#alternating breastmilk and formula

[themomsandthecity]

Are European Baby Formulas *Really* Better Than Ones Made in the US?

I live my life by the Reddit Click Theory (something I just now invented on the spot), which states: the number of clicks it takes to get to a piece of information on Reddit is directly correlated with its status as a conspiracy theory. One click? You're probably safe. Five clicks? You're in anti-vaxxer territory. Anyway, as I Googled "best baby formula" to feed my twin boys, Reddit threads professing the life-altering magic of HiPP, Holle, Kendamil, and other European baby formulas kept rising to the top. Upon further research, it became clear that there is a fairly sizable faction of parents who prefer the standards of European Union baby formulas to American recipes. "We dug into this trend in 2019, prior to the infant formula shortage," says Dina DiMaggio, MD, FAAP, medical research director at Bobbie Labs, an offshoot of the organic formula brand that supports research on infant feeding. "Our research, which focused on New York City-based parents, found that 20 percent of families were using illegally imported European infant formulas [bought through unregulated third-party websites]." Parents who utilize EU formulas regularly cite that the EU has stricter standards for baby formulas than in the United States, with non-GMO, grass-fed dairy, and organic ingredients being frequently thrown around. If you look at third-party sites, this is echoed in the reviews, which bemoan the use of corn syrup, pesticides, and sugar levels in American formulas. "The rise in this trend came while consumers were beginning to understand the difference between EU and US regulations in other product categories," says Dr. DiMaggio. "Just as people were taking a closer look at what was in the products they were purchasing for themselves, it's natural that they started to do the same for their babies." What Are the Main Differences Between EU and US Formulas? In scrutinizing labels, I found that both EU and US formulas contain the same key ingredients: a milk source (usually from cows; though sometimes sensitive formulas are made from goat's milk), lactose, vegetable oils, and whey protein. As with labels for personal care products, ingredients for baby formulas are listed with the ingredient that's in the largest quantity in the formula at the front of the label. Related: The Best Baby Formula of 2023, According to Reviewers Largely, the differences between formulas can be attributed to requirements that the Food and Drug Administration - which regulates baby formula in the United States - sets for brands to meet versus what the EU requires its formulas to meet. "Both the FDA and European Union have specific and strict standards for infant formula with nutrient requirements and labeling laws," says Anthony Porto, MD, FAAP, MPH, Chief Medical Director at Bobbie Labs. Let's take a closer look at where the regulating bodies' standards differ, shall we? 1. DHA The EU requires DHA - an omega-3 fatty acid that plays an important structural role for brain, skin, and eye development - to be between 20 to 50 milligrams per 100 calories; however, the FDA and US formulas have no DHA requirement. Though, importantly, many formula companies in the U.S. still enhance their formulas with DHA. 2. Carb Sources There are also differences in sugar in the varying formulas. "The EU also has a limit on how much of the carb source can come from an alternative sugar source other than lactose, which is the sugar found in breastmilk," says Dr. Porto. 3. Iron Most US formulas include more iron than formulas made in Europe.This is because the FDA requires US formulas to meet certain requirements for the level of 30 nutrients, one of them being iron. Formulas in the US are fortified with iron at 12 mg/dL. Okay, So What Should I Buy? Which formula to buy for your babe is a deeply personal decision. "It's important to remember that both US and European formulas provide safe and healthy nutrition for… https://www.popsugar.com/family/european-vs-american-formula-49314493?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr

[coochiequeens]

New mothers need information about all the ways to provide nutrition to their babies and they should be able to get that information in an unbiased manner away from companies seeing them and their babies as customers.

Women trying for a baby are being targeted by formula milk companies on social media even before they have become pregnant, a World Health Organization scientist has said.

Formula milk brands use online shopping and search data to detect when someone is planning a baby, said Dr Nigel Rollins, of the department of maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health at the WHO.

“Digital platforms have made [the] industry massively more powerful,” he told the Unicef Baby Friendly annual conference last week. “Companies use sophisticated algorithms to target ads to women whose online behaviour suggests they might be pregnant.”

Researchers have previously reported how formula milk marketing executives described first-time pregnant women as “the holy grail”.

Rollins explained how women who ordered folic acid – an essential nutrient in early pregnancy – or browsed fertility or pregnancy information websites were likely to be profiled as thinking about starting a family.

Formula milk brands could then target these women by promoting branded social media posts, including those for their own apps, online “baby clubs” or helplines offering advice on getting pregnant, staying healthy during pregnancy or parenting.

Direct advertising of formula milk to parents of babies under six months old is prohibited in the UK but loopholes mean companies can provide advice to pregnant women and new parents under their own logos.

Rollins claimed the ultimate intention was to establish a “relationship” between the parent and a brand before a baby was born. “It is a way of providing ‘support’ but essentially it is marketing in disguise,” he said.

Rollins emphasised there should be no criticism of mothers who chose or needed to use formula milk. “Women and families should make, and have the right to make, decisions that best serve their circumstances.”

A WHO report published earlier this year warned it was “difficult” to avoid digital marketing of formula milk, especially when people were looking online for information about, or support for, breastfeeding.

It also suggested companies were deliberately targeting pregnant women and new mothers in their “most vulnerable moments”.

“Content that appears to offer information personally tailored to meet mothers’ concerns can be delivered at the very moment a woman seeks information on infant feeding,” it added. 

“The content of these promotions typically presents a [breastmilk substitute] as the solution for challenging but normal infant behaviours like hunger, crying or digestive discomfort,” the report said.

Shereen Fisher, programme director of the UK committee for Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative, said: “Powerful multinational infant formula companies push the boundaries of existing legislation to promote their products. We need to make sure all babies and parents are protected from misleading marketing practices.”

A spokesperson for the British Specialist Nutrition Association, which represents the UK formula milk industry, said: “When parents are unable to, or choose not to, breastfeed, a scientifically developed infant formula is the only food recognised by the WHO as a suitable and safe alternative to breastmilk.

“It is important that parents can make informed choices about the options that are right for their baby and situation. We need to support parents with factual nutritional information, including on packaging and online, so that they can make the right decision for them. It’s a responsibility we take seriously.

“BSNA members comply with the WHO code as implemented in UK law and wish to contribute to a balanced, sensible debate about responsible marketing of formula, and protecting and promoting breastfeeding.”

[thebusinessmagnate]

Laura & Sarah: Mother-Duo Redefining and Pioneering in Organic Infant Formula at Bobbie

Milk. Our first food was Milk. Our mother’s milk which was given to us right after we were born was the only source of nutrition and food for the next few months and years. 

Mother’s Milk a.k.a Breastmilk keeps babies healthy, protected, and safe. 

From being gentle on the still-developing stomach that is easily digestible to providing the babies with antibodies to prevent infections, diseases, and sicknesses from occurring – infants require safely formulated sustainable baby products or their mother’s milk for nutritional purposes which are all in the right proportions. 

Although mother’s milk or breastmilk can never be replicated or replaced from being the No.1 Best Nutrition for babies, there are some mothers and parents who are unable to breastfeed their infants due to several factors such as but not limited to – circumstances and situations, personal choice, or could be medical reasons that deter breastfeeding. 

As an alternative, many companies and organizations over the years have come up with formulations that are then manufactured to produce Infant Formula – a dried milk powder comprising all the required nutrients that a small baby would need to grow well. 

Therefore in this article, we will share deep insights into how an American company – Bobbie was founded and established by pioneering co-founders and mothers – Lura Modi and Sarah Hardy, in 2018, in San Francisco, California, USA. Bobbie is a food manufacturing company that specializes in formulating to produce Organic Infant Milk that meets FDA Standards. Here, we will also learn the importance of milk for infants and how Bobbie is working towards evolving and redefining Infant Milk after years of companies exploiting these infant food products by adding harmful ingredients. 

Women Duo and Mothers – The Faces Behind Bobbie – Laura and Sarah:

The co-founders who founded Bobbie are – Laura Modi and Sarah Hardy. Being mother-duo and friends, Laura and Sarah shared the same goal in trying – “to help every parent feel supported in their feeding journey – breast, bottle, or both”.

“Feeding is a journey” – Bobbie. 

Laura Modi was the initial founder and current CEO of Bobbie. She was also the first one to be inspired to come up with the idea and concept for Bobbie. Having received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Business Policy, Management Accounting, and Market Analysis – Laura went on to work in several different roles and positions such as – Online Marketing Director at Portwest Ltd., Google Finance at Google, Director of Hospitality at Airbnb, Board Member at Eat Real and TaskRabbit, and finally in 2018 founded Bobbie. Laura was inspired by a personal experience where one day she found herself standing in front of infant formulas at a shop facing her first bout of mastitis. She was extremely disappointed and saddened by the fact that all of the formula products contained corn syrup, fillers, and palm oil. The founder established her company in her basement in 2018 and was named Bobbie after her daughter called her bottle – Bobbie. 

Sarah Hardy has an Arts Degree in Sociology and Government from Bowdoin College. She started her career as a Senior Project Manager at Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group, a Project Management Lead at The Mark Company, and Head of Planning and Operations at Airbnb, and finally in 2019 joined Laura in building Bobbie as a co-founder. Laura approached her friend who was also a mother to join the business in taking the next steps in the wild journey. This is when Sarah Hardy joined Bobbie in building a thriving workplace and helping to rope in scientists and pediatric nutritionists to ensure that they can bring a formulated and European-style developed Organic Infant Formula product to the US market. By 2020, Bobbie was officially launched and hit the market with successful purchases, after being given the green light by the Food and Drug Administration regulatory agency. 

About Bobbie:

The name Bobbie was inspired by Laura’s daughter who calls her bottle “Bobbie”. Laura founded and established Bobbie in 2018 after being inspired by a personal experience two years before, in 2016. Sarah joined Laura as a co-founder who helped grow the business to where it is today. 

Established initially in Laura’s basement, the company now has its own office headquartered in San Francisco, California, USA. Being approved by the FDA was a huge accomplishment and revelation for Laura and Sarah. 

Bobbie is the 1st ever mom-founded and women-led company by Laura & Sarah, in the US that formulates, manufactures, and produces Organic Infant Formula with a European-style ingredients list that meets all EU, USDA, and FDA requirements. Bobbie’s Organic Infant Milk is made from pasture-raised cows milked from Organic Valley Farms. It is also the only baby formula product and company to pass and receive the “Clean Label Project’s Purity Award” and the “Pesticide Free Certification”.

From distribution to testing, and manufacturing to sourcing, Bobbie promises to be the #1 priority for organic infant formula. With an in-house team of experienced scientists and experts behind the formulation of – “Just ingredients you and your baby will love”, Bobbie’s Organic Infant Formula is packed with Iron, DHA, Vitamin D, 40% casein, and 60% whey protein. It has no antibiotics, no allergens, no corn syrup, no fillers, no palm oils, no maltodextrin, no gluten, and no persistent pesticides. 

Bobbie acknowledges that formulas for infants have been stigmatized and made vary. Over the years many companies have manufactured and produced infant formulas that unfortunately contain unhealthy ingredients that even adults themselves wouldn’t find safe for consumption. Bobbie deeply knows that for holistic baby care, “Breast is Best”. But due to varying reasons and circumstances parents and mothers turn to formula. Therefore with a mission “to shake the stigma on how we choose to feed our babies”, Bobbie strives to “evolve the future of infant formula”.

Visit More : https://thebusinessmagnate.com/laura-sarah-mother-duo-redefining-and-pioneering-in-organic-infant-formula-at-bobbie/

[pursuitofhealthclinic]

Breastfeeding Awareness

Breastfeeding is a natural process but comes with its own challenges. Every new mother needs support and guidance in this crucial phase.

We discuss about 7 important aspects of breastfeeding in this blog.

1.Initiation: breastfeeding is a natural phenomenon, but takes time and effort to initiate. A lot of new mothers get stressed out within a day or two after birth as they not know that it may take a week or more in some women to start feeding.

2. Latching : right way to feed the baby needs a proper posture, proper holding of baby and adequate latching. There are latching experts available at many hospitals to help you with it. Seek help from them if you don’t have experienced women around you to help you.

3.Sufficient breastfeeding: doubts about breastmilk being sufficient is common. As long as baby is gaining weight at right pace and is having more than 6 wet nappies be rest assured about breastfeeding being adequate. Your breastmilk is the most customized food for your baby

4,How much to feed and till when?

Exclusive breastfeeding on demand is a broad term. What new mothers need to understand is that each baby is different and feeding pattern needs a lot of customization!

After birth the feed should begin with 30ml every 2 hours. Gradually the gap increases . Amount needs to be increased if the baby keeps crying after being fed, and calms down on being offered more milk. It takes time to get the hack…let the baby guide you !

Slowly as the solids are introduced gaps between feeding increases further.

After the 6 months Exclusive breastfeeding phase is over, baby shifts towards solids over a span of few months.

Night time feed continues even after 1st b’day. Weaning needs to be started between 15 to 18 months.

Breastfeeding may continue even beyond that but as an emotional bond rather than substitute of solid meals.

5.Breastfeeding during illness : not all illness can be transferred through breastmilk . Discuss with your doctor before stopping breastfeeding. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication. With appropriate guidance breastfeeding can continue along with illness and treatment.

6. Alternative: breastfeeding is one of the greatest joys of motherhood. If you are not able to feed because of any reasons it doesn’t make you any less of a mother. Substitutes are available today which can help your baby thrive and have a normal life. You should make efforts to resume feeding upto best of your abilities. But at no point feel distressed if you are not able to do so. The baby should not stay hungry, and that’s what matters.

7. Alternatives to Breastfeeding — at times direct breastfeeding is not possible. Best scenario for babies in the preferred order would be:

a) expressed breast milk — stored at room temperature/ refrigerated/frozen is viable for long duration and hence can be used to feed the baby. At some hospitals breast milk bank is maintained and is Godsent for premature babies unable to latch and suckle. EBF is extremely helpful for working mothers to make sure babies continue with breast milk. Regular pumping helps in maintaining milk production, preventing breast soreness and even mastitis in some cases.

b) Formula — mixed in warm water with proper hygiene measures is the best alternative to breastmilk. It’s comparatively more filling for the baby and so baby may have longer gaps between feeds, may have more gas/colic issues, semi solid consistency of stool and even constipation. Formula fed baby may have more weight gain than breastmilk fed babies. Once solid meals begin the difference becomes negligible. It is the 2nd best option and if you do need to give it please don’t hesitate.

As a mother you have nourished your baby for 9 months inside you…there is nothing more you need to do to prove how worthy a mother you are. A healthy and happy mother is what a baby needs!!

Breastfeeding is not a choice but a responsibility…it’s the best thing you can give to your baby…

[raihanehassaine]

The History of Fermentation 

While fermentation is becoming more popular in today’s society, it is not a new concept. Technology is serving to change what is possible within nutrition, but the practice itself can be traced back millennia to the Sumerians, who discovered its unique capabilities to make bread and beer.  

The yeasts involved in the process generated very valuable B vitamins, which are crucial for maintaining good health – as nutrition and wellness specialist Raihane Hassaine can confirm. 

Harnessing the Potential of Fermentation with Technology 

Applying groundbreaking technology to this process can yield amazing results. As more research has been conducted into the process of fermentation, scientists can now use biotechnology to encourage the microbes to produce healthy, nourishing food products. These processes create foods rich in vitamin B, amino acids and omega-3s. Precision fermentation can stimulate naturally sourced proteins, fats and vitamins, creating nature-identical products while eliminating the need to use animal products. 

Sustainably Sourced Food Products 

With more emphasis being placed on clean and sustainable living in a bid to protect the planet for generations to come, methods of improving the way communities eat and drink are more important than ever. One such example is the sweetener Stevia, which scientists have altered using bioconversion processes, resulting in a product which tastes far more like sugar than in its original form. Using the low levels of natural steviol from the stevia leaf to create amounts suitable for commercial use shows the huge potential of fermentation. 

The Possibilities in Dairy Manufacturing 

The manufacturing of dairy products has a huge impact on the environment, necessitating the farming of animals on a huge scale. Precision fermentation, however, can program the microbes to create milk proteins, opening up opportunities for alternative products for cheese, yoghurt, milk, eggs and meat, with better flavours and textures than any animal-free products have achieved in the past. Of all foods, the manufacturing of cheese is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases, lagging only behind red meat. 

These developments also have the potential to impact the infant nutrition market. Companies are continually seeking to bring formula milk closer in composition to breastmilk. Although most infant milks are based on bovine compositions, it is predicted that this could change in generations to come. The drive for sustainability and greater awareness of animal welfare in younger sections of society is likely to fuel a swing towards plant-based alternatives. With increasing research and investment in the production of milk proteins, this evolving technology could have a significant impact on the infant formula market in years to come. 

[nathfiset]

Tips on how to burp a baby

Everything you need to know about burping your baby

  How to burb a newborn   Babies are a bundle of joy and one of the most precious gifts to their parents. However, one of the more challenging aspects of caring for a newborn is burping them. Burping can be messy and time consuming, and the task can seem a bit daunting if it is your first time. It is important to properly burp your baby to help relieve the discomfort of gas, and it is very beneficial for the baby’s overall health. In this blog post, we will discuss how to burp a newborn, and provide tips on the best techniques and practices to help ensure a successful burping experience. We will explore how to recognize the signs that your baby needs to be burped, how to hold the baby for better burping results, and the different ways you can go about burping. Read on to learn all the ins and outs of burping a newborn! Tips for burping a newborn fast    Burping a newborn is an essential part of the feeding process and is necessary to prevent the baby from becoming uncomfortable and fussy after eating. It is important to burp the baby quickly and efficiently to ensure that the baby does not become too agitated. To do this, hold the baby upright and gently pat the back or rub in a circular motion. If the baby does not burp, try changing the position slightly to get the desired result. Alternatively, you can try burping the baby over your shoulder in a cradle position. It is important to be gentle and patient when burping a newborn and to avoid jerky or too hard motions. With a little bit of patience, the newborn will eventually let out a satisfying burp.    

How to burp a newborn baby   Burping a newborn baby is an important part of the feeding process. It helps to relieve the baby of gas bubbles and can make them more comfortable after eating. It is best to burp the baby after every two or three ounces of formula or breastmilk. To begin, gently place the baby over your shoulder or in an upward-facing position on your lap. Pat or rub the baby's back with your hand until they burp. If they do not burp after a few minutes, try changing positions and repeating the process. If the baby still does not burp, it is likely because they do not need to. Burping a newborn baby is a simple yet important part of providing them with the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.      

The best way to burp a newborn baby   Burping a newborn baby is an important part of their day-to-day care. It helps them to release excess gas and prevents discomfort from occurring. The best way to burp a newborn baby is to hold them upright against your chest or shoulder, gently patting their back. As you do this, you can talk to your baby in a gentle and reassuring voice. This helps to soothe and relax them. It is important to be patient and to take breaks as needed. Burping your baby can take up to 15 minutes, so it is important to be comfortable and relaxed while doing it. If the burp does not come, don’t worry, as it is quite common. Try changing position or try another burping technique. Burping a newborn baby can be a daunting and time-consuming task. However, there are a few tricks and techniques that you can use to speed up the process. By learning how to properly hold, position, and pat your baby, you can help them to burp more quickly and effectively. With a little patience and practice, you'll soon be a pro at burping your baby.        

    Read the full article

[reportwire]

Baby formula shortage caused by lack of innovation, founder says

Baby formula shortage caused by lack of innovation, founder says

Baby formula shortage caused by lack of innovation, founder says | Fortune You need to enable JavaScript to view this site. Source link

[clothinglennyco]

Baby formula shortage caused by lack of innovation, founder says

Baby formula shortage caused by lack of innovation, founder says

Baby formula shortage caused by lack of innovation, founder says | Fortune You need to enable JavaScript to view this site. Source link

[fltwoodsmonster]

hey hold on a sec

I just realized both op and the commenter are insane trad christains so im deleting my reblog (because im not platforming their shit -- this is ALSO why im censoring their URLs I’m not going to give them traffic) and instead reposing it with the following links/information:

1) The WHO still actively hosts a guide on how to create safe milk substitutes when access to breastmilk/milk substitutes are unavailable on the Institutional Repository for Information Sharing (iris). The guide is called “Infant Feeding in Emergencies: A Guide for Mothers”. Relevant information starts on page 38.

2) Here is a link to the archived guide WITH THE CAUTION that I was not able to find out why its no longer provided by the WHO or iris. It could be that the information is out of date. I am only sharing it because I think the visuals may be helpful for people who have trouble reading written directions. Consult the above link first, then refer to this guide only if you need clarification on how to perform certain actions. Link to archive.

3) The language in that second comment throws up so may red flags. I cropped it to only the information needed to understand the context of this post because I find it immensely suspect. The repeated allusions to 2020 for no apparent reason (but I can guess why, as an infection disease scientist) come across as loaded or dog-whistely. I would advise against sharing the OP for that reason. But because the information being provided is important and not well known, I’m making this alternative post for people to reblog. 

4) The implication that the WHO is censoring information based on a 404 page is a really flimsy and extreme conclusion to jump to. The “Infant Feeding in Emergencies” guide I linked above also goes to a 404 page on the WHO’s main website - but again, can be accessed through iris instead. So no, the information on how to feed infants in a food crisis is not being censored by the WHO.

5) A more likely cause for the guide disappearing is that the link broke and they didn’t fix it. If you look at the original URL it indicates the guide was posted in a subcategory on the WHO’s website about International Crises, specifically in the Middle East. If you try to type in a shortened versions of that URL (specifically https://www.who.int/hac/crises/ or the slightly modified http://www.who.int/hac/crises/en/) you’ll see that the subdomain that was present with relevant info breaks around 2020. In fact, while testing this hypothesis, I came across this information page in a November 2021 version of the URL https://www.who.int/home/cms-decommissioning (which I was redirected to automatically from http://www.who.int/hac/crises/en/):

There is no nefarious conspiracy theory. The link simply broke - as many many many many links do on the internet. The second commenters reply is proven bunk by a little bit of fact checking.

sorry for the long post, but I think the information on infant nutrition substitutes is genuinely useful, lifesaving info -- but i’m not going to give more people with dangerous ideological views spouting nonsense a platform.

update (5/20/22):

I had hope this was a given, but I want to be explicitly clear.

Using an at-home formula substitute should be a last resort. Contact your infant’s physician or a pediatrician before attempting to make your own milk substitute.

I am also going to leave a link to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s statement on breast milk substitute shortages.

Do not blindly follow internet posts in regards to the health of yourself or your children. I wanted to share this post simply because I, myself, did not even know it was possible to make milk substitutes and thought it was useful to be aware of in an time when access to substitutes is unprecedentedly difficult.

[fatehbaz]

aside from being famous for using forced labor at chocolate production sites; inciting children’s deaths across Africa when advertising their baby formula as a safe alternative to breastmilk/food; being the leader in the bottled water market, which since 2016 has been the US’s largest beverage industry; mass privatization of water resources; hiring ex-intelligence agency and ex-military private contractors to monitor and surveil journalists, activists, and critics; basically buying the allegiance of local governments; and receiving sweetheart deals to extract most of Michigan’s water while Michigan residents are poisoned by lead- and giardi-tainted water ...

... also cool how in the same week in february 2021 that Nestle finalized a 4.3-billion USD deal to sell most of their North American bottled water brands to a vulture-capitalist Wall Street private equity firm, Nestle also made the decision to announce that they’re introducing a brand-new vegan K!tKat bar snack treat to participate in “the food revolution” to “champion” sustainable “plant-based food” ...

and if you search online for info about “Nestle”, you’ll see headlines about vegan K!tKat bars which dilute and distract from the headlines about how many North American bottled water extraction sites and businesses will now be owned/managed by the type of NYC-based venture capital firm which famously doesn’t care about public image and acquires struggling business to cost-cut at every opportunity to squeeze-out every last drop of profit, like wringing out a wet washcloth, and who might come to be even worse managers of US and Canadian water extraction sites than Nestle.

but at least fans of “the plant-based food revolution” can celebrate the exciting release of this new vegan confectionary treat from K!tKat, sourced from “sustainable” cocoa, crafted by the brand you know and love.

[schreeuwekster]

With the baby formula shortage happening in the US and Gates coming out of the woodwork with breastmilk alternative tech, I'm suspicious of in incoming shortage down here to.

Obviously Perun's on the boob and taken care of. But my sister in law's recently took her son (6 weeks older than Perun) off breast milk because she felt it made her boobs ugly and is now considering having them surgically enhanced.

I was planning on starting a daily pumping session soon, because I want to nurse Perun 2 years, and have another baby so I am planning ahead for a freezer supply. I'm going to be really cranky if she's going to knock on my door for that supply instead because she was stupid, selfish, and vain.

[babymilkaction]

GLOBAL TRADE: Safer labelling on baby foods and drinks urgently needed

  IBFAN FUF comment

IBFAN RUTF comment

IBFAN COMMENT FOPN

IBFAN ENCA CRD 46th CCFL 3

  Governments must take the lead on public health policies:  Safer labelling for baby drinks and foods urgently needed.

46th Codex Committee on Food Labelling

IBFAN will be attending  the Codex meeting on labelling  – Monday 27th September- 7th October (and the webinar on Front of Pack Labelling 21-22 September).

Agenda Item 4 includes two important labelling decisions carried over from the Nutrition meeting (CCNFSDU) Proposed Draft revised standard for Follow-up Formula   (see FUF comments) and the Guidelines on Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods  (see RUTF comments)  

IBFAN PROPOSAL

Follow-up formulas and Drinks for Young Children are used and regulated as breastmilk substitutes in many countries so the standard should be aligned as far as possible with the WHO policy,  including the ban on cross promotion,  a deceptive tactic that misleads parents and carers.  The term ‘refer to’ is not enough to stop products appearing similar.

9.6.5 The labelling of the product as defined in Section 2.1 shall not  refer to OR RESEMBLE  infant formula, follow-up formula for older infants, or formula  for special medical purposes intended for infants, including numbers,  text, statements, or images of these products. 

Alternatively:

 The labelling of the product as defined in Section 2.1 shall not CROSS PROMOTE  infant formula, follow-up formula for older infants, or formula  for special medical purposes intended for infants, including numbers,  text, statements, or images of these products. 

__________________________________________________________________

PROPOSED DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR READY TO USE THERAPEUTIC FOODS (RUTF)

The current draft guidelines refer only to the weak labelling safeguards for Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMPs) –  products that are on general sale.   Claims are MARKETING TOOLS that are not appropriate for therapeutic foods. WHA Resolution 63.23 forbids health or nutrition claims on foods for infants and young children.

IBFAN PROPOSAL for RUTF label:  

Section 12 must include the following text:

It is recommended that the labelling of RUTF for children from 6 to 59 months with SAM be in accordance with the Standard for the Labelling of and Claims for Foods for Special Medical Purposes (CXS 180-1991), the General Standard for the Labelling of and Claims for Pre-packaged Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CXS 146-1985), and Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling (CXG 2-1985)..and the  Guidelines for Use of Nutrition and Health Claims (CXG 23-1997) that include a prohibition  on the use of nutrition and health claims for foods for infants and young children.

There should be the following prominent WARNINGS:

This product must only be used for the therapeutic treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition,  strictly under medical supervision

Potable  drinking water must be available for children receiving RUTF treatment.

Not for general sale

  Useful links:

  Exporting countries put trade before the health of the planet and children. IBFAN Press release,  Nov 2019 

WHO/UNICEF INFORMATION NOTE – Cross–promotion of infant formula and toddler milks, WHO, 2018).

Worldwide Baby Food Drink Market In-depth Research Report 2021, Forecast to 2026, expects 7.7% growth from $68bn in 2020 to 91bn by 2026 – more than 30% in 5 years!

_________________________________________

IBFAN ENCA CRD CCFL

IBFAN Brief in spanish

_________________________________________________________________________________

CODEX COMMITTEE ON FOOD LABELLING (CCFL)

PROPOSED DRAFT GUIDELINES ON FRONT–OF–PACK NUTRITION LABELLING   (CX/FL 21/46/6 June 21)

(Prepared by the Electronic Working Group Chaired by Costa Rica and Co–chaired by New Zealand

IBFAN is advocating that FOPNL should NOT appear  on products 0-36 months.   WHO guiding principles and framework manual for front-of- pack labelling for promoting healthy diets recommend excluding baby foods on the basis that since FOPL schemes – unless restricted to warnings – are promotional and this would be against WHO policy that forbids promotion and any health and nutrition claims for such products. Concerns about high levels of problematic ingredients (sugar, salt fat etc) are better handled through limits set by Codex or national legislation. FOPL is designed for the general population , not for  specific categories of foods.

The proposals should be government-led with adequate COI  and transparency safeguards. There should be no reference to ‘collaboration with the Private sector’  since this could imply inappropriiate influence of the policy setting process.   

  It is not MANDATORY for any country to adopt a Codex text – countries are, however, expected to use them as a basis for legislation and not be more trade restrictive than necessary.  If a Codex standard does not allow a country  to achieve its public health objective effectively the government can go further.

IBFAN COMMENT FOPN

Posición-IBFAN Spanish

46th Codex Committee on Food Labelling cl21_19e.  CLICK HERE for report CX/FL 21/46/627 September–1 October and 7 October 2021

Please share IBFAN’s comments on both these items  your government delegations in the hopes that they can take our concerns into account.

WHO guiding principles and framework manual for front-of- pack labelling for promoting healthy diets

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CODEX COMMITTEE ON NUTRITION (CCNFSDU)

PROPOSED DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR READY TO USE THERAPEUTIC FOODS (RUTF)

IBFAN comment RUTF

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DRAFT REVISED STANDARD FOR FOLLOW-UP FORMULA (CXS 156-1987) SECTION B: DRINK/PRODUCT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN WITH ADDED NUTRIENTS OR DRINK FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

IBFAN Step 7 FUF

ENCA- Codex FUM section B

Here in Spanish: Posición IBFAN en Codex 2021

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IBFAN COMMENT PROPOSED DRAFT GUIDELINES ON FRONT-OF-PACK NUTRITION LABELLING at Step 3 – submitted 1st September 2021

General Comments

Front of Pack Nutrition Labeling (FOPNL) can be a means to provide additional information to those who purchase pre-packaged foods and provide a system for making decisions about food products available in the market-place. Moreover it has the potential of reducing consumption of food ingredients and products that contribute to unhealthy diets.

A number of underlying principles are essential for the effective implementation of FOPNL policies.

For FOPNL to be effective IBFAN considers a mandatory system of WARNINGS to be much preferred. Research of countries where FOPNL has been voluntary shows limited uptake by the food products industries and hence the ability for product comparisons is compromised and the expected health benefits are under realized.

Processed complementary food products and formulas for infants and young children should not have FOPNL as this will be promotional of certain products over other products and contrary to the provisions of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent WHA resolutions. To effectively safeguard infant and young child health, it is preferable to have warnings on these products.

Codex must address the environmental impact of the global trade in unnecessary food products. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that 21–37% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are attributable to the food system and that climate change will have important negative impacts on food security. Green lighting the ultra-processed, excessively packaged with plastic/styrofoam products may reduce the consumption of a few harmful food ingredients yet will continue contributing to increasingly alarming levels of environmental degradation.

In view of the need to safeguard policy setting from commercial influence, IBFAN believes that the business term ‘stakeholder’ is removed from all Codex texts.  Advocating for public health goals/objectives is very different from seeking commercial/profit ones. It is misleading to group all constituents under this term.

Specific Comments

It is critical that the implementation and policy setting for FOPNL be led by national governments who are accountable and responsible for the overall health and nutrition of their citizens. To fulfill their obligations governments must ensure that policy development is free of commercial influence while ensuring adequate participation from civil society, independent academics, health associations, and other relevant constituencies.’

 We see no need for a Codex text to list collaboration or consultation with specific interested parties since this is likely to open the door to abuse and legitimise corporate lobbying – placing the businesses on the same level as all other actors.  Governments have a duty to protect citizens and ensure appropriate consultations.

Principle 4.3.1 The text should. read:

FOPNL should be government led and developed in collaboration with all interested parties including  government, consumers, academia, public health associations, private sector among others, by ensuring robust safeguards against conflict of interest.

Section 2.2 Exclusion for foods and products intended for infants and / or young children

Commercial foods and products intended for infants and young children should not be included in the guidelines for FOPNL. The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent resolutions of the World Health Assembly govern the labeling and marketing of a number of these products. These include infant formulas, formulas for special medical purposes, follow-up formulas and drinks for young children. A number of Code provisions also cover complementary foods for older infants and young children. Claims are not permitted by Codex Guidelines on Nutrition and Health Claims or WHA Resolution 63.23 that urges Member States “To end inappropriate promotion of foods for infants and young children and to ensure that claims not be permitted for foods for infants and young children”  

The FOPNL would be contrary to provisions in the International Code as they are promotional in essence by preferring one product to another.  This may lead parents and care givers to perceive these products as being endorsed by government authorities and thus have a negative impact on breastfeeding decision-making. In effect FOPNL on formulas for infants and children will have a negative impact on infant and young child health.

Similarly complementary food products should not be included. These products are highly processed and their consumption should be discouraged. Older infants and young children fed processed complementary foods risk dental caries, obesity and develop preferences for bland “white” foods. Ultra-processed products invariably contain chemical additives to stabilize, emulsify, thicken, regulate acidity, and act as anti-oxidants etc.  Many ingredients are  “permitted” by Codex Alimentarius standards, some at regulated levels and others according to “good manufacturing practices”, with their safety declared not by independent and convincing science but on the basis of political consensus and claims of “history of safe use”.

Public health nutrition policy promotes the consumption of healthy nutritious foods for optimal health and development as well as the development of life long preferences for healthy foods.  FOPNL in these situations can act as a marketing tool for the consumption of inappropriate ultra-processed food products at a vulnerable stage of growth and development.

  IBFAN COMMENT ON FOPL IN SPANISH

  POSICIÓN DE IBFAN

BORRADOR DE PROPUESTA SOBRE ETIQUETADO DE NUTRICIÓN EN EL FRENTE DEL ENVASE (ETIQUETADO FRONTAL)

Paso 3

    Observaciones generales

(1 de set. 2021 – Equipo de trabajo IBFAN sobre Codex Alimentarius, Adaptada al español por la Coordinación IBFAN LAC)

  El etiquetado frontal (FOPNL por sus siglas en inglés) puede ser un medio para proporcionar información adicional a quienes compran alimentos pre-envasados ofreciendo así, un sistema para tomar decisiones sobre los productos alimenticios disponibles en el mercado. Además, este etiquetado tiene el potencial de reducir el consumo de ingredientes alimenticios y productos que contribuyen a dietas poco saludables.

  Una serie de principios subyacentes son esenciales para la implementación efectiva de las políticas de FOPNL. Para que el FOPNL sea efectivo, IBFAN propone un sistema OBLIGATORIO de ADVERTENCIAS. La investigación muestra que en los países donde el FOPNL ha sido voluntario, las industrias de productos alimenticios han aceptado el etiquetado de manera limitada, y por lo tanto, la capacidad de comparación entre productos se ha visto comprometida y no se dan los beneficios esperados para la salud.

  Los productos infantiles complementarios procesados y las fórmulas para lactantes y niños de corta edad no deben tener FOPNL, ya que esto sería promocionar ciertos productos sobre otros, y sería contrario a las disposiciones del Código Internacional de Comercialización de los Sucedáneos de la Leche Materna y las Resoluciones posteriores de la AMS. Para salvaguardar eficazmente la salud de lactantes y niños pequeños, es preferible tener ADVERTENCIAS sobre estos productos.

  Por otro lado, el Codex debe abordar el impacto ambiental del comercio mundial de los productos alimenticios innecesarios. El Grupo Intergubernamental de Expertos sobre el Cambio Climático (IPCC) de las Naciones Unidas estima que entre el 21% y el 37% de las emisiones totales de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI) son atribuibles al sistema alimentario y que el cambio climático tendrá importantes impactos negativos sobre la seguridad alimentaria. Iluminar con color verde los productos ultraprocesados – de todas maneras, envasados excesivamente con plástico / espumas de poliestireno, etc – podrá reducir el consumo de algunos ingredientes alimentarios dañinos, pero no hará que estos productos dejen de ser contribuyentes a los niveles cada vez más alarmantes de degradación ambiental.

  En vista de la necesidad que tenemos de proteger que las políticas se definan sin influencia comercial, IBFAN cree que el término “partes interesadas o asociadas” es de corte comercial y por lo tanto, debe eliminarse de todos los textos del Codex. Abogar por metas/objetivos de salud pública es muy diferente a buscar metas comerciales o lucrativas. Es entonces engañoso agrupar a todos los constituyentes bajo el mismo término de “partes interesadas o asociadas

  Comentarios específicos

Es fundamental que la implementación y el establecimiento de políticas de FOPNL sea un proceso liderado por los gobiernos nacionales ya que éstos son los responsables de la salud y de la nutrición general de su ciudadanía. Para cumplir con sus obligaciones, los gobiernos deben garantizar que el desarrollo de las políticas públicas esté libre de influencia comercial, al tiempo que deben garantizar la participación adecuada de la sociedad civil, la academia independiente, las asociaciones de salud y otros grupos relevantes.

    Por lo anterior, no vemos la necesidad de un texto del Codex que enumere la colaboración o la consulta con partes interesadas específicas, ya que esto muy probablemente abriría un portillo al abuso y legitimación del cabildeo que realizan las corporaciones y colocaría a las empresas al mismo nivel que los demás actores que velan por la salud pública. Los gobiernos tienen el DEBER de proteger a su ciudadanía y de garantizar las consultas apropiadas.

  Principio 4. 3. 1 Por lo anterior, el texto debe decir:

El FOPNL debe ser dirigido y desarrollado por el gobierno en colaboración con todas las partes interesadas, incluidos el gobierno, los consumidores, la academia, las asociaciones de salud pública, el sector privado, entre otros, asegurando salvaguardias sólidas contra los conflictos de interés.

  Sección 2.2 Exclusión de los alimentos y productos destinados a lactantes y/o niños de corta edad

Los alimentos y productos comerciales destinados a bebés y niños pequeños no deben incluirse en las directrices de FOPNL.

  El Código Internacional de Comercialización de Sucedáneos de la Leche Materna y las Resoluciones posteriores de la Asamblea Mundial de la Salud rigen el etiquetado y la comercialización de muchos de estos productos. Están incluidas las fórmulas infantiles, fórmulas con fines médicos especiales, fórmulas de seguimiento y bebidas para niños pequeños. Varias disposiciones del Código también abarcan los alimentos complementarios para lactantes mayores y niños de corta edad.

  Las declaraciones de propiedades saludables y nutricionales no están permitidas por las Directrices del Codex sobre Nutrición y Salud y por la Resolución 63.23 de la Asamblea Mundial de la Salud, que insta a los Estados Miembros a poner fin a la promoción inadecuada de alimentos para lactantes y niños de corta edad y a garantizar que no se permitan las declaraciones de propiedades saludables en los alimentos para lactantes y niños de corta edad. Por lo anterior, el FOPNL sería contrario a las disposiciones del Código Internacional, ya que en esencial, es un etiquetado promocional que preferiría un producto sobre otro producto. Esto puede llevar a las madres, padres y cuidadores a la percepción de que estos productos están respaldados por las autoridades gubernamentales y, por lo tanto, tendrían un impacto negativo en la toma de decisiones sobre la lactancia materna. En efecto, el FOPNL en las fórmulas infantiles tendría un impacto negativo en la salud de los bebé y niños pequeños.

  Del mismo modo, el FOPNL no debe incluirse en los productos infantiles alimenticios complementarios. Estos productos son altamente procesados, innecesarios y su consumo debe ser desalentado. Bebés mayores y niños pequeños alimentados con alimentos complementarios procesados corren el riesgo de caries dental, obesidad y desarrollan preferencias por alimentos ��blancos” suaves. Los productos ultraprocesados invariablemente contienen aditivos químicos para estabilizar, emulsionar, espesar, regular la acidez y actuar como antioxidantes, etc. Muchos de estos ingredientes están “permitidos” por las normas del Codex Alimentarius, algunos están en algún nivel regulados y otros dejados a en las manos de las “buenas prácticas de fabricación”, con una declaración de seguridad – no basada en la ciencia independiente y basada en evidencia- sino en un consenso político y de “historia de uso seguro”.

  La política de nutrición de salud pública promueve el consumo de alimentos nutritivos saludables para la salud y desarrollo óptimo, así como el desarrollo de preferencias de alimentos saludables, de por vida. Dadas las circunstancias, el FOPNL podría convertirse en una herramienta de marketing que incentiva el consumo de productos infantiles ultraprocedados e inapropiados, en una etapa vulnerable de crecimiento y desarrollo infantil.

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  GLOBAL TRADE: Safer labelling on baby foods and drinks urgently needed was originally published on Baby Milk Action

[technicallydeliciouspainter]

Food Additives: What Parents Should Know

Food additives have been used for thousands of years, ever since people realized salt could keep meat from spoiling. Today, there are more than 10,000 additives approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to preserve, package, or modify the taste, look, texture, or nutrients in foods. But increasing evidence suggests some chemicals used as food additives should be avoided―especially for children.

How do food additives affect kids?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy, "Food Additives and Child Health," explains that a rising number of studies suggest some food additives may interfere with hormones, growth, and development Some may also raise a child's risk of obesity. Children may be particularly susceptible to the effects of these additives, given that they have more exposure than adults due to their size and dietary intake.

Below is a list of the most commonly used food additives and the current health concerns. This list includes indirect additives, which are used in processing or packaging, as well as direct additives that are put directly into foods.

How to reduce your family's exposure to food additives

Buy fresh or frozen. It's best to buy and serve fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables when possible.

Eat fewer processed meats. Try to avoid processed meats, such as hot dogs, ham and meats in pre-packaged meals, especially during pregnancy.

Wash plastic food containers and utensils by hand, rather than in the dishwasher. Heat can cause plastics to leak BPA and phthalates into food. Avoid microwaving food or beverages―including infant formula and breastmilk―in plastic, if possible.

Use glass and stainless steel. Especially when cooking or serving hot foods, use alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.

Learn plastic recycling codes. Look at the recycling code on the bottom of products to find the plastic type. Try to avoid plastics with recycling codes 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrene), and 7 (bisphenols) unless plastics are labeled as "biobased" or "greenware," which means they are made from corn and do not contain bisphenols.

Wash your hands. Because chemicals from plastics are so common in items we touch throughout the day, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food.

Speak out. Join the AAP and other organizations calling for more research into food additives' safety, including improvements to the U.S. food additive regulatory program and retesting some previously approved additives. A recent review of nearly 4,000 food additives showed that 64% of them had had no research showing they were safe for people to eat or drink. While some change to the current law could be achieved by the FDA, some may require congressional action.

Common questions from parents about food additives

How do I find out which additives are in foods?

Additives that are put directly in foods are listed on ingredient labels, but often with their chemical names. For example, salt may be listed as sodium chloride, sugar as sucrose, vitamin C as ascorbic acid, and vitamin E as alpha-tocopherol. Artificial colors are usually listed by their numbers, such as Blue #2 or Yellow #5. However, there are also indirect additives from processing or packaging materials that are not listed on the ingredient labels. These can include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard, and different types of coatings.

Are additives a problem in any baby products?

The FDA recently banned BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups, but the chemical is still used in some food and beverage containers. Many companies have voluntarily removed BPA from their products, but in many cases replaced it with chemicals such as bisphenol S (BPS) that may have similar health effects. In 2017, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of some phthalates in child-care products such as teething rings.

Do artificial food colors cause childhood hyperactivity?

More research is needed to better understand how artificial food colors (AFCs) may or may not impact a child's behavior. This is because much of the original research on these additives were animal studies that did not include behavioral affects. For some children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other problem behaviors, the AAP says that until we know more, it may be helpful to eliminate AFCs from their diet if they seem to worsen symptoms.

The future of food additives

Many new techniques are being researched that will improve how additives are produced. One approach is the use of biotechnology, which can use simple organisms to produce food additives. These additives are the same as food components found in nature.

Talk with your pediatrician

Although there are ways to limit the amount of potentially harmful food additives in your family's diet, stronger federal food safety requirements will help keep all children healthy.

If you're concerned about food additives, talk with your pediatrician. Your regional Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) have staff who can also talk with parents about concerns over environmental toxins.

There are many different methods used to produce natural plant extract powder. Durning an extraction process a solvent is used to draw out the plant extracts, common solvents utilised are water or alcohol. Once the desired compounds are extracted the solvent is then removed. The plant extraction method used depends on whether specific compounds of the plant are desired to be extracted or the full range of plant compounds. Here we take a close look at the different methods of extraction.

1. LIPOPHILIC EXTACTION // Lipophilic are oil loving (fat soluble) and therefore soluble in oil. Macerated or Infused oil are Lipophilic extracts. This includes fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), carotenoids, bisabolol and other lipophilic active ingredients. Note: Vitamin C is an extremely sensitive hydrophilic vitamin and therefore it is NOT present in plant oils, however some plant oils exhibit Vitamin C behaviours, research, I am sure one day may explain these 'effects'.

HOW IT WORKS // Plant material is added to a carrier oil. Maceration is performed as cold or warm-cold. Usually the procedure takes a few days to several weeks and the plant material is renewed several times during the maceration period. Heat or sun are applied as sources of energy. Ingredient Example // St Johns Wort Infused Oil

2. SUPERCRITICAL EXTRACTION (CO2) //Supercritical extraction uses CO2 (Carbon dioxide - an oxygen-free process) instead of organic solvents.

HOW IT WORKS // At a temperature and pressure above its critical point, a molecule will become a supercritical fluid, which is not quite a gas, but not quite a liquid. Supercritical fluids can be used under high pressure to extract a full range of phytochemical types. CO2 has a high diffusion rate that can penetrate the material quickier than liquids. It is a pure substance found in nature and is, thus, easily removed from the final extract without leaving any residue.

Among its advantages, supercritical CO2 extraction has the flexibility to extract specific compounds, and it operates at temperatures lower than expeller press and organic solvent methods. It also involves no oxygen, thus better preserving the extracted compounds.

CO2 extraction delivers the superior active properties of the plant without the use of any chemical solvents or the production of residues & impurities or issues with rancidity. Supercritical CO2 extraction is not ideal for all ingredients, this method is only applicable to materials that are lipid soluble.

A natural instant fruit juice powder is a powder made from the juice of fresh fruit and then dried into a fine powder. Fruit juice powders are basically concentrated fruit juice dehydrated by spray-drying method. Its moisture content is 1%-3%. The spray drying process is considered a conventional method to convert fruit juices to powder form. It can be used in drinks, dressings, marinades, desserts, smoothies etc. One must not get confused between fruit powder and fruit juice powder as the two are totally different. Powders are made from drying the whole fruits while fruit juice powders are made from drying the pure juice.

What is an API?

An API is defined as a specification of possible interactions with a software component. What does that mean, exactly? Well, imagine that a car was a software component. Its API would include information about what it can do—accelerate, brake, turn on the radio, etc. It would also include information about how you could make it do those things. For instance, to accelerate, you put your foot on the gas pedal and push.

The API doesn’t have to explain what happens inside the engine when you put your foot on the accelerator. That’s why, if you learned to drive a car with an internal combustion engine, you can get behind the wheel of an electric car without having to learn a whole new set of skills. The what and how information come together in the API definition, which is abstract and separate from the car itself.

One thing to keep in mind is that the name of some APIs is often used to refer to both the specification of the interactions and to the actual software component you interact with. The phrase “Twitter API,” for example, not only refers to the set of rules for programmatically interacting with Twitter, but is generally understood to mean the thing you interact with, as in “We’re doing analysis on the tweets we got from the Twitter API.”

[ontochristine]

02.04.21

Not even three days since I’ve last written and I have so many emotions to unload! 

Before ek was born, I just assumed I’d nurse. Not only did I presume this was just naturally going to happen but I also wanted this to happen. While we were in the post partum unit, nurses periodically checked in to see if he’d feed but he’d always be fast asleep and after a good 20 (?) hours, he just had to be fed. So one of the nurses, Theresa, showed me how to feed him through formula, my pinky, and a syringe. Feeling ek’s little mouth suckle on my pinky, while simultaneously drinking the milk from the syringe, was fascinating. He was hungry! And because he was so little, it was weirdly cute too. 

When we got discharged, we took home breast pump parts, more formula and syringes. I figured this was just for the next few days until my milk came in and until ek & I found our groove (oh no, I’m getting choked up as I write this!). So nights 1 & 2 in LA, DK & I alternated feeding ek through the syringe and hyped on the new parent adrenaline, it was fine.

Come our 3-day appointment, ek finally latched while we were at the pediatric clinic. A lactation consultant came to our room and with just a couple of quick moves - fluffy pillow on my lap, ek pushed up against me, squeezing my chest - he nursed continuously for 15 minutes. I was amazed! He ate so well and I felt so...significant, as if I understood this other purpose in my life.

We went home afterward and I was pumped. “I can do this! That was so easy! I was just doing it wrong this whole time.”

Ha. 

For the next 2 weeks, I struggled. We struggled, I should say. I attempted to nurse, before relenting to the bottle, each time. Some feedings, I’d try for 2 minutes. Others, 15 minutes to 30 minutes. Ek would wail and wail, and I’d try again and again. Squeeze, massage, and hope he’d latch. Squeeze, massage, hope. Squeeze, massage, hope.

I decided I needed a new game plan. During the late night feedings, I’d read endless articles and tips on how to successfully breastfeed. Many said that once you introduce the bottle, it discourages baby from nursing so I woke up that morning, reinvigorated, and announced to DK, “No more bottles! We’re just going to power through and he’ll learn!”

That day was miserable. The wailing was tenfold. The “feeding” sessions, which were more like wrestling matches, stretched to an hour and increased in frequency because he wasn’t getting enough milk (I think). DK withdrew into his games - he couldn’t really do anything anyway - and my will crumbled by the end of the day.

DK & I had had this conversation multiple times, about pumping/bottle feeding for convenience, but I held out in hopes of successfully nursing. After the day, though, I decided I needed to let it go. The many attempts, even if they were short, messed with my head and heart. Not of guilt, but it was my holding out that kept me feeling like a failure each time it didn’t work. My pride and determination of knowing that in my past endeavors, as long as I tried and worked hard, I’d succeed, pushed me to continue. But I knew - and know - I was on the verge of crying every time I “failed”. 

In this case, it felt better to just close the door so I didn’t have to “fail” and save myself the humiliation? the disappointment? the sadness? (here come the tears!). 

So today, we’re exclusively pumping and I have to remind myself that 1) I’m still providing in other ways. I’m still a mother! 2) ek won’t remember how he was fed - wanting to breastfeed is really just a personal desire and 3) as inconvenient pumping may seem, as lonely and lifeless pumping may be in the middle of the night, how blessed am I? There’s a baby waiting to be fed by his mom, whether that’s through the breast or the bottle, formula or breastmilk!

This is one of the few times in my life I realize that no matter how hard I try, it may just not work out the way I want it to. More LC appointments or many more months of trying may have solved it, but this is the decision I made for my sake and in a way, my little family’s. And I need to stand by it and embrace the decision with warmth. There’s envy and longing to nurse, still, as evidenced when my parents were over yesterday...Umma was praising me for pumping, and saying how hard it must be, how incredible it was to feed ek breastmilk, how she thinks of me when it’s midnight or 2am. Side note: if that’s not a mother’s love, I don’t know what is ❤️ 

Now, I’m really crying! 

I’m learning now that motherhood is a very private affair. There’s a lot of personal things to discover and work through, and sometimes, it’s embarrassing to explain - or feels insignificant. “Fed is best! Don’t worry!” I get that - I really do! But the deep desire to nurse (who would’ve guessed it’d become so important to me) sits in the back of my mind.

And maybe that’s ok. Maybe I don’t need to fully discard that desire in order to “move on”. But rather, focus on the blessings and give that desire to the Lord. Many times, what we want for ourselves isn’t the best God has planned for us anyway. 

There will continue to be moments of disappointment in self. It’s part of life. It’s part of being human. But treating those moments with gentleness, patience, wisdom and love is a greater lesson learned. I’ll look back on this one day in fondness and deeper maturity. God help me!