Below are my findings from literature searches 5 years ago. I can send you 
some of the refs if any are interested. Supposedly the formula-fed will often 
gain weight faster, at the expense of sub-optimal development, more & 
greater illnesses, and reduced survival. Because head circumferences and 
other indicators (including oxygenation etc.) are not inferior, probably weight 
is not the best indicator of when to release an infant. These are excerpts from 
3 different chapters in my book:

Many studies on breastfeeding preterm and low-birth-weight babies complain 
that the nutrients in breastmilk are lower than in chemically derived milks, and 
breastfed preemies sometimes gain weight more slowly during their stay in the 
hospital. However, follow-up studies to age two or three show there is no 
difference in the size between naturally or artificially fed babies.76 
Additionally, studies suggest the breastfed preemie’s growth rate is similar to 
that inside the uterus.77 In fact, the bone mineral content is greater in 
childhood follow-ups in direct proportion to the amount of human milk 
received.78 The growth of head circumference, an indicator of brain 
development, is not lower during premature hospitalization in infants fed 
human milk, even when the breastfed infant weighs less.79 Preterm infants 
who are fed breastmilk grow up with higher intelligence scores, and other 
neurological development parameters are better as well.80 Also remember that 
permanent long-term immune development is superior in those who receive 
breastmilk. Breastmilk-fed preterm and low-weight infants have higher survival 
rates, lower illness rates, stronger bones (eventually), greater intelligence, 
and superior neurological development; hence, weight gain comparisons are 
not highly relevant.

A more extensive U.K. study tested children at 8 years of age and found 
significantly higher IQs in those who had received human milk as premature 
infants.5 This advantage was the same for infants who were fed with tubes 
and those who were nursed. Additionally, preemies whose mothers chose to 
provide breastmilk, but failed, shared the same lower IQ as formula-fed 
infants, removing many confounding variables from the results and giving the 
credit to the breastmilk. British follow-up studies at 10 years of age revealed 
much higher vocabulary and intelligence in children who had been exclusively 
breastfed.6 A Dutch investigation reported similar findings, after adjusting for 
social and other factors.7

Nearly all kinds of infections are significantly elevated when premature infants 
are fed artificial formulas instead of breastmilk, including urinary tract 
infections and diarrheal diseases.71 Among the tiniest preemies, there are 
45% more serious infections in those exclusively fed formula.72 While the 
difference in mortality between low-birth-weight infants fed breastmilk versus 
formula is not as great as the difference seen between term infant feedings, 
those not receiving breastmilk still have a 26 to 37% greater death rate.73,74 
The statistical benefits of breastmilk in these studies are reduced by some of 
the various types of breastmilk used (stored, pasteurized, term milk) and the 
various forms of supplementation or fortification of breastmilk. 

linda
infant nutrition consultant
author "Baby Matters"

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