How to choose a breastpump? Having a good breastpump is essential for working mother. It doesn’t matter whether you need to leave the house for work, need to store extra milk for later, or need to have milk available for someone else who’s feeding the baby.
There are two major types of breastpump - manual and battery/electric. Single and double models are available. If you need to pump often, consider a dual electric model. However, if you don’t need to pump often, consider a smaller, less expensive model.

photo credit: Telstar Logistics

Every mother wants what’s best for her baby. Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to give your child the nutrition and antibodies that he or she needs. However, it can get in the way of other obligations and work schedules. That means it can be hard to breastfeed every time your child needs to eat. A breastpump allows you to offer your baby all the benefits of breastfeeding, but without losing the ability to engage in other activities. It also means that you can turn feeding over to dad or another family member from time to time.

There are lots of different models of breastpumps on the market. Different women prefer different styles. The most basic is the single pump, for one breast at a time, a lot like the way a baby nurses. Career women or those who can’t be home at all times often prefer this style, since it’s small and easy to take along with you. Miniature pumps are also great for traveling. They work just like a full sized pump, but you can take them almost anywhere. Single and double models are available in this size, and are practical for almost any woman who can’t be home at all times. A double breastpump is a good idea if you have twins - you’ll need to pump more often than a mom who just has one baby. If you can pump at home and have twins, choose a full size double breastpump. The extra milk is also useful if you’re trying to get others involved in feeding your child, too.

Most single, double, or mini breastpumps require a power source, whether they’re plug in or battery powered. Battery powered breastpumps are best if you’ll need to pump in many different places. That’s because you don’t have to find a place to plug the pump in. However, these pumps don’t offer the same amount of power as an electrical pump. That means they might not be as efficient. If you need to pump often, or are new to it, think about using a plug in model, which can expel more milk. There are a few pumps that let you use both options - an adapter can be used when there’s an outlet available, or you can use batteries when you can’t find one.

Many different companies which also produce other baby products make breastpumps, too. Medela is one of the most popular makers, and make some of the strongest breastpumps available. This manufacturer offers both single and double pumps, and manufactures carrying cases and accessories, too. You can also find pumps from Evenflo, which is known for pumps that suit the needs of new moms well. Prices from Evenflo tend to be lower than those at Medela. Ameda and Avent make single and double breastpumps, and include accessories for their models with the pumps. These companies all make high quality breastpumps that are practical and affordable for new moms who want to breastfeed without all the hassle.

Choosing perfect breastpump is vital. You’ll have to take a look at all your options to decide which of the many different pumps available work best for you. Some people like sturdy, larger models that offer power but need an outlet to work. Others prefer a convenient, portable battery powered pump. If you use a double pump, you might be able to cut down the amount of time required, but not everyone likes them. Children drink only one breast full of milk at a time, making some prefer a single pump. Experiment and do your research to find the one that’ll work best for you, and remember to keep a spare on hand in case your breaks or is lost.

A breastfeeding pillow can be a perfect solution to ease the strain of sitting up and holding the baby soon after birth and during the entire period of nursing. Many mothers are exhausted physically after childbirth, after having gone through the various stages of pregnancy. Many mothers-to-be take the time and shop for a breastfeeding pillow as it ensures a healthy posture while feeding as well as eases the strain on them while nursing the baby.

Design Of A Breastfeeding Pillow

It is shaped like the alphabet U and consists of an arched portion and two bolsters. It is usually easy to dismantle and the pillow and its cover are machine washable. It usually fits snugly around the waist of a lactating mother and maintains a correct height to ensure a good posture as well as to ensure correct latching. The best breast feeding pillows therefore are made of a soft and comfortable material, yet not too soft as to be uncomfortable with the baby sinking too deep into the pillow. It has to be washable and should not get lumpy on washing as it may then not be very useful. Some pillows have a waterproof inner cover to ensure that only the case needs washing and that the pillow remains free from dust and mites keeping it safe and clean for your baby.

It is a fairly common complaint that the back, neck and arms of a nursing mother are most strained while nursing a baby, but with a proper breastfeeding pillow such complaints may be a thing of the past. Many of these pillows are ergonomically designed to ensure that they protect the nursing mother from the most common complaint, back pain.

Uses Of A Breastfeeding Pillow

A breastfeeding pillow is not very expensive and is extremely useful. Many mothers-to-be use it even during pregnancy to rest their limbs, it even has uses after the nursing period! While the baby is trying to sit up the pillow offers it a cushion to sit in and play with. It is also great for mothers who bottlefeed the baby, ensuring the baby is held in the right position reducing the chances of choking etc.

It can be a perfect gift to give to your loved ones who are expecting and one that will be much appreciated. There are so many designs and brands available that expectant mothers enjoy shopping around for the perfect pillow that will be extremely useful to them.

It is recommended as a must have necessity of a nursing mother as it helps protect her from the after effects of maintaining bad posture while the body is recovering from the ordeal of childbirth. As the pillow takes away most of the strain the mother can enjoy breastfeeding her child and strengthen her bond with the baby. Relatively inexpensive and extremely useful, a breastfeeding pillow is indeed a must have accessory for a nursing mother.

Tags: feeding pillows, feeding cushion, breastfeeding pillow, maternity pillow, nursing pillow, breastfeeding tips, nursing babies

The reason is that breastfeed baby doesn’t grow as fast as the growth charts recommend. Researcher says infants who are breastfed could be misdiagnosed as “failing to thrive” because their normal weight gain is slower than bottle-fed babies. Australian states currently use either the US or UK growth charts, which are inaccurate because they are based largely on bottle-fed sizes as ideal models.

photo credit: Daniel Greene

As a result, mothers of babies deemed not to be meeting growth targets might be wrongly discouraged from breastfeeding or encouraged to supplement their baby’s diet with artificial formula.

Jan Payne of Queensland University of Technology says it is unnecessary to give artificial formula for breastfed babies in many cases. “There is a distinct difference in weight gain in the first 24 months between breastfed and bottle-fed babies,” Payne said. Babies who are fully breastfed and growing normally can be mistaken as not thriving if their weight over time is compared to current growth charts. This is because their weight for age tends to fall below that for artificial formula-fed infants after about six months of age.

Well, if it happened, why don’t Australian use breastfeeding based grow charts standards? Authorities could adopt universal standards that developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) which breastfeed based to judge all babies.

The WHO Child Growth Standards are based on a longitudinal international study of the growth of infants in good health who were exclusively or predominantly breastfed for at least four months. It is based on scientific evidence that infants from anywhere in the world have similar growth patterns when their health and nutrition needs are met.

Tags: child growth standards, baby care, Queensland, babies, misdiagnosed babies, breastfeeding, Australian Babies

photo credit: DanielJames

Although it’s common your baby bites during breastfeeding, many mothers wonder how they will be able to continue to nurse after their babies get teeth. Then some questions appear related to the problem.

There are three reasons why your baby bites during breastfeeding. Babies bite because they start teething. They also bite to prevent sliding off the breast by clamp down to nurse. The last reason is, sometimes, they clench their jaws as they fall asleep.

A baby cannot breast-feed and bite at the same time. When he nurses, his tongue comes over his bottom gum line. In order to bite, he has to stop suckling. If a baby is going to bite, it is usually towards the end of a feeding

When you baby is going to bite, you feel the difference in his jaw tension and notice his tongue change position. Gently push his head into your breast — just for a second. When you do this, he will open his mouth and you can safely detach him. Avoid pulling him off your breast directly as this can hurt.

Babies do not realize that they are hurting you when they bite. Here is a good way to teach “nursing manners.”

After you have removed your baby from the breast, talk to him for a moment, face-to-face. Use short, simple, positive phrases like, “Nurse gently,” and then offer to nurse again. He will soon get the message.

An older baby may think that this is a game; you may notice a twinkle in his eye just before he clamps down! However, babies are not allowed to bite their mamas.

If this happens, detach him and talk to him. Put him down for a moment in a safe place and walk away so that he cannot see you, but come right back and pick him up. Tell him that he must be gentle, and offer to nurse again.

Knowing the reason why your baby bites could help you to minimize the problem. If he is teething, offer him other things on which to chew. A favorite teether is one made from a clean washcloth. Ring it out in cold water, pop it into a plastic baggie and freeze. To use, take it out of the baggie and let him play with it. When he puts it into his mouth, the ice crystals on the rough terry cloth will help to soothe his gums.

You also may want to talk to your doctor about using over-the-counter gum preparations or teething tablets.

If your baby clenches his jaws as he falls asleep, gently remove him from your breast. Should he wake up, he may need to nurse a little longer.

If your baby is biting because he is not latched on properly, remove him from your breast and latch him on correctly. Make sure that you are supporting your baby’s weight so that he is lying straight across your body and not pulling your nipple down. A good latch feels comfortable to both of you.

If you would like some help in getting a good latch, call your local La Leche League leader for one-on-one help.

Well, I hope this article could help you against this minor problem. Continue breastfeeding, because it’s the best for your baby!

Tags: babies bite

“INFANT feeding may affect brain” was the somewhat alarming headline this week for what turned out to be a good news story. Researchers at the University College London Institute for Child Health have established that babies fed enriched formula milk consistently outperform other babies in IQ tests, a benefit that seems to continue into the teenage years.

So does this mean that new mums should switch to formula? In short, No ! though you might find this news a bit confusing. After all, weren’t we always told that it was breast milk not formula that made them brainier?

There have been confusing stories for and against formula feeding, and this is but the latest. This new report, part of a long-running study, actually concerns premature babies, who have very specific developmental needs. They used to have food and fluid intake routinely restricted in an effort to keep them clinically stable. But then research established that they really need super-feeding with formulas enriched with protein, vitamins and minerals if they are to thrive. Premature babies have received enriched formula since the 1980s.

There have been other reports that may have erroneously pushed mothers of full-term children towards formula feeding. In 1999, the World Wide Fund for Nature claimed that more than 300 “inherently toxic” chemicals had been found in breast milk. So if super- formula works for premature babies, might it not be even better for full-term babies and protect them from those chemicals, too?

Well, the WWF claim is scaremongering at its worst. Finding chemicals is easy with today’s supersensitive testing, but there is no evidence that the tiny traces found cause harm. As for super-formula, no one has yet tested it in full-term babies, so we don’t know if it holds benefits.

That’s not to say there haven’t been misleading messages about breast-feeding making you brainier, too. Researchers from Michigan claimed as much, but it all crumbled to dust when they looked again at their data, and realised that when you took into account the IQ of the mother, intelligence variation in babies was about genetics. Brighter mums are more likely to breast-feed; and brighter mums are more likely to have bright babies.

But there is still a wealth of research supporting the fact that breast is best: passing on immunity, lowering risk of leukaemia, protecting against Crohn’s disease, reducing obesity risk, even making you more likely to move up a social class in adulthood. It’s best for mum, too: reducing breast cancer risk, and improving baby-mum bonding. So, if you are able and willing to breast-feed, just go for it ! Breastfeeding is still the best !

Tags: Breastfeeding, Formula Superiority misleading, Breastfeeding suport, Breastfeeding superiority

The publication base on Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children studies. They looked at 76 premature babies born in the 1980s who were fed standard formula milk, banked breast milk (donated by other mothers) or an enriched formula with high protein and fat levels.

Studies found that the babies who fed with enriched nutrient formula had significantly higher verbal IQ and larger brain IQ area. The scientists had previously thought that this brain IQ area (called caudate nucleus), might be influenced by nutrition in infancy when the brain had its chief growth spurt.

“The fact that early nutrition may program the development of specific brain structures is of fundamental biological importance,” Dr Isaacs said. “Although studies are beginning to appear that link aspects of current diet to brain function the data presented here are among the first to show that the structure of the human brain can be influenced by early nutrition.”

Well, I don’t believe it totally. For me it’s like “Scientific Speculation” that doesn’t related to breastfeeding. Mother nature couldn’t replace by man-made formula. It’s true that human brain can be influenced by early nutrition. But I think the studies didn’t digs enough for breastfeeding. Another possibilities is that the reporter made mistake when she/he wrote the story.

So, what do you think ? Do you believe that baby formula could beat breastfeeding ? Please share your comment down below.

Have you seen Unicef’s breast crawl Video ? In last August 2007, a group of caregivers and community volunteers in Nandurbar District of India witnessed a demonstration of a newborn performing a breast crawl.

The video demonstrates how a newborn baby, when placed on the mother’s chest, will use a breast crawl to self-initiate breastfeeding within 30-60 minutes. In this particular case, you can watch as it takes the newborn just 10 minutes to locate the nipple and latch on with a perfect latch.

The biggest advantage of this method is that it ensures better mother-infant bonding, an immeasurable long-term benefit for both mother and child. It’s also helps to keep the baby warm. Dr. Prashant Gangal of the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India said, the baby starts getting colostrums [first milk], which have high concentration of antibodies. This offers protection against infections and is important for the baby’s survival.
“Mothers are benefited as well,” Dr. Gangal continued. Breast crawl helps uterine contraction and faster expulsion of the placenta, reduces maternal blood loss and prevents anaemia.

This method contrary to the belief that a newborn is not able to do anything on his or her own. “The baby is alert soon after birth,” says UNICEF Child Development and Nutrition Officer Rajlakshmi Nair. Soon after delivery, breastfeeding can be initiated. Breast crawl is a simple method to achieve this.

Beautifull isn’t it ? So, How about you ? Did your baby do breast crawl when he/she delivered ? Share your experince here !

Myth #1 : “My breasts will sag if I breast-feed”
Not true! Pregnancy does bring about some changes in the breast (Yes, that one is not a myth). But breastfeeding does not play a big role in determining the future shape of your breasts.

Heredity, your body type and excessive weight gain or loss, have a role to play. In fact, breastfeeding helps the uterus to rapidly revert back to its original size, utilizes body reserves as calories for your baby, acts as a natural contraceptive and is scientifically known to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Myth #2 : “I don’t have enough milk”
Perhaps you spend sleepless nights on this one.

Most women produce enough milk for their babies. During the first few days, you will produce ‘colostrum’ in small quantities, rich in vitamins, proteins and infection fighting agents. Until you start making ‘breast milk’ colostrum fulfills all your baby’s needs. Find out if you are getting enough milk.

If you think your baby is not gaining enough weight it is perhaps because he is poorly latched onto the breast. Get some tips to make breastfeeding a breeze.

Myth #3 : “I can’t breastfeed if I have to go back to work”
You can! In fact, breastfeeding gives you that special opportunity for bonding with your baby, when you get back from work. Breast fed babies are known to be healthier than formula fed babies causing their mothers to miss work less often.

Pumping breast milk is another option. Many companies now support nursing breaks and also provide facilities like lactation rooms for mothers to pump milk in privacy.

Learn more ways to tackle this issue in Breast feeding and Getting back to work.

Myth #4 : Modern formula is as good as breast milk.
Nothing can beat the original. Human milk contains live cells, antibodies that avert infections, enzymes, hormones and many other vital ingredients that cannot be cooked up by any formula company.

Unlike formula, breast milk is made especially to suit your baby’s needs any time. It is always fresh and comes safely packaged too.

Myth #5 : I should stop breastfeeding if my baby has diarrhea or vomiting
Breastfeeding is the best treatment for any intestinal infection. Usually no other fluids are required for a baby with diarrhea, if he breast feeds adequately. Make sure you know how to tell the difference between various types of infant poop.

Myth #6 : A breastfeeding baby needs extra water in hot weather.
Breast milk contains all the water a baby needs, in any weather. Make sure you get enough fluids though. Never allow yourself to get to the point of feeling thirsty. Hydration is crucial to producing sufficient breast milk.

Myth #7 : Frequent breastfeeding initiates obesity in children
On the contrary, over enthusiastic formula feeding and early weaning off breast milk are more likely to promote obesity in later life. Breast fed babies learn to regulate their own feeding pattern and consume only what they need.

Tags: breastfeeding question, induce lactation, lactation, inducing lactation, breastfeeding myths, inducing lactation in any woman

The answer is to pay attention to your baby. Your baby will let you know which foods to avoid when nursing and which are fine. If certain foods that you eat seem to send your child into fits a few hours later, you may want to avoid it for a while.

Nursing mothers normally eat a variety of foods while breastfeeding. These foods will result in different flavors that change the taste of your baby’s breast milk. Most children actually enjoy the variety.

However, if your baby is particularly resistant to nursing one day, try to remember what you may have eaten. If she reacts the same way every time you eat that particular food, it could be one of the foods to avoid when breastfeeding.

Most children will let you eat what you want while nursing. There are, however, some common foods that many nursing moms try to avoid. They are:

• spices such as garlic, chili, cinnamon, and pepper
• chocolate
• vegetables such as cabbage, onion, garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, and cucumber
• fruits such as prunes, cherries, orange, lemon, strawberry, grapefruit, pineapple, and kiwi.

Just don’t avoid all those really good foods for no reason. Learn what your baby can tolerate and what he or she can’t. Through this trial and error, most mothers find that there are very few foods that they really have to avoid while breastfeeding.

Tags: Breastfeeding, Foods for Breastfeeding, baby, Food, common foods for baby, nursing baby

One goal of Healthy People 2010 is to see that percentage increase to 75 percent by 2010.

“There are three components of a successful breastfeeding experience for all moms,” said Irene Zoppi, clinical education specialist at Medela, maker of the No. 1 choice of breastpumps for hospitals and health care professionals. “Moms need support from family and friends, a trustworthy lactation consultant, and a high-quality breastpump to make sure that they get off to a good start.”

Seeking breastfeeding information can help a mother prepare for the arrival of her infant. Breastfeeding information is easy to obtain. The internet, library, local bookstore and nearest playground can all provide a wealth of breastfeeding information.

Pregnancy and lactation are covered in most childbirth preparation classes. Knowing what is normal during pregnancy and lactation can help a mother recognize potential problems and seek the appropriate care should a abnormality arise. Learning about the basics of pregnancy and lactation can help a couple feel more prepared for the arrival of their baby.

According to Zoppi, whether a mom chooses to work or stay home, she should be aware of the significant benefits of breastfeeding for her health as well as that of her infant. “With an established breastfeeding regimen, the health rewards are numerous and the bond created between mom and baby is like no other.”

Information about the benefits of breastfeeding for the nursing mother can greatly influence a woman’s decision about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers experience fewer complications after the delivery since the hormones released by the suckling of an infant helps a mother’s uterus to contract. Breastfeeding mothers also burn more calories during lactation. They also require a higher caloric intake while nursing. Breastfeeding can help a mother shed those last few stubborn pounds following the delivery of the baby.

The benefits of breastfeeding are evident in an infant as well. Breast fed infants are reported to have higher IQ’s, have fewer digestion problems and have an intense bond with their mothers. Breast fed infants nurse more frequently than bottle fed babies since breast milk is digested more quickly. Breast fed infants with acid reflux or colic may also experience fewer symptoms while breastfeeding than when nursing a bottle.

Baby websites can be a fun way to research breastfeeding information. Many of your favourite parenting and baby magazines also offer baby websites with discussion forums, chat rooms and message boards in addition to a wealth of breastfeeding information. Baby websites can also be a great way to meet other expectant parents who are considering breastfeeding.

A lactation consultant can also answer your breastfeeding questions and can even visit your home following the delivery of your baby to help you get started should you choose to breastfeed your baby. A lactation consultant is a breastfeeding specialist and is often associated with the local La Leche League in your community. The La Leche League is a group of breastfeeding advocates who offer support and breastfeeding information for mothers. Contact your local La Leche chapter to get in touch with a lactation consultant in your area.

With the availability of breastfeeding information today, every parent has the opportunity to make an informed decision about breastfeeding. A few keystrokes, a phone call or even a trip to the local library can put a huge amount of breastfeeding information at your fingertips. Support groups, consultants and educators are available to answer questions and temper the fears of new parents. Help is available for those seeking breastfeeding information.

World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), a global network of individuals and organizations in 120 nations, designates a World Breastfeeding Week every August to remind people of the health benefits that early and exclusive breastfeeding provides for both moms and their babies.

For the first few days following your delivery your body produces colostrum to nourish your baby. A mother’s milk supply does not begin until two to three days later. Some women are uncomfortable with this small amount of nourishment, and may choose to supplement with formula feedings for a few days until their milk supply is established. Occasionally, a woman’s milk supply is very weak and is not able to sustain the infant, leaving the mother no choice but to bottle feed her baby.

For other women, the idea of sore nipples and public breast feeding is enough to deter them from breastfeeding their baby. Bruised and sore nipples and the stares of strangers as you breastfeed in public are a few of the major drawbacks of breastfeeding. Some women choose to endure sore nipples and shy away from public breastfeeding, choosing instead to feed their baby in restrooms and back seats while out in public because they believe the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the pain, inconvenience and potential humiliation.

There are many books, articles and videos available about breastfeeding to help you prepare to make your decision. A lactation specialist, your obstetrical nurse or nurse practitioner will be happy to answer any questions you have about breastfeeding. Choosing to breastfeed your baby can be a rewarding and healthy experience for both you and your baby, but knowing what to expect and weighing the benefits against the inconveniences will help you decide if breastfeeding your baby is the right choice for you.
Learning about breastfeeding before deciding if the drawbacks are worth the benefits is recommended by healthcare professionals. Doing some research about breastfeeding and talking to other mothers is a great way to get inside information and to have your personal questions answered. Give breastfeeding a try. If you find that it’s not for you, switching to formula feedings is always a viable option.

Read others article about breastfeeding : Breastfeeding Support For The New Mother, Is Breastfeeding For You ?

Breastfeeding is natural, it is by far the most nutritional but breastfeeding is also a choice that only a mother can make. There can be many reasons for not choosing to breastfeed you baby, they can range from physically or medically unable to breastfeed to more personal reasons for choosing to not breastfeed. More and more employers are accepting the fact that newly returning to work mothers are needing to take a few minutes to pump milk while at work to save for later use, some even allowing a mother to breastfeed at work when needed. Employers are working with both mothers and fathers so they can schedule their parenting duties around their work schedules. Is Breastfeeding For You? Make sure to check all of your options before you make the decision not to breastfeed.

Premature babies that are breastfeed in particular are finding it more beneficial for their development and overall health. In addition breastfeed babies that are critically ill have the best chance for survival and a healthier life. Breastfeeding is found to protect children against asthma, diabetes, allergies and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Breastfeeding affects every part of a growing babies body from brain development to body growth. Since babies seem to grow in kind of spurts around two weeks of age and six weeks of age and then again around three months of age and six months of age the proper and most beneficial nutrients are crucial for the baby.

For mothers that choose to breastfeed there are positives also, breastfeeding helps quicken the uterus to its normal size. Mothers that breastfeed for 6 months throughout their lifetime have a decreased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer. It is not true however that breastfeeding will prevent pregnancy. It is best to take other measures to ensure against pregnancy during breastfeeding and while not taking the pill.

Breastfeeding will be or is one of the most important decisions you will make for your baby. It is a very personal selfless act that is made by mother for her child. It is a bonding experience like none other and it is complete nurturing love. So… Is Breastfeeding For You? Breastfeeding is a choice; the first of many you will have to make for your child, if you can I hope you choose to breastfeed. Whatever you decide enjoy every moment, they go by far to quickly.

Tags: benefits of breastfeeding, breastfeeding, mother’s milk, nutritional for baby

Many first time mothers develop sore nipples. This can be an especially difficult time for both baby and mother. Sore nipples can make every breastfeeding session excruciatingly painful for the mother. The resulting stress and anxiety can be sensed by the infant and can cause an infant to be fussy during feedings. Sore nipples can also be a health concern for the mother if the skin is not treated appropriately. Women who experience sore nipples should consult a lactation specialist or experienced breastfeeding mother for suggestions on topical lotions and home remedies to treat sore nipples before the skin becomes cracked and opens the mother up to infection.

Some mothers experience a slowing of their milk supply. Inadequate milk can make breastfeeding difficult and many women are tempted to give up breastfeeding when this occurs. Seeking the advice of a breastfeeding specialist can help mothers continue to breastfeed while supplementing with formula until their milk supply is restored. A slow milk supply does not have to mean an end to breastfeeding.

Lactation consultants are available through local La Leche Leagues as well as most hospitals. Many obstetricians will employ or recommend a few local lactation consultants for mothers who are new to breastfeeding or those who are experiencing problems during feedings. Lactation consultants are specially trained medical personnel who are passionate about breastfeeding. It is important to be honest about your lactation problems and questions in order for the lactation specialist to assist you and your baby properly.

Learning about breastfeeding can seem like an overwhelming task. Seeking breastfeeding support can greatly reduce stress and allow for a more pleasant breastfeeding experience for you and your baby. The more you know about breastfeeding the better. Joining a breastfeeding support group, online discussion forum or chat group can help you stay connected to others who share your enthusiasm for breastfeeding. Once you have learned the facts about breastfeeding you may find yourself offering breastfeeding support to other mothers struggling with breastfeeding difficulties. Helping others is a wonderful way to contribute to your community and providing breastfeeding support and advice for new mothers can help promote breastfeeding advocacy in your community.

Baby formula is a nutritionally balanced substitute for a mother’s breast milk. Most baby formula is made with a combination of ingredients, primarily either soy or cow’s milk. It is manufactured under dozens of name brands and sold in powder, liquid, and concentrate forms. Besides breast milk, baby formula is the only recommended infant milk recommended by medical experts - and that recommendation come with severe qualifications.

In recent times, as medical research has shown the benefits of breastfeeding, the use of baby formula has declined dramatically in many nations. Nevertheless, doctors will still recommend baby formula over breastfeeding in some special rare cases.

The earliest baby formulas were homemade and meant to provide a means for mothers to feed their children without breastfeeding or use of a wet nurse. These early formulas were usually made from animal milk or what was available to their economic means. As food manufacturing and technology advanced, commercially produced baby formula became a staple of baby nutrition.

By the 1920s evaporated milk formula was readily available through much of the United States, and breastfeeding diminished as mothers increased formula use. In the 1950s, agressive marketing of Similac and Enfamil provoked a shift away from evaporated milk formula to formulas that chemically approximated real mother’s breast milk. These campaigns were so successful that by the 1970s more than 75% of American babies were fed on baby formulas.

The success was short-lived. With increased women’s liberation and a publicly fostered return to breastfeeding, the use of commercial baby formula quickly diminished. At the same time, medical research began to show breastfeeding offered vastly superior health benefits to babies over commercially produced formula, including the prevention of ear infections, asthma, and many other disorders.

Baby Formula Ingredients
All baby formula manufacturers are required by law to meet nutritional guidelines supplied by the Food and Drug Administration. These guidelines are taken from recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ committee on nutrition.

Baby formula must contain protein, niacin, folic acid, vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B6 and B12. There should also be minimum percentages of calcium, iodine, and iron.

The recipes for baby formula vary according to each manufacturer, with each one advertising they have the most healthy ingredients or the most recommended by pediatricians. The choice of baby formula for each child is then left to the parent or family doctor. Overall, however, any store bought baby formula brand will at least satisfy your baby’s most basic nutritional requirements.

Baby Formula & Breastfeeding
Pediatricians warn against the use of baby formula as even a supplement to breast milk, for fear the mother’s lactation will slow due to decreased demand. Recent studies attempting to bolster baby formula’s public image have also been of mixed success, with little conclusive results.