Friday, July 10, 2009
Breastfeeding Tips: From Preemies to Worries about Baby Starving before Milk Comes In
http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/how-to-breastfeed-a-premature-baby-5216.html
"Breast milk is doubly important for your pre-mature baby, as he/she will be very susceptible to infections and it will provide antibodies, white blood cells and strong immunity to him/her, to resist infections. In addition, a regular supply of breast milk helps strengthen neurological growth. So, pump as often you can. You can even rent an electric pump, which will help you build your milk supply."
The confusion about milk production and the need to supplement formula prior to a mother's milk coming in upsets me greatly. I hear so many mothers that tried to breastfeed but turned to formula because they were convinced that they "just didn't make enough milk." It saddens me, and one of my main personal goals as a lactivist is to get the knowledge and support system out there about this myth in particular: The truth is, your baby will not starve before your milk comes in (~4 days after birth) and you do not need to supplement with formula. Every other mammal takes a few days for their milk to come in, it is a perfect design (regardless if you believe in creation or evolution). Here are some links that I found regarding this issue:
http://www.kellymom.com/newman/11some_bf_myths.html
I absolutely love kellymom.com... it is the online breastfeeding Bible!
https://www.wombtobloom.com/pregnancy-baby-worries/255-wheres-my-milk-will-i-even-be-able-to-breastfeed.html
The only other informative link I've found so far. Mostly, you come across forums and blogs about women who had difficulties breastfeeding. Most of their sad stories are proceeded by tales of birth difficulties, particularly c-sections typically caused as a result of inductions that led to complications (fetal distress, often caused by doctors on purpose by maxing the pitocin). Some stories come from mothers that chose to have medicated births and then are astonished when their drugged babies don't latch or nurse and I get so angry at the medical profession for their contribution to
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080327172054AAs8gSP
Usually, I think Yahoo answers is a joke, but the majority of women on this thread are experienced breastfeeding mothers with useful insight and worth a read-through.
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=916595
Mothering.com is one of the best parenting resources I have found online.
http://www.opposingviews.com/questions/will-formula-feeding-harm-my-baby
So you don't think I'm completely closed-minded, this one has links to both sides of the breastmilk-formula argument. Mainly, LLL's concern is that early formula supplementation is detrimental to establishing milk production.
Powdered formula leading to brain damage and death in premies in America
I couldn't not post this once I had seen it.
I wish I could get a transcript, but basically, hospitals across the country are feeding powdered infant formula to premature babies, despite labels stating not to do so. Powdered infant formula is not sterile and can carry bacteria that leads to brain damage and death in preemies. There have been cases documented across America. Hospitals completely disregard the warnings on the labels.
When I googled it, I came up with these interesting results which I would like to share with you:
http://mamamojo.wordpress.com/tag/breastfeeding/
Now this blog I imagine addresses this issue, as it did come up in the search, but you'll have to look for it. Otherwise, a great site that when I have the time I will be browsing through.
http://babycafejapan.blogspot.com/2008/11/formula-for-tragedy.html
Powdered Baby Formula Could Be Dangerous For Some Infants by Dave Savini
CHICAGO (CBS) ― A warning for parents: Milk-based powdered formula could put premature babies at risk.
And it is a possible cause for the death of an infant born at Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora and other babies across the country.
Connor McGray and his twin brother, Logan, were born prematurely on Nov. 16, 2007, at Rush-Copley.
Connor appeared to be the healthier of the two — until a week later when their parents, Amanda Carlin and Tim McGray of Somonauk, received a call from a doctor at the hospital, saying the infant was lethargic and refusing to eat.
Doctors discovered Connor had meningitis, McGray said, and "they basically told us, all we could do (was) pray."
The baby died at home on May 3, 2008, five months after he was born.
The cause of death listed on the baby's death certificate is hydrocephalus and bacterial meningitis. The bacterial infection, according to a memo from the Illinois Department of Public Health, "may be associated with the consumption of a powdered breast milk fortifier."
Diluted formula almost kills baby
Dec. 3: A baby nearly dies after his mother watered down formula to save money; NBC News chief medical editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman weighs in on the dangers of diluting infants’ milk powder.
Dec 03, 2008 - Flash - source
Milk powder poisons 432 babies
Sep 13 - China says it believes 432 babies across the country have been made ill with kidney stones after drinking milk powder contaminated with melamine.
Sep 13, 2008 - Flash - watch here -
source
Moms warned against diluting baby formula
Dec. 2: Health officials are warning cash-strapped parents not to try to save money by watering down powdered baby formula after a five-month old Tampa boy almost died from malnourishment and water in... more
Dec. 2: Health officials are warning cash-strapped parents not to try to save money by watering down powdered baby formula after a five-month old Tampa boy almost died from malnourishment and water intoxication. NBC's Brian Williams reports. less
Dec 03, 2008 - Flash - source
Baby milk recall spreads fear in China
Sept. 17: The Chinese government has recalled 22 brands of milk powder after it was found that they are tainted with a banned chemical that has led to over 6000 babies falling sick. The same chemical ... more
Sept. 17: The Chinese government has recalled 22 brands of milk powder after it was found that they are tainted with a banned chemical that has led to over 6000 babies falling sick. The same chemical caused the death of cats and dogs in the US last year when it was found in China-made pet food less
Sep 18, 2008 - Flash - source
And finally this link: