A new study from The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry finds that mothers who feed their babies breast milk exclusively, as opposed to formula, are more likely to bond emotionally with their child during the first few months after delivery. The breastfeeding mothers surveyed for the study showed greater responses to their infant’s cry in brain regions related to caregiving behavior and empathy than mothers who relied upon formula as the baby’s main food source. This is the first paper to examine the underlying neurobiological mechanisms as a function of breastfeeding, and to connect brain activity with maternal behaviors among human mothers.

The fMRI-based findings suggest that breastfeeding and factors associated with breastfeeding, such has high levels of hormones (oxytocin, prolactin), stress, and culture may all play an important role for mothers’ brain activity and parenting behaviours during the early postpartum period. The research shows that up to three or four months after delivery some of the brain regions originally observed at one month postpartum (amygdala, putamen, globus pallidus, and superior frontal gyrus) continued to activate and were correlated with maternal, sensitive behavior among the same group of mothers.

The findings highlight the dramatic relationship between breastfeeding, brain activity and parenting behaviours during the early postpartum period. Lead researcher Dr. Pilyoung Kim, “It is important for loved ones to support mothers and help them cope with challenges related to breastfeeding and parenting during this period. Mothers unable to breastfeed may benefit from extra encouragement to engage in sensitive, caring interactions with baby.”

Article: “Breastfeeding, Brain Activation to Own Infant Cry, and Maternal Sensitivity.”; Pilyoung Kim, et. al. The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry; Published Online: April 18, 2011 (DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2011.

photo credit: Roebot

All Infant Formula Contains Fluoride at Tooth-Discoloring Levels

New York – October 21, 2009 – All infant formulas, whether ready-to-feed, concentrated or organic, contain fluoride at levels which can discolor developing teeth, reports the October 2009 Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) (1).

Fluoride, added to some bottled and public water supplies ostensibly to prevent cavities, is also in many foods and beverages, including infant formula. Excessive fluoride discolors and/or weakens permanent teeth (moderate fluorosis).

Researchers measured fluoride content of 49 infant formulas. See:

http://www.freewebs.com/fluoridation/infantformulafluoride.htm

The research team concludes, “Most infants from birth to age 12
months who consume predominantly powdered and liquid concentrate formula are likely to exceed the upper tolerable limit [of fluoride] if the formula is reconstituted with optimally fluoridated water (0.7 – 1.2 ppm).”

Surprisingly, the study reveals that all 6-month-olds and younger will also exceed the lower “adequate intake” (0.01 mg/day) from all formulas concentrated or not) risking moderate dental fluorosis from formula, alone. (2)

Breast milk contains about 250 times less fluoride than “optimally”uoridated water and isn’t linked to fluorosis.

“Babies don’t need fluoride and fluoride ingestion doesn’t reduce tooth decay,” says attorney Paul Beeber, President, New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Inc. “So why are US babies still exposed to unnecessary fluoride chemicals via the water and food supplies and why aren’t parents informed of the consequences?” asks Beeber.

Up to 48% of school children have fluorosed teeth – 4% severe, reports the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (3).

Both the CDC and the American Dental Association’s web sites advise parents to avoid mixing fluoridated water into concentrated infant formula, but they have never effectively broadcast this information to parents or the media (4,5).

A review of human studies by different researchers published in JADA (July 2009) concluded, “Our systematic review indicated that the consumption of infant formula [concentrated and ready-to-feed] is, on average, associated with an increased risk of developing at least some detectable level of enamel fluorosis.” (6)

“Parents, protect your children since dental and government agencies won’t. Petition local and state legislators to stop adding unnecessary and harmful fluoride chemicals into public water supplies and, thereby, into our food supply,” says Beeber. “Further, demand that the fluoride content of all food products be required on labels.”

Researchers agree that infant formula levels should be lowered.

“One interpretation of the available evidence would be that public health officials should create guidelines for infant formula consumption ensuring that the upper intake level established by the Institute of Medicine… is not
exceeded. Another approach would be to strive for ‘biological normality’ and to strive for fluoride levels observed in breast milk,” write Hujoel et al. in “Infant Formula and Enamel Fluorosis: A Systematic Review. (6)

A recent investigation by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that over-exposure to fluoride among infants is a widespread problem in most major American cities. EWG’s study found that, on any given day, up to 60% of formula-fed babies in US cities were exceeding the Institute of Medicine’s “upper tolerable” limit for fluoride. (6a)

In 2004, fluoride researcher Dr. Teresa A. Marshall told Reuters Health, “Very young infants are unlikely to benefit from the caries-prevention effects of fluoride…They may be at increased risk of dental fluorosis.” (7) Marshall co-authored “Associations between Intakes of Fluoride from Beverages during Infancy and Dental Fluorosis of Primary Teeth,” in the Journal of American Clinical Nutrition. (b)

In 2000, researcher A K Mascarenhas evaluating only well-conducted studies from the 1980s through the 1990s concluded in Pediatric Dentistry that infant formula was a major risk factor for dental fluorosis. (8)

As part of the on-going Iowa Fluoride Study, Levy and his team measured the fluoride content of infant formula and found from 0.15 to 0.30 ppm in ready-to-feed infant formula. (9)

Common household water filters (e.g. carbon filters) do not remove fluoride and unlike chlorine, which dissipates upon boiling, fluoride becomes more concentrated when water is boiled.

USDA: Fluoride-content of common foods: http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=6312

Pictures of fluorosis

http://www.fluoridealert.org/health/teeth/fluorosis/moderate-severe.html

Contact: Paul Beeber, Esq 516-433-8882 nyscof@aol.com

SOURCE: New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Inc.

http://www.orgsites.com/ny/nyscof

http://www.FluorideAction.Net

References:

1) “Assessing a potential risk factor for enamel fluorosis: a
preliminary evaluation of fluoride content in infant formulas,”
Journal of the American Dental Association October 2009

2) http://fluoridation.webs.com/intakefromformula.htm

3) http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/figures/s403a1t23.gif

4) http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/safety/infant_formula.htm

5) http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/adanews/adanewsarticle.asp?art…

6) “Infant Formula and Enamel Fluorosis: A Systematic Review,”
Journal of the American Dental Association by Hujoel, et al, July 2009

6a) “National Academy Calls for Lowering Fluoride Limits in Tap
Water,” EWG News Release, March 2006 http://www.ewg.org/node/21000

7) “Too Much Fluoride May Harm Babies’ Teeth,” Reuters Health, May 5,
2004

http://www.fluoridealert.org/media/2004c.html
Pediatric Dentistry. July-August 2000. “Risk factors for dental
fluorosis: a review of the recent literature,” by Mascarenhas AK

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10969430?dopt=Abstract

9) Dental Clinics of North America 47(2003), “Current and future role
of fluoride in nutrition,” by Warren & Levy, 225-243

More evidence that infant formula is linked to dental fluorosis:

http://tinyurl.com/AllFormulaContainsFluoride

More: Carrie’s Interview with Bill Osmunson DDS, MPH, and Fluoride Action Network Spokesperson on the risks of fluoride.

Review: Traditional Medicinal’s Organic Mother’s Milk

I received a box of Traditional Medicinal’s Organic Mother’s Milk when I first started to breastfeed and found that I truly enjoyed it right from the start. I prefer this over Yogi’s Nursing Mother’s tea as this one tastes lighter and smoother. Mother’s Milk is a caffeine-free, all organic blend of herbs and spices designed to promote lactation in breastfeeding mothers.

Traditional Medicinals Mother’s Milk, 16-Count Boxes

Anise is a spice that I have never enjoyed. The fact that Mother’s Milk seems to use less of it than Yogi’s nursing tea is a plus for me. What I taste when I drink Mother’s Milk is a sort of sweet, yet a little spicy blend of herbs. It tastes best with a touch of honey. It also contains the herbs of fennel, fenugreek seed and coriander, which are a nice combination for a healthy milk supply. The blend of spices smells delicious too.

The way I prefer to drink this tea is cold. I brew a pot of this overnight, chill and drink cold throughout the day. Since there is a tiny hint of spearmint in it, it can be refreshing. This way I am getting in several cups on a daily basis. During the winter months, a warm cup can be soothing for the body.

My milk production has been steady and plentiful throughout the years, perhaps due to drinking this tea. This is also one of my favorite gifts to give a pregnant mother who has planned to breastfeed or still deciding to do so. Having a low milk supply is worrisome for many women and having this tea helps reduce that worry. A box of 16 bags costs around $5.

See also: Yogi Women’s Nursing Support Tea review

You’ve seen the commercials where moms are lovingly feeding their babies with a bottle and the newest formula. However, before the commercial ends you hear the announcer make the statement that “Breast milk is best” but they claim their product is just as good. You may wonder about the benefits of breast milk and whether it really is best for your baby.

Recently there have been concerns about some formulas having been contaminated. Babies have actually died in other countries from these. Some of it even ended up on the store shelves in the United States. This is unacceptable and one benefit of breast milk is that you don’t have to worry about it being contaminated by melamine.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that breast milk can’t be contaminated, because what you consume goes directly into your breast milk. If you don’t wash fruits and vegetables before eating them, the chemicals on the produce could pass through the breast milk to your baby. For this reason, many physicians and lactation consultants recommend eating organic foods while you are breastfeeding.

Actually, choosing to breastfeed your newborn is one of the most important decisions you can make for your baby’s well-being. Not only is breast milk better for the baby than formula, there are also benefits for the mom. Let’s look at the benefits of breast milk for newborns and infants.

Breastfed babies have been consistently shown to:

* Require fewer hospitalizations
* Develop fewer respiratory, urinary tract, and ear infections among others
* Be less likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
* Suffer from fewer bouts of allergies and asthma as they age
* Have higher I.Q. scores
* Be less likely to develop obesity and cancer in later years

Breastfeeding benefits you as well, by showing:

* Less bleeding after childbirth
* Suppression of the menstrual cycle so you lose less blood during the first few months of your child’s life
* Lower chances of developing ovarian and breast cancers

There are other, more immediate and practical benefits of breast milk, as well.  Did you know that breastfeeding is considerably cheaper than buying formula? Well, think about it, your body produces what your baby needs so there’s no rushing to the store in the middle of the night because you’ve run out of formula. Breast milk is free whereas formula is expensive, even with the coupons the manufacturers send you.

In addition, breast milk doesn’t have to be heated before being given to your baby; it comes readily available at the perfect temperature. You don’t have to worry about breast milk spoiling if it’s in the diaper bag too long, you don’t have to buy bottles (unless you pump and choose to), and your baby loves it. What better benefits could there be to choosing breast milk over formula?

Breastfeeding have saved me quite a bit of money which I would have needed to invest in purchasing bottles, detergents and sterlising equipment . Both my kids were on TBF and were latched on. I really enjoyed breastfeeding them as it does help me bond closer with them.

With the recent scare of Melamine in milk in 2008 I am even more determined that my decision to breastfeed is definitely beneficial for my child. I intend to breastfeed all my kids to give them a headstart in life.

Dominique Goh, elementary school educator, mom of two boys, freelance writer and cake decorator. Catch her writings at Dominique’s Desk

Natural parenting blog publishes results of a long-term study showing possible negative effects of iron-fortified baby formula

Windsor, Ontario, Canada, December 17, 2008. The findings of a long-term study suggest that iron-fortified baby formula hampers the neurobehavioral growth and development of healthy infants.

The study found that, compared to infants who were fed low-iron formula, the group who received iron-fortified baby formula had lower scores in the Bruininks-Oseretsky test, IQ test, spatial memory, reading and arithmetic skills, and visual-motor integration.

Infants in the fortified-iron group had 11 IQ points less than the low-iron group.

The study involved almost 500 Chilean babies who were all assessed to have normal iron levels at 6 months of age. Half of the children were fed low-iron formula for one year, while the other half received iron-fortified formula. The children were tested every year until age 10.

The bottom line: iron-fortified baby formula should only be given to babies who are iron-deficient to begin with.

The main investigator of the study was Betsy Lozoff, MD, professor of pediatrics and communicable diseases at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She presented the study in May 2008 at the joint meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies and Asian Society for Pediatric Research. A report on the study is available at Medscape.

Naturalmomsblog.com, an informational website on natural parenting, is helping to publicize the results of this study, in an effort to help make the public informed about the risks of baby formula use.

The site quoted Betty Sterken, Executive Director of Infant Feeding Action Coalition (INFACT) as saying, “if the infants fed the high iron formula had been compared to breastfed controls one could expect the difference to be even greater.”

Various studies have found breastfed infants to have higher IQ scores than formula-fed infants, even up to adulthood.

Blog author Alexis Rodrigo says, “I’m concerned that more than 6 months after this study was presented, the public still has not heard of these results.”

A certified childbirth educator and former staff of UNICEF, Rodrigo says, “Parents want to make informed choices, but sadly we do not often have all the information we need to make truly informed choices.”

Recently, a variety of studies have come to light that tout the benefits of breastfeeding on brain development and intelligence. How does breastfeeding benefit the brain?

It comes down to a couple of important things, some of which are tangible and measurable, and some that are not.

The Importance of Fats and Other Essential Brain Nutrients in Breastmilk

Breastmilk contains the ideal ratio of fats, amino acids and other nutrients that baby needs for brain and nervous system development. These ingredients provide the ideal basis for the “hard-wiring” component of a person’s intelligence.

For instance, Taurine is an important amino acid found in high concentrations in mother’s milk. (In contrast, it is almost nonexistent in cow’s milk.) Taurine has an important role in the development of brain tissue, among other things. A baby’s body is unable to form Taurine on its own, so s/he is totally reliant on his food to supply it.

Another important ingredient of mom’s milk are fats. Breastmilk contains high amounts of important fats, such as DHA and ARA. These are very important components of brain structures, and research has shown that breastfed infants have higher concentration of these essential fats in their brain and blood than do formula fed babies.

Some artificial baby milk manufacturers are adding Taurine and DHA to their formulas, but this does not make these identical to mother’s milk. Researchers have concluded that there is an important interplay between all of the components of breastmilk that cause this effect, and that this effect can’t be duplicated.

Cholesterol is another ingredient found in high concentrations in breastmilk. It is needed to build tissue in the brain and nervous system. Babies need cholesterol in the first two years of life. (Incidentally, there is evidence that points to a connection between cholesterol in breastmilk and the ability to handle dietery cholesterol in adulthood.)

Studies comparing breastfed children and their formula fed peers in different ages and stages of life show time and again that breastfed infants do better on various tests of intellectual ability. Some have shown these differences persisting for many years.

Even after the differences in socioeconomic status were accounted for or eliminated in these studies, breastfed children still clearly come out ahead.

In fact, one study showed that premature infants who were breastfed had significantly higher IQs than formula fed babies, and when babies were fed a combination of breastmilk and formula, their cognitive scores were directly related to the amount of mother’s milk they received.

Breastfeeding and Hormones- Both Baby’s and Mom’s

Mother’s milk has a high level of endorphins in the first few days after birth. This helps the baby ease the transition to life outside the womb.

When babies are stressed out, their tiny bodies are in “fight or flight” mode, and essential energy is diverted away from growth and development, which would have an obvious effect on the brain.

Additionally, a nursing Mom is biologically a different animal than a non-breastfeeding one.

For instance, when a woman breastfeeds, her body is flooded with pleasure hormones, one of which is Oxytocin, the so called “love hormone”, that is also present during orgasm. This hormone helps her to feel relaxed and bonded with her baby. Oxytocin triggers nurturing activity, which no doubt plays a huge role in baby’s cognitive and emotional development.

Since lactation suppresses the nervous system response to stressful stimuli, a happy nursing Mommy means a happy baby!

What are some of the intangible benefits that breastfeeding has on brain development and IQ?

Breastfeeding Promotes Physical Closeness and Emotional Health

In recent years a lot of emphasis has been put on “Emotional Intelligence”. How does breastfeeding assist with helping a child develop this?

The closeness of breastfeeding is an important bridge between baby’s intrauterine life and his new experience of being out in the world.

Studies have shown that babies who receive lots of physical contact with their primary caregiver, and lots of stimulating eye contact and “conversation” are getting important brain stimulation that gadgets and toys cannot produce.

That is not to say that a formula feeding Mother doesn’t do this, but a breastfeeding baby can’t help but have lots of skin to skin contact and interaction with his Mother!

Breastfeeding also gives Mom a chance to reconnect with her busy crawling baby or walking toddler, who seems to spend all his time running from Mom. Having several quiet moments during the day to kiss those dimpled hands, sniff that sweet smelling head, and tickle those fat feet (that will be bigger than your own soon enough) is an important way for Mom and Baby to achieve that closeness.

The late Dr. Lee Salk, pediatric psychologist, said that “The baby whose cries are answered now will later be the child confident enough to show his independence and curiosity. But the baby left to cry may develop a sense of isolation and distrust, and may turn inward…later in life, this child may continue to cope with stress by trying to shut out reality.”

The closeness of breastfeeding makes for a happier baby, one who is settled inside and who trusts that another human will be there to meet his needs, instead of an outside gadget. Don’t we want our children learning this important lesson from infancy?

Of course, breastfeeding does not automatically ensure that a child will be smart, but it can be a way to virtually guarantee that a child lives up to their full genetic potential for emotional intelligence, smarts and IQ!

Worldwide, the median age of weaning is 4.2 years. While this may seem odd to our Western ears, it shows that other cultures have different ideas about how long babies and toddlers need to nurse. Let’s look at a few of the reasons why moms may decide to breastfeed her toddler.

photo credit: Alexander Tundakov

Enjoying the Nursing Relationship
Sometimes a mom is enjoying the benefits of nursing her infant and the closeness of the relationship, and doesn’t want that to stop just because the baby has turned one year old. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding “for one year or until mutually desirable”. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends two years of breastfeeding.

Nutritional Benefits
The nutritional benefits of mother’s milk does not expire! Toddlers receive many of the same benefits that infants do from nursing, and the miraculous thing is that mom’s milk changes to meet the needs of the growing baby. Toddlers get a lot of good nutrition from mom’s milk even when they are eating a wide variety of solid foods. This is especially comforting to a mom whose child refuses solids. This does not happen because baby is still nursing. That is a myth. Picky toddlers are often allergic children whose bodies are telling them to wait.

Immune System Benefits
Experts tell us that a baby’s immune system is not fully developed until he is 2 years old. Others say it’s 7 years! To be sure, toddlers are exposing themselves to a lot of things once they are walking around exploring their world. Breastmilk still helps protect them from illness. Many moms of nursing toddlers have been thankful for their tot taking in breast milk when they refuse other foods during sicknesses. This is especially important when toddlers have diarrhea or vomiting and dehydration can be life threatening. Since breast milk is to easily and quickly digested, a toddler can stay hydrated and nourished even when he’s ill.

What’s more, breastfed infants and toddlers are less likely to have adverse vaccine reactions.

Discipline
What in the world does nursing have to do with discipline? Experienced moms say plenty! Toddlers are encountering new and scary and exciting experiences every day. Being able to come back to mom’s lap and the familiarity of her breast, along with the comfort of sucking, can help him manage the changes he’s going through better. Toddlers who feel better behave better. Many nursing moms have been thankful for the calming effect of breastfeeding – both for them and their toddler.

Breastfeeding a toddler can be challenging at times. Toddlers have to learn more about boundaries and limits at this age, including getting the message that mom has feelings too! Nursing is a good place to start teaching a toddler the rules of give and take.

•    Breastfeeding is Cost Effective

Daddy will be happy to see how much money he will save (at least $1000/year) when mommy breastfeeding rather than using formula.  The high cost of formula, bottles, and doctor’s visit due to increased illness of formula fed babies are what makes up this great savings.

•    More Sleep

Since mommy is nursing, daddy can sleep the night away. Of course, some dads to get up to offer baby a bottle of expressed milk, especially if mom is also working outside the home.

•    Proud Daddy

Fathers take pride in their children’s intelligence and health.  Breastfed babies score at least 8 points higher on IQ tests and are generally healthier, even on into adulthood.

•    Have Fun with Baby

Just because fathers can’t breastfeed doesn’t mean they can’t have fun with their baby! Dads can rock the baby, wear him in a sling, take baby for a walk, read to, and play with him or her. Dads aren’t babysitters, they’re parents. Babies love Dad’s voice, his hairy chest and the different way he interacts with them. Dads are also essential during the postpartum period when mom is tired. He can keep baby happy inbetween nursings while mom rests.

•    Support Mom

Since dads don’t have the equipment to nurse, they are able to do the things that mom is unable to do such as clean, cook and care for baby and mom during the first few weeks after baby is born.  This is a great help to mom and appreciated. Dads often become a mother’s biggest support and breastfeeding advocate when he experiences personally the many benefits breastfeeding has to offer.

As a side note, breastfed baby poops don’t stink so diaper changing is a little more pleasant – at least until the solid foods start!

photo credit: surekat

Dads who support breastfeeding are extremely valuable to a nursing mom. Dads can offer encouragement, be a cheerleader, become a lactivist, or just offer mom a drink of water when she’s nursing their baby.

The bonding process is not lost for dads. Dads can bond with a newborn through skin-to-skin contact, diaper changes, giving baby a bath, or just by being there and giving loving smiles. Dads can wear their babies in a sling to bond with them and meet their needs, and give mom a break from baby care.

Breastfeeding benefits a father in many ways. Dads should be proud of the decision to give their baby the best start in life and embrace breastfeeding. Breastfeeding and dads are not exclusive, but rather they are two very important elements in a baby’s life.