, and along with these facts, it’s obvious that
nutrition during the first year of life is critical.

But, sometimes, for reasons beyond our control, breastfeeding isn’t the best choice.
Or it’s not even an option. However, after decades of research on human milk,
MFGM will become an ingredient to formula, and we will be seeing more of it this
year. This ingredient has been clinically shown to help close the gap in cognitive
development between formula-fed and breast-fed infants, which is such good news!

*Dobbing J, Sands J. Quantitative growth and development of the human brain. Arch Dis Child. 1973; 48; 757-767

(Vivi bottle feeding a tiny Ellie.)

After three babies, I can say that the feeding experience got easier, but each time I struggled when I had to supplement and eventually exclusively formula feed. The guilt was overwhelming at times, and I’m so grateful to know that formula ingredients are continuing to improve so that we mamas can have confidence that our little ones are getting the best.

Be sure to check out this infographic below, which illustrates the difference that MFGM makes in the cognitive development of formula fed babies. Pretty amazing, right?