It's not something anyone hopes or plans for - to go into preterm labor and deliver prematurely. But it happens often. In fact, 1 in 8 babies is born prematurely in the United States! (The contributing factors for this are beyond the scope of this particular post, though.) Often, babies born early may face unique challenges that require medical supervision. So, is it safe to assume that breast milk for premature babies will be enough to grow and develop their minds and bodies during the weeks they were missing from the womb? Absolutely! Breast Milk for Premature Babies - Facts and Fiction Delivering prematurely can be fraught with … [Read more...]
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Disclaimer: The information in this post is for educational purposes only. I am not a doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. None of the opinions are meant to diagnose or treat any disease or illness. You should always consult your healthcare provider.
How Bottles Lead to Overfeeding Infant Formula and Breast Milk
Oh, those early days and weeks of motherhood are rough, aren't they? We are filled with worry as we are suddenly in charge of the life of another human being while being sleep deprived beyond belief. Whew! We've done a lot of research prior to giving birth and now we just want to do the best we can with what works for our families. One thing that is often overlooked in all the pre-baby research, and often not even touched on by doctors, is how bottles lead to overfeeding infant formula and breast milk. You'll often hear mamas bragging in forums about how their babies are eating like champs and how they had to increase their bottle amounts. … [Read more...]
Antibodies in Breast Milk: Baby’s First Line of Defense
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Breast milk is pretty amazing. In addition to providing all the nutrients your baby needs for its first year of life (and longer!), there are also antibodies in breast milk that give your baby the defense it needs to fight sickness in the early years of baby's life. What Are Antibodies in Breast Milk? Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are special proteins used by your immune system to ward off the bad guys, such as bacteria and viruses. They come in five different classes, and although all five have shown up in breast milk, one in particular is the most prominent: secretory IgA (aka, sIgA, or Immunoglobulin A). These antibodies … [Read more...]
Goat Milk Baby Formula {Recipe}
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So you've begun breastfeeding and for some reason or another you need to supplement with a baby formula. Which to choose? The number of formulas out there are overwhelming! All of them state that they are "close to breast milk" but if you read the back of the can, you are still confused. Does breast milk have corn syrup solids? And what if baby cannot tolerate the formula? Enter goat milk baby formula! Why Choose Goat Milk Baby Formula Perhaps in talking to your grandmother, she mentioned that she, too, used a goat's milk formula. It's said to be as close to breast milk as you can get, and it's easy for babies to tolerate if they cannot … [Read more...]
Can I Improve Breast Milk for My Newborn?
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Breast milk, all on its own, is a pretty perfect food for your baby. I mean, it changes as your child grows to meet their individual needs, produces antibodies to any illness that you have been exposed to - offering an amazing immune boost and protection for your baby, and even adjusts in supply according to how much your baby is eating. Pretty incredible, right? Can you improve breast milk for your newborn, though? When it comes right down to it, your body really puts your baby's nutritional needs first, even above your own. This helps ensure that he or she has absolutely everything they need to grow and thrive, which leaves very little … [Read more...]
Homemade Infant Formula: Weston A. Price Foundation Recipe
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When I had a breast reduction at the age of eighteen, breastfeeding wasn’t even a thought in my mind. All I wanted was relief from discomfort and negative attention. I didn’t even think about the repercussions until I was pregnant with my first born. And I certainly wasn't aware of this homemade infant formula! Although I had every intention of nursing, I tried not to get my hopes up. Unfortunately, I didn't get much assistance from the nurses or lactation consultants after my son was born. In fact, they had me give him formula in the hospital! Our nursing experience was short and painful. At the two week mark, my son was losing … [Read more...]
Breast Milk Colostrum: A Baby’s First Defense
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A woman's body begins to produce a version of breast milk, colostrum, during late pregnancy which prepares her breasts for milk production. Colostrum is a baby's first defense against infection and helps keep his or her immune system strong and healthy. Although it is produced is small amounts, the benefits are beyond comparison. Why is Colostrum Special? Colostrum is a sticky, yellow fluid that is very high in nutrients and is the perfect superfood for babies. It is made in just the right amount to fill a newborn's marble-sized stomach. It also helps with a newborn baby's first bowel movement. It acts as a natural laxative and clears … [Read more...]
Why Breast is Best: The Superior Components of Breast Milk
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We believe breastfeeding is best for both you and your baby. Maybe you already believe that it really is best. Maybe you think formula is so advanced that it really doesn’t make much difference. But if you look at the components of breast milk, it's easy to see why this is really the perfect food for your baby. Before digging in, I want to acknowledge: at times, some babies must have alternatives to breast milk. All of the authors here hope to explore some of those options here. We desire to encourage, inform, empower, and inspire you so you can make the best decisions for you and your baby. The Components of Breast Milk are … [Read more...]
