Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding

If you are a mother-to-be, there are many important decisions to make before the birth of your child. One of those decisions can be whether you will breastfeed, or provide your child with formula after his birth. Breastfeeding definitely has many more health advantages for both you and your baby, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it be done exclusively for at least the first six months of your baby’s life. It is then recommended that it be continued up to one year, after the introduction of solid foods at around six months of age.

But what if I need to feed my baby formula? Does that make me a bad mother?

Mothers should never feel like they are substandard if they need to or choose to formula feed, for whatever reason. The old saying, “Never judge someone unless you’ve walked a mile in her shoes,” certainly holds true.

Formulas have come a long way, and more closely mimic breast milk than they ever did in past years. Infant formulas offer complete nutrition for your baby, and if you cuddle your baby during every feeding, it can still provide a wonderful bonding experience for you and your baby.

So if baby formula is adequate, why even consider breastfeeding?

Here is a list of reasons why breastfeeding is still recommended over formula:

1. Breast milk contains live antibodies (immunoglobulins)

* This is the main ingredient missing in infant formulas. When the mother is exposed to germs, her body produces antibodies to fight the potential infection-causing organisms. These antibodies are then passed along to her infant in her breast milk, providing protection against potential illnesses and diseases.

2. Breastfeeding is free while formula is very expensive

* Because formula can be very expensive, some parents have been known to give their infants plain cow’s milk or other milk alternatives at a much earlier age than recommended. Although this is adequate for a calf, it does not contain the necessary vitamins and minerals to encourage healthy development and growth in an infant. In addition, this could cause allergic reactions, and a number of other health problems.

* On the other hand, breast milk is made specifically for human babies, and is always free and on tap.

3. Breast milk is “smart”

* Breast milk changes its composition over the course of your baby’s growth and development.

* Colostrum, for example, is the first milk that is produced by your breasts during pregnancy and then for the first few days after your baby’s birth. It is very high in protein as well as antibodies, which give your baby’s immature immune system a “boost” of protection. It also acts as a natural laxative for your baby’s first bowel movements.

* Colostrum is replaced by transitional breast milk approximately three to four days after you give birth, and lasts for a couple of weeks.

* Mature breast milk comes in last. It is composed of one kind of milk that has two different compositions:

a) Foremilk – The baby drinks this watery, thin milk first during a nursing session. It helps hydrate the baby, and contains more lactose and less fat. The lactose is important for energy production in the infant.

b) Hindmilk – The baby gets this higher-fat content milk as the nursing session continues. This is what is important for the baby’s growth.

In summary, breast milk is still the recommended nutrition for babies. A few reasons why you may want to consider breastfeeding over formula feeding have been provided. Although not discussed above, there are many other reasons why breastfeeding is beneficial including breast milk is more digestible, and breastfeeding also protects you against certain cancers. No matter what decision you make – breastfeeding or formula – know that it has to be right for you and your situation. Only you can make that decision.

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Animals During Pregnancy – What You Need to ...

If you work with or live with animals, there are some precautions you should take when you are pregnant. This is because all animals have germs, and they can transmit illnesses to you and possibly to your unborn baby and young children.

No matter what kind of animal(s) you have, here are some tips to apply to any animal or pet, especially when you are pregnant:

* Follow good hand hygiene practices to reduce the chances of being infected.

* Do not allow your pet to be in contact with any food surfaces, or where you wash or store your dishes.

* Also, avoid kissing your pets or allowing them to “kiss” you on the face.

* Avoid cleaning pet supplies and cages in your kitchen sink. If you use the tub to clean anything, disinfect afterwards.

In what follows, you will learn about the risks posed by specific animals or pets, and what precautions you should take with each of them.

1. Dogs

* Ensure that your dog’s vaccinations are current.

* Make sure that your dog has been dewormed.

* Ensure that your dog does not jump on your abdomen when you are pregnant.

* Do not touch your dog’s feces.

2. Cats

* Toxoplasmosis is the most common infection that can occur. You get it from coming in contact with a parasite in your cat’s feces.

* Cats can contract it after eating infected rodents, hence a good reason to have only indoor cats. They can also contract it before they are born, if the mother cat is exposed to it.

* You can have your cat tested by your veterinarian to determine if he has been exposed to the bacteria.

* Infection with toxoplasmosis can result in miscarriages, and birth defects such as blindness.

* You do not need to get rid of your cat. You can still pet and enjoy your cat. Just make sure that someone else in your household cleans the cat’s litter box.

* If you do have to clean the litter box, make sure that you wear gloves to avoid contact with the feces. Then wash the gloves (or use disposables) and your hands thoroughly afterwards.

* Toxoplasmosis can also be transmitted through soil, so be sure to wear gloves if you are gardening. Also, be sure to wash your hands well after you are done gardening.

* You may want to cover your other children’s outdoor sandbox to ensure outdoor cats cannot use it as a litter box.

3. Birds

* Birds can transmit infections such as salmonella and other germs.

* Ask someone else to clean your bird’s cage.

4. Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and Other Rodents

* These pets can become infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), when they are at breeding facilities or at the pet store. The common house mouse carries this same virus.

* It is a threat to pregnant mothers, as it can result in miscarriages and various birth defects.
In order to reduce the risk, it is best to stay away from rodents of any kind � domestic pets or wild. This is because the virus can be transmitted via the feces, urine, saliva, and nesting materials of these animals.

* If you have a pet rodent, be sure that you do not change its cage. In addition, keep it in an entirely separate section of your home where you do not spend time.

5. Amphibians and Reptiles

* These include salamanders, frogs, snakes, lizards, turtles, etc. Unfortunately, these are not safe pets to have during pregnancy or the first five years of your child’s life when your child’s immune system is still developing.

* They carry risk of infection from salmonella, which they carry on their skin and can be passed in their feces.

* In the past, pet constrictor snakes have killed unattended babies and young children.

6. Cattle

* If you own cattle, you likely own a ranch or a hobby farm. Cattle can carry the E.coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria, which is passed through their feces.

* Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly after being in contact with cattle. Also, be sure to wash fruits and vegetables well, as they may have been exposed to contaminated soil. During pregnancy, you may want to avoid drinking well water, if there is any risk that runoff from your farm animals has contaminated your well.

In summary, you must use common sense when handling any animals during your pregnancy. Some animals such as amphibians and reptiles pose more risk. By making wise decisions now, you can ensure that you increase the chances of having a healthy baby.

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