BREAST MILK VERSUS INFANT FORMULAS: NUTRITIONAL IMPACTS AND THE NURSE'S ROLE IN MATERNAL GUIDANCE

Abstract

Introduction: Breast milk is recognized as the gold standard for infant feeding due to its nutritional, immunological, and bioactive composition, which fully meets the needs of infants. However, the increasing use of infant formulas highlights the need to understand their impacts and the nurse's role in maternal guidance. Objective: To comparatively analyze the nutritional impacts of breast milk and infant formulas on child development and discuss the nurse's role in promoting breastfeeding and guiding the use of substitutes. Methodology: This integrative literature review was conducted using the SciELO, LILACS, and PubMed databases. Studies published between 2021 and 2026 in Portuguese and English were included, resulting in eight articles selected for analysis. Results: The findings showed that breast milk has superior nutritional and immunological properties, contributing to protection against infections, strengthening the immune system, and supporting healthy child development. In contrast, infant formulas, although necessary in specific situations, do not fully replicate the bioactive components of human milk. Maternal insecurity, breastfeeding difficulties, and lack of support were identified as factors associated with early weaning. Nurses were found to play a fundamental role in health education, management of breastfeeding challenges, and promotion of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: Breast milk remains the most complete form of infant nutrition, while nurses play an essential role in breastfeeding promotion, prevention of early weaning, and safe guidance regarding the use of infant formulas.