| Welcome to Hierademater's IN-SIGHTS COLUMN- Gotta dilemma? |
| Dear New Mom This question remains an issue between supporters of breastfeeding and some Health Care Providers who work from a Science based training. They still believe that cow's milk formula is better for babies who are underweight. I often wonder how they can feel that way when adults are so concerned about weight and junk food these days. No matter how much we try to glorify cow's milk it is still just that, milk made for cows to consume in their infancy. It bears more than a passing resemblance to junk food in my book! Unreal and unnatural is unhealthy. I am sure that you have read all the literature that is available and researched your information because you are aware that a higher risk of allergies is associated with babies receiving cows milk in infancy and even later in some cases. Nothing however is as powerful as the word of a physician who, for reasons of his or her own ethical and litigious concerns, will suggest what he/she may feel is the best answer. It is however demeaning to women, to mothers and to society to perpetuate a myth in the interests of covering yourself. In my opinion, babies who are small and or underweight for any number of reasons, should be given their mother's milk. All babies should be breastfed, but if I had to make a choice I would certainly provide the smaller baby with the healthiest option for weight gain, and neuro development that comes fully packaged in mothers milk. Your responsibility is to ensure that your baby is positioned, well latched, sucking in a manner to ensure adequate milk transfer, wetting and soiling diapers appropriately. An abundance of milk is not a guarantee of weight gain. Any lactation consultant, LaLeche league leader, Public Health Nurse or breastfeeding resource nurse should be able to provide a feed observation and follow up support. One of those persons is available in every community, including yours. My resource page on the net is Dr. Jack Newman. Typing his name in the search engine will take you directly to his site and lots of practical information. This is helpful when you are working with a stubborn MD. If you need more focused work around this issue please email me and I will provide specific resources for you. Hierademater |
| Hierademater is happy to answer questions but will not reply directly. Post your questions at hierademater@yahoo.ca |
| Hierademater is an ordained, non denominational, Crone with lots of experience listening to life stories and guiding evolving souls. Thirty years in nursing and twenty-five years in holistic heath care have provided opportunities for viewing and learning about life in a very diverse world. Advice is free, but insight builds character. If you want to move forward with your dreams and hopes for the future discuss your concerns and let's see if the right path for you is just around the corner. |