Mommy, Milk, and Child Development

So you heard it hurts, or that is is an inconvenience, but truth is, the pros of breast feeding outweigh the cons BY FAR. Most of what we have come to know about breast feeding is influenced by public opinion or bashed by those who are ignorant to it's benefits.


Lactose and Lactase

Milk sugar is called Lactose.  Lactose is broken down by Lactase which makes this balance essential for the development of the nervous system.

Human breast milk contains more lactose than cow's milk (which is used in formula) but also has an equivalent amount of lactase to break it down. With a good diet, breast milk can exclusively support the baby for 6 months.

Cow's Milk is much lower in lactase which leaves formula fed babies at a disadvantage because their livers do not yet have the capacity to make this enzyme.

50 to 60 million people in the United States are lactose intolerant due to lack of lactase in early developmental stages. More than half of these people are minorities, either African American, Asian American, Native American, and Hispanic origin.


The Mother-Child Connection: Pros & Cons

Prenatally and post birth, the baby's health is largely dependent on the mother's nourishment. Some even consider preconceptional nutrition - or the health of the mother up to a year before she becomes pregnant.

PROS:

• Breast Feeding is best for both Mommy and the baby.
• stimulates uterine contractions bringing the uterus back to normal size
• reduces bleeding
• the mother can pass protective antibodies to the child
• the calorie output to the child helps to bring weight back towards it's pre-pregnancy level while the child gets all needed nutrients such as iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, and the correct amino acids for growth
• Breast Milk is convenient. You carry it with you!
• SAVE MONEY!
• Studies show that breast fed babies are healthier than bottle babies.
• fewer allergies
• leaner
• lower cholesterol levels
• these qualities typically stay true into later years and adulthood
• The invention of milk pumping devices with storage has made breast feeding and option for working mothers

CONS & PRECAUTIONS:

• The mother must be healthy or any toxins will be passed to the child
• Stay away from alternatives. Soy formula is NOT better!
• Mothers MUST remember to eat well so they do not become nutritionally drained while nursing. Water is the main ingredient of breast milk so stay hydrated!

Why no Dairy? Why not formula?

Lifelong consumption of milk is a common mistake in nutrition. By adulthood we should have all kicked the habit - that is if we even started to begin with. If your children develop reoccurring congestive problems such as excessive snot and mucous and/or ear infections, I recommend eliminating all dairy products for a minimum of a month to see if symptom's cease. Keep a food diary for this!

Cow's milk is best avoided because it has a different amino acid balance which is suitable to calves, not humans. Cow milk also contains more fat and allergens.

Formulas - which are derived from cow's milk - are not recommended due to their unnatural, synthetic makeup.

How Long Should I Breast Feed?

Infants shouldn't have their first meal before 6 months.
A healthy mommy can nourish her baby that entire time on breast milk alone. Waiting  6 months gives the baby time to develop their digestive tract and immune system to reduce chances of allergy and mal food reactions. Premature feeding leads to poor digestion, allergies, immune problems, and obesity.

A child's first food should be simple, natural, preferably organic, and pureed. Imagine coming off of a liquid fast - you can't rush right into solids! Make your own baby foods with a blender and bottle in recycled baby food jars or glass jars! These are RAW baby foods!

Foods to puree':

• pears
• plums
• apples
• sweet potato/squashes
• ANY vegetables

Breast milk should STILL be a part of the diet at this time. Continue the pureed food and breast milk combo throughout month 7.

From 8 months to a year, babies become more hungry and adventurous with food.
Make sure you teach your child the vast amount of natural fruits and vegetables that inhabit this earth and let them know that mommy likes this food too! They will often want whatever it is you have. Use this outgoing attitude as a gateway to a well-rounded diet. Breast milk should still be a part of the diet at this time.

So when do they stop breast feeding already!?
Wane your baby off of breast milk when they are ready. Begin waning after a year.

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As women, we carry a big responsibility, for the world comes through us. Give the next generation a fair chance by beginning the mother-child bond properly! You are their first teacher, their first source of food, shelter, and nourishment. Together, we can change the world <3

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Brooke Johnson aka Brooke Jay is a Social Entrepreneur, Certified Nutrition Consultant, and Wellness Coach, for RAW! on Wheels, a DMV based live vegetarian service.

RAW! offers Meal Plans, Juice Cleanses, Coaching, Catering, Care-giving, & more!  

 

http://www.RAWexclamation.com

Contact her directly at BJohnson@rawexclamation.com