It's world breastfeeding week!
Give your baby the best.
"A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of
its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her
presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three."
- Grantly Dick-Read
Here is a fact about formula...I just learned this and was astonished.
There is an obesity epidemic in 6 month olds. Why? What is causing this?
Sugar. Plain and simple.
Watch this lecture given by Endocrinologist Dr. Lustig. It will change your life. It's an hour and a half but so worth your time. Schedule a date night with your husband and watch it!
Babies drinking formula are essentially getting a "baby milkshake" as Dr. Lustig puts it. Formula is 43.2% corn syrup solids and 10.3% sugar (fructose).
Don't get me wrong...I am not against formula in the case that a mother cannot truly breastfeed, but I am against formula being used when a mother can breastfeed (ie, just to "supplement" or because you want to get away for a day). A mother should make every effort to breastfeed, although it may be hard, painful, tiring, etc. The only way to do this is to offer support and to educate and empower women, so they know that their bodies are capable. There is a small percentage of women who may not breastfeed due to medical reasons or a truly low milk supply, but the majority of women, with proper education and support, can successfully breastfeed. Of course, the longer a baby is breastfed, the better, but a minimum of 6 months is essential. Now that I know this, I would say breastfeeding for a year is essential so as to avoid the sugar content of formula. I suppose you might wonder...so what? Is sugar that bad? Well, watch the lecture and then you'll understand why it is so bad. Sugar and alcohol are metabolized in the liver exactly the same way. It is extremely bad for your body. It is a toxin, a poison. Yes, really, it is. After learning about the sugar content of formula, I am even more dedicated to helping women succeed in breastfeeding their babies.
Here are a couple of really wonderful links with information about milk supply. I had so many questions answered, even though I am nursing my second child. Take a look at them!
What a well written post. Thank You.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! I'm sharing it on my facebook page :)
ReplyDeleteI just did a post about my thoughts and experiences with breastfeeding.
ReplyDeletehttp://modelmumma.blogspot.com/2010/08/on-topic-of-breastfeeding.html
I breastfed #1 til she was 10months when I fell pregnant with #2. I was told by my GP that I couldn't "feed a baby while trying to grow one"... which I now know is false. I do have low iron and was feeling very tired so that could have been the reason. Oh well.
I had to put #1 on a special soymilk formula because she had an allergic reaction to cows milk... she was down to one or two feeds with me at the time and eating solids etc so I don't think it was a big deal.
#2 has been exclusively breastfed for almost 6 months so far and I will continue til a year old at least. She will be starting solids soon and it will be only home made like with #1.
I think you get such an amazing connection by breastfeeding your child... if you are able to, definitely try to do it as long as you can.
Thanks Kami! :)
great post! i look forward to watching that video.
ReplyDeletei've been going to le leche league meetings. i think they are wonderful! very supportive (and not to mention experienced) ladies helping and encouraging women to breastfeed and offering help when things get difficult.
Hey Kami.
ReplyDeleteyes you're welcome to use it! :)
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