Myth Vs Fact...Before you reach for a miracle in a can.
May 11 '00 (Updated Sep 27 '00)
5/19/00- While the vast majority of people who read my review realized that the point I was trying to make was NOT about "formula bashing" or a "good mommy contest" it has come to my attention that a few people have taken the editorial as something more. I have reread my review and stand behind it, but I will try to clarify a bit more
9/27/00-It appears that this editorial was moved to The Breastfeeding Debate from Nursing and Feeding where it originally was placed and I feel belongs
While the following editorial might appear to be appropriate for “The Breastfeeding Debate” section, this is not just a commentary on Breast VS Bottle, I warn you that I do not gloss over facts that may not be less than desirable. This is an editorial that will hopefully give readers something to think about BEFORE doing the “formula do-si-do” or hoping for a miracle in a can. This is my opinion of why formula reviews should NOT be treated as a buying decision.
Hopefully the facts will show you why I am so opposed to formulas being reviewed here at Epinions. I will list my sources at the end of this review, some will be quoted, some will not. Having seen the amount of misinformation regarding bottlefeeding and being the victim of such false claims, I put together a list of common myths about both breast and bottlefeeding.
***This is NOT an attack on bottlefeeding mothers*** If hard facts might upset you, please do not read any further.
When a category was added for Baby Formula reviews, I shuddered. The majority of the formula reviews I’ve read contain a paragraph or two justifying their decision and explaining why they could not breastfeed. Many also claim that the formula they are reviewing is very close to breastmilk, can increase a baby’s intelligence, cures colic and helps babies sleep longer.
I realize that parenthood itself is confusing and lots of conflicting information is out there, but many fallacies are never corrected for fear of making someone feel guilty. I personally would prefer to have honest information to make my choice, I often wonder how many others feel this way. Please know that I am not a doctor, I don’t play one on TV and I have bottlefed and am breastfeeding now. Had I read some of these formula reviews years ago, I truly wonder if I’d have been influenced to try different products hoping for a quick solution to infant ups and downs.
From the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
“Obstacles to the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding include physician apathy and misinformation,insufficient prenatal breastfeeding education, disruptive hospital policies,inappropriate interruption of breastfeeding, early hospital discharge in some populations, lack of timely routine follow-up care and postpartum home health visits, maternal employment(especially in the absence of workplace facilities and support for breastfeeding), lack of broad societal support, media portrayal of bottle-feeding as normative, and commercial promotion of infant formula through distribution of hospital discharge packs, coupons for free or discounted formula, and television and general magazine advertising."
*No one is suggesting mothers who bottlefeed are bad mothers.*
I know what it is like to lack breastfeeding support and to feel overwhelmed. Formula companies count on this and many mothers feel they are making the best decision. That being said, here are some common myths about both methods of feeding, I hope that this information helps someone.
Breastfeeding Myths
I didn’t have enough milk...
...because my baby wanted to nurse every hour!
...because I tried for 2 days and nothing came out.
...because the baby cries.
...because the baby doesn’t sleep through the night.
Lactation is supply and demand. It takes a few days for your milk to come in, frequent nursing stimulates a mother’s breasts to produce milk. Your baby is getting colostrum, a premilk substance that can’t be duplicated. Babies will cry for various reasons, they’re babies, they have tiny tummies that empty and fill frequently. Newborns wake frequently because they need to nurse, frequent nursing is most likely a good sign!
While there will be exceptions to every rule, there are a great many mothers who mistake normal infant behavior or difficulties as signs they can't nurse. Sure, there are cases where nursing is impossible, but not nearly as many as suggested.
My baby was a preemie, I couldn’t nurse.
While your baby may not be able to nurse at the breast, pumping colostrum and later, breastmilk, is the next best thing. Even if the baby receives formula, it is likely your baby can be offered your milk as well. Specific cases vary and you should consult your doctor, but more likely than not, your baby can still nurse. This is not my opinion, this is a direct quote from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
“Human milk is the preferred feeding for all infants, including premature and sick newborns, with rare exceptions.75-77 The ultimate decision on feeding of the infant is the mother's. Pediatricians should provide parents with complete, current information on the benefits and methods of breastfeeding to ensure that the feeding decision is a fully informed one. When direct breastfeeding is not possible, expressed human milk, fortified when necessary for the premature infant, should be provided.78,79 Before advising against breastfeeding or recommending premature weaning, the practitioner should weigh thoughtfully the benefits of breastfeeding against the risks of not receiving human milk. “
I work, so I can’t nurse.
Many mothers do work while breastfeeding. It may not be easy, but few things worth doing are. Even out of a bottle, human milk is still best for your baby. If you choose to bottlefeed, yes, it IS YOUR CHOICE. Choice or not, the facts are facts, not opinion.
Formula Myths
The following statements are the primary reason I wrote this editorial
Formula will make my baby sleep through the night faster.
While formula takes longer to digest, it does not cause babies to magically sleep through the night.
Brand X cures colic!
False.
Brand Y is the closest thing to breastmilk!
They all claim to be the next best thing to breastmilk, but none are come close to duplicating perfection. Choosing a formula thinking it is the next closest thing to human milk is a bit misleading. If you are choosing a formula, discuss it with your doctor and know that despite claims, your baby's system will not "be fooled" and may or may not tolerate the formula. Marketing a formula as being closest to human milk is misleading.
Brand Z makes babies smarter!
Actually, the only studies I could find suggest breastmilk gives children an edge over bottlefed babies. My concern is that mothers will think a formula truly will make their baby smarter when not one can back up that claim
My hospital/WIC/doctor gave me a sample, this must be best!
It’s about money. Your hospital will give you whatever they have, as will most doctors. WIC provides the formula of the winning bidder.
Iron fortified formula causes constipation.
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend low iron formula. Artificial milk is harder to digest and might not produce the same frequent, soft stools as those of a breastfed baby, but this is not a reason to choose a low iron formula. This is not my opinion, it is a fact.
From the AAP
“Exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months after birth.100 Infants weaned before 12 months of age should not receive cow's milk feedings but should receive iron-fortified infant formula.101 Gradual introduction of iron-enriched solid foods in the second half of the first year should complement the breast milk diet.102”
Sabotage?
Many moms say that they have samples of formula “just in case” and thank the friendly folks at Similac for the freebies. Enfamil sent me cans and cans of their formula despite my checking “breastfeeding” on all questionnaires. Sure, that ready to feed bottle looks really attractive when you are sore or tired, and we know that an occasional bottle won’t hurt, right?
Wrong. Each bottle is one less feeding to stimulate milk production. When mothers see their babies guzzling down an entire 3 ounces after nursing, they might assume they aren’t satisfying their babies. By continuing to add bottles, this might soon become a reality, as milk production will decrease.If a baby becomes nipple confused, it will appear they prefer the bottle. This is not my opinion, it is fact
From the AAP
“No supplements (water, glucose water, formula, and so forth) should be given to breastfeeding newborns unless a medical indication exists.92-95 With sound breastfeeding knowledge and practices, supplements rarely are needed. Supplements and pacifiers should be avoided whenever possible and, if used at all, only after breastfeeding is well established.93-98”
Why I am opposed to formula reviews
As I’ve tried to illustrate, the majority of information available does a disservice to parents everywhere. Assuming that the decision has already been made to formula feed, the choice of formula should not be based on price, popularity or unsubstantiated claims. One should discuss the choice with their pediatrician first and foremost, though any pediatrician who does not attempt to give you the facts about formula in general might be just as quick to hand you the nearest sample.
Assuming your baby has no condition that indicates a specialized formula, regular formulas are pretty similar, none prove to be closest to breastmilk in all ways. With that in mind, it is a matter of finding a regular formula your child can tolerate.
All children are different, and though I see no harm in saying you were happy with Similac or Enfamil as your choice, I am reading claims that various products “prevent ear infections” or “make your baby a genius” among other statements.
Many reviews give somewhat inaccurate portrayal of breastfeeding and portray formula as better than breastmilk. Several have suggested that breastmilk isn’t enough, or that their husband couldn’t bond without being able to bottlefeed.
Some reviews suggest ignoring a doctor’s advice, perpetuate common “Old Wives’ Tales” and encourage using specialized formulas for a “quick fix” for colic or gas.
*****The bottom line is this. Breastmilk is best, this is an undisputed fact. If you are among the very few who truly are unable to breastfeed, you and your doctor can discuss your options. If your child is having difficulties with their formula, again, speak to your doctor.****
DON’T try various formulas thinking they will cure colic or sleep problems.
DON’T self diagnose allergies, illness or reflux.
DON’T try to treat your child by playing formula roulette.
Come to Epinions for buying advice on bottles, nipples or carseats, but research and discuss your child’s feeding and health with professionals, not by reading product reviews that may not apply to your baby’s needs. While there are a few reviews that are simply facts and experience without questionable claims and promises, the majority of the reviews I’ve read have been disturbing.
http://www.infactcanada.ca/newsletters/summer96/foodgrup.htm
http://www.gn.apc.org/ibfan/res3422.html
http://www.aap.org/family/brstguid.htm
http://www.aap.org/policy/re9729.html
To any mother who viewed this as an attack, it was not. Please note I do quote The American Academy of Pediatrics and that these are facts. This review is not just about breast vs. bottle or personal choices alone, it is a commentary on the topic of Nursing and Feeding as well as why I have not been able to recommend many formula reviews. This is not directed at anyone in particular, this is merely another perspective backed with references.
I noticed the comment section got quite heated and at least one person leaving angry comments is no longer a member here at Epinions. If you find the comments confusing, it is because some have disappeared along with member account(s).
I regret becoming defensive in comments and hope my revised review is a bit more clear. I mistakenly confused a very like minded couple with the same first name with each other thinking they were one person. They were in fact two separate people, one of whom did close both her accounts.That was an honest error on my part. I regret allowing myself to react to baiting and hostility from present and past members.
I do hope that I educated at least one person. The strong reaction and even harassment generated by my article has lasted months, however I do feel this is something important that will help people make an informed decision. That is what Epinions is all about
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Epinions.com ID:
jenb123
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