Breastfeeding

(NaturalNews) For years, baby formula manufacturers have been fortifying and reformulating their blends in an effort to poise their products as equal or superior to natural breast milk. Beginning in 2002, many producers began supplementing their mixtures with synthetic forms of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), the long-chain fatty acids naturally present in breast milk. Evidence is now showing that the synthetic versions are detrimental to the health of children, despite their continued usage in almost every available brand of infant formula. The idea behind fortifying infant formula with DHA/ARA was substantiated based upon the fact that a mother's breast milk naturally ... Read Full Story

Even though this is a manual pump and not an electrical one, it has been my favorite breast pump thus far. I use it for times when I’ll be away from baby for a night or during out of town trips away from baby where I’ll need to relieve the pressure and keep up my milk supply until I return. This pump costs around $25 and comes quite in handy for those who need a pump just some of the time rather than on a consistent basis. I like how portable this pump is. There are three parts that must be assembled for each ... Read Full Story

By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist Research has previously shown breastfed babies have higher cognitive skills than formula fed babies, and a recent study finds further evidence for this notion. Several studies have confirmed the superior cognitive skills of breastfed babies, but the reasons why were speculative – until now that is. The enhanced brain function may be due the abundance of an essential fatty acid called DHA or docosahexaenoic acid naturally found in breast milk. DHA has been known to aid in cognition and more and more infant formula companies have begun to add supplemental DHA to their formulas. The study, ... Read Full Story

By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist It has been said many times that breast is best when it comes to infant feeding and current research continues to support this adage. Despite this knowledge, many women do not breastfeed either for a variety of reasons. One reason, as studies have shown, is that most hospitals do not provide adequate support for mothers who wish to breastfeed. A recent study found that certain post partum medications may also hinder a woman’s ability to nurse. The Swansea University study suggests that drugs commonly used to treat post delivery bleeding may slow milk production. The study ... Read Full Story

Best way to avoid leakage These bottles do indeed leak, unless you can figure out the 'trick'... It really ought to be documented from the manufacturer. This is what I do: Fill up the bottle with formula (or milk), make sure the edge of the bottle is clean. Now wet the nipple (the inside rubber part) thoroughly (this is the 'trick'). When you screw on the nipple, go slowly, make sure it's straight on, and don't over tighten. With the wet nipple, you can sort of feel (and hear) when it gets a good seal, it's sort of a "suction" noise. I hope this ... Read Full Story