image courtesy of Rach BurkeThis article was removed a couple hours ago from the site (ihealthdirectory.com) where it had been published online. Maybe the author/editor was tired of the comments that came pouring in? Maybe the lies were too much for even this site to host. Sorry, but there is no such thing as a "good formula" - other than the 'formula' that is perfectly and seamlessly concocted for human babies -- human milk! And there are absolutely zero "added benefits" to choosing formula over breastmilk. Any form of artificial baby feeding is doing infants a disservice. And a severe one at that.
Don't get me wrong - I am all about eating close to the land, choosing food grown close to home, supporting and eating organically grown items. I love the true-blue American farmer (wait, does s/he still exist?!)
However, for human babies there is nothing more 'organic' than MOTHER'S MILK. To suggest that an 'organic' formula is closer to nature's 1st and only recipe for baby feeding is misleading and outright wrong.
How awful that by simply slapping on the term "organic" (which by the way is not always the case with the chemicals put into 'organic' infant formula - such as the DHA used) parents in the dark on this subject are led to believe that it may be better in some way for their child.
I digress... You can read the article for yourself and leave your own 2-cents at the end. The author was not stated in the original and typos and misspellings have been left in place as they were.
Breastfeeding vs. Organic Infant Formula
author unknown
author unknown
For years, breastfeeding has been the de-facto choice for millions of mothers worldwide. With formula always a viable option, many people have decided that breast feeding was the better choice, despite organic formulas offering the same benefits as breast milk for many your babies. There are several reasons for people picking natural feeding over formula feeding. Firstly, there’s the belief that breast feeding offers nutrients and minerals that formula feeding can’t offer. Secondly, many people stray away from using formula to feed their infants due to the possibility of contamination and resulting problems. Finally, for many mothers breast feeding is simply a natural part of raising an infant that seems unfortunate to miss. Certainly, natural breastfeeding is without any doubt the best option for babyfeeding.
While it’s difficult to refute the last point, there’s ample evidence supporting the importance and value of organic infant formula. Offering a diverse and important macro and micro-nutrient profile, organic baby formula is the perfect formula for your infant, and is free of pesticides and herbicides which can cause problems in development and infant health. With this wide nutrient profile on offer, there’s little reason to shy away from formula reading because of nutritional or health reasons. Today’s organic formulas offer every nutrient profile that breast feeding does, and come with added convenience and simplicity for many mothers.
Secondly, the possibility for contamination and ill-effects simply isn’t there with organic formulas. You’ve no doubt heard of the problems caused by infected milk and baby products in East Asia — products that can have serious effects on the growth and development of infants. By using organic infant formula, you minimize the risk of any contamination or pesticide problems. With no non-natural additives, organic infant formula is completely natural and safe for consumption, and has no risk of contamination, infection or hidden substances.
Still, for many mothers the choice is up to what feels natural and right. However, there’s also a moral implication in using organic formula. By spending your money on organic formula, you’re actively helping the organic farming community stay afloat, and keeping organic farming principles and ethics alive. However, it’s important to check if your baby formula is really 100% organic or not. While many baby formulas are quick to report that they’re all-natural, you need to take a look at the container to be certain of the authenticity. In order to meet a nutrient profile that’s more similar to breast milk, many manufacturers of organic formula are adding DHA and ARA omega acids to their formula.
That’s not a bad thing — it’s most certainly good from a nutritional standpoint. However, what’s alarming is the presence of foreign substances in this nutritionally altered formula. In many cases, the packaging of the organic formula can contain unnatural substances that could affect infants. Also, the products used to extract fatty acids for use in organic formula can affect the quality of the product, containing substances such as hexane and weak acids. However, you need to note that these substances are in very small quantities, often under 100 times the limits assigned and recommended by the FDA. From a health standpoint, organic infant formula is still vastly superior to other forms of baby formula.
As the decision to breast feed or formula feed is often very personal and non-nutritionally motivated, it’s important to weigh up what you feel is best for your infant. However, if you’re unsure of what option to take, it’s important to know that organic formula is there, offering an additive free, 100% organic alternative for any baby formulas available. It is also the best alternative for those who find themselves unable to breastfeed for any reason.
Update: To those who object to the views contained in this article (see the comments below), you might have misunderstood the author’s intention. Breastfeeding is always the best and first choice to feed your baby. If you’re unable to do breastfeeding, then ask a professional and choose the best organic formua available on the market. A good formula may offer most of the nutrients containted in breast milk and even some added benefits.
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If you would like to read research on brain development and neuro science as it relates to breastfeeding and other parenting choices, see the excellent books, Why Love Matters, The Science of Parenting, and The Baby Bond.
Additional Related Articles:
Breastfeeding Longer than 6 Months Improves Mental Health
Breastfeeding Public Service Announcements From Around the World
Books for Breastfeeding Mothers
Breastfeeding: When At First You Don't Succeed
Breastfeeding in the Land of Genghis Kahn
The Effects of Circumcision on Breastfeeding
Circumcision Increases Breastfeeding Complications
If You Nurse Your Baby...
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How Breastfeeding & the Foreskin Protect against UTIs
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Ha! That article was probably penned by the CEO of one of the Formula companies. What a load of absolute dribble!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't even get through the entire article. For one, how can you take it seriously with such poor grammar. If you can't even compose a coherent argument, it is very unlikely that I will follow your logic. For two... seriously? There is no risk of contamination: So the formula will come pre-made in pre-sterilized bottles? well THAT is convenient. However, the cost factor certainly isn't and I see more mothers choosing to breastfeed or at least try because IT IS FREE. Grrr... I could go on, but I think we can all agree that this is seriously flawed. :-|
ReplyDeleteunbelievable...
ReplyDelete"As the decision to breast feed or formula feed is often very personal and non-nutritionally motivated" Are they kidding me??? Nutrition was a huge motivation for me among other things. This article is just ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that got yanked. I saw it via Twitter before it disappeared and hadn't had a chance to give them an earful yet. They must have been besieged.
ReplyDeleteFor the VERY, VERY FEW rare women who truly cannot produce enough, need to supplement and do not have access to donor milk, this may be a slight improvement over standard formulas. But this is CLEARLY not the author's intention!
Okay, I am usually far more charitable when making comments about people, but whoever wrote that article is an idiot. How can somebody claim that because a processed product is organic that it cannot be contaminated??? Just by virtue of it being packaged in a factory, it is at risk of contamination!
ReplyDeleteIf I absolutely had to use formula, I would likely choose an organic one... but not base don anything in this article, which doesn't even make sense!
It sounds like an 8th grader wrote this for her persuasive writing sample. I can't even believe this is a real thing! It is just so horrible.
ReplyDeleteThere would certainly be people who would be ignorant enough to find this credible, and not notice the spelling and grammar mistakes at all--simply because it says exactly what they would want to hear. Bah.
ReplyDeletethey are slating nutritionally altered formula. The only NON-altered formula is COWS MILK which would be DANGEROUS!
ReplyDelete'supporting the organinc farming industry' are they having a laugh? yes the organic farmers would be paid for their produce but the mark up of them processing the milk into formula, millions spent on advertising and of course a hefty profit means it would be a pittance. If you want to support organic farming, buy fresh local organic fruit, veg and dairy for older babies, children and adults.
As far as contamination and ill affects go. Organic formula will still contain bacteria that causes things like salmonella and meningitus. They may not be stuffed with extra additives but it will still have bacteria which is why correct preparation is critical.
That's all for now I feel a rage coming on