Articles

This is a Guilt Free Zone

by Barbara Dehn RN MS NP
Author of Your Personal Guide to Breastfeeding

 

The Last Thing Any Woman Needs

Not every woman is able to breastfeed her baby exclusively for the 6 -12 months that is recommended. There are many reasons why she may decide that it's best to use infant formula for some or all of her baby's feedings. Whatever her reason, the last thing she needs is guilt.

There can be many factors that figure into this decision. Some reasons include: returning to work, having a premature baby who is unable to latch on, decreased milk supply, difficulty with mastitis, and multiple visits to lactation consultants without improvement to name just a few.

 

Every Mother and Baby is Unique

Every mom has the same goal - a happy, well-fed baby, yet there are many paths that can lead to the same destination. The key is to find what works best for you and your unique situation. Loving and nurturing your child as they grow and growing into your role as a mother is a your own personal journey.

Being a mom is about ALL the aspects of loving and nurturing a child, from kissing little toes, and rocking together to changing diapers and keeping your little one warm and safe. Feeding your child is only one of many things you do for them every day. There is not just one perfect way to feed a baby that works for all moms and babies at all times. The plain truth is that there are countless variations that work for countless mother/baby pairs.

 

You Are the Expert for Your Baby

Many times, well meaning family and friends can be another added stress. Many of my patients have told me that they feel as if they have to "defend" their situation and their need to use infant formula to feed their baby. This is a highly personal decision and one that's best made with your pediatrician.

 

The Safety of Infant Formulas

Making Formula as close to Breast Milk as possible

New discoveries about the properties and nutrients in human breast milk are helping researchers understand how to improve infant formulas to be the best alternative to breast milk.

Some infant formulas contain the additives such as the omega -3 fatty acids, DHA and ARA, which are found in fish, eggs and in human breast milk. Though some studies suggest that these are important for the baby’s brain and eye development, others have not shown a benefit.

Though the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all formula-fed babies be on an iron-fortified formula, not all infant formulas contain iron. It’s best to check with your pediatrician to see what is recommended for your baby.

 

What is Infant Formula made of?

All infant formulas have a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats that have been processed to be easily digested and to help babies grow and develop. The proteins in infant formulas are from one of 3 sources: Cow’s milk, Soy-based protein and protein hydrolysate (the proteins are broken down and easier to digest for babies who are allergic to cow’s milk formula).  

Infant formulas based on goat’s milk are not recommended as they have been shown to be deficient in some vitamins and nutrients and have the same likelihood of allergy as cow’s milk.

In the first year of life, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that when not breastfeeding, babies use infant formulas and not milk from the carton, pasteurized or evaporated milk, or soy milk as a substitute. They do not have the necessary vitamins and nutrients that are necessary for babies to grow and develop normally.

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