Extensive published research has shown that Breast-Is-Best, under most
circumstances. The long list of positive outcomes for breast feeding, greatly
exceeds those of formula feeding. The "Curse of Modernization" follows
societies that "suck" rather than "suckle".  To date most credit or blame for
those varied outcomes has been given to the supreme differences between
breast milk and formula. Only time and some redesigned controlled research
will tell how much credit is actually also due the difference between sucking
and suckling in the formation of the all important human airway.

SUCKING a bottle OR pacifier OR finger constricts and deforms the jaws which
surround the airway with upward and backward forces acting against proper
down and forward growth.  Tongue and swallow patterns become abnormal, and
oxygen saturation rates drop as mouth breathing increases.

SUCKLING a breast (even dry suckling) stimulates proper jaw formation
down-and forward. Suckling expands the airway and usually allows proper
tongue and swallow patterns to form, then increased nasal breathing can keep
oxygen saturation rates high. Blood oxygen is very important to growth and
development. Minute amounts of hypoxia can steal a great portion of brain
function and full body balance. I'll address infant HYPOXIA another time.

Your thoughts about SUCKING vs. SUCKLING?  And shouldn't EXCLUSIVE
breastfeeding studies separate habit suckers (pacifiers, fingers, etc) to see
the pure effects? [BrFd forces a few hours a day can be negated and reversed
by habit sucking 10-20 hrs/day...hmmm?]


Sincerely,
DCPage, DDS

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