A Brief History of Modern Formulas

The highlighted portion of the below text in red, should not have been the reason to start using. The Physicians also stuck their heads in the sand.


The rise of proprietary formulas

Despite the introduction of proprietary infant formulas in the 1920s, most parents continued to use evaporated milk formula because it was easy to prepare and affordable. It was not until the 1950s that commercial formulas began to slowly gain acceptance.

In the decades that followed, a variety of new formulas came on the market. Nutramigen, introduced in 1942, was the first protein hydrolysate infant formula. Ross Laboratories' Similac concentrate became available in 1951, and Mead Johnson's Enfamil (for "infant milk") was introduced in 1959. In that year, Ross first marketed Similac with iron. Iron-fortified formula was poorly accepted initially because of the widespread belief that iron fortification caused gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea and constipation.

During the 1960s, commercial formulas grew in popularity, and by the mid-1970s they had all but replaced evaporated milk formulas as the "standard" for infant nutrition. During this time, the percentage of women who breastfed their newborn reached an all-time low (25%), in part because of the ease of use and low cost of commercial formula and a belief that formulas were "medically approved" to provide optimal nutrition for young infants.

A major factor in the acceptance of commercial formulas was their use in hospitals to feed newborn infants during the 1960s and 1970s. To encourage acceptance, formula companies began to provide inexpensive or free formula to hospitals in ready-to-feed bottles, enabling the phasing out of hospital formula preparation rooms. Mothers who witnessed how well their newborns accepted these easily prepared formulas were often convinced to continue this practice at home. Moreover, although pediatricians did not dissuade mothers from nursing, it was not strongly encouraged, as it is today.
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Breastfeeding Myths Debunked

"I'm going back to work." Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to reconnect with your little one after a long day of work. And, it's a good excuse to sit down and relax, letting those calming hormones work their magic on you. You can express your milk to leave for your baby during the day or, if it works better for you, combine breastfeeding and formula feeding.


"Breastfeeding requires a long commitment." It's okay to take nursing one day at a time. Any breast milk that your baby receives will be a wonderful gift. Colostrum, your first milk, gives your baby a very concentrated form of nutrition -- the best possible start. If you're unsure how long you want to breastfeed, set a goal, perhaps nursing for the first six weeks, and do all you can to make breastfeeding work in your life. You may be surprised to find that once you reach your goal you aren't ready to stop breastfeeding!


"Breastfeeding hurts." Breastfeeding shouldn't be painful. Though it's normal to have some passing tenderness in the first few days as your breasts adjust, stronger pain should not be ignored. It's usually caused by problems with positiong and attachment. Schedule a visit with a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) who will observe a complete feed and offer recommendations.


"I don't have enough milk." Almost all women can produce enough milk to feed their babies. One look at breastfeeding statistics in Norway, where breastfeeding is encouraged and supported, tells the story: 99% of women initiate breastfeeding, and 96% are still nursing at one month. Insufficient milk supply usually results from the baby not accessing Mom's milk. This typically is due to poor positioning and attachment, or insufficient feeds. Frequent feeds do not indicate a low milk supply. They are your baby's way of increasing your milk supply. It's also normal for your breasts to feel less full as you adjust to your baby's milk intake -- generally two and six weeks after your baby's birth. If your baby has good output and is gaining weight normally, you can be sure she is getting enough milk.


"I need a break." The first few weeks of mothering are challenging, whether you breastfeed or formula feed. Think of nursing in a new way: It's a great time to sit down, put your feet up and relax, or even lie down to feed your baby. You're not stuck in the house 24/7 either. You can take your little one along with you, without packing bottles, or get out for a couple of hours alone, right after a feed. Once the first few weeks pass, you'll find that breastfeeding requires minimal effort.


"My diet isn't good enough." Though healthy eating is a wonderful goal, research shows that the quality and quantity of mother's milk is sufficient, even with an inadequate diet. And you probably won't need to give up spicy or gas-producing foods, or even one alcoholic drink a day. Breastfeeding rarely requires dietary restrictions.


"My husband isn't on board with the idea." New dads want to participate, and there is plenty to do with a newborn other than breastfeed. Dads can soothe their babies, rock them, take them for walks, bathe them, change their diapers, and more. (And a bonus: breastfed babies' diapers are much more pleasant smelling than their formula-fed peers.) Dads also benefit because they don't have to prepare middle-of-the-night bottles. Last but not least, a breastfed bab y is easier on the budget due to lower health care costs, fewer sick days, and savings on formula.

For more information, visit KristaClark.com

Link Between Proper Nutrition And Breastfeeding

Here is a small excerpt from an article elaborating on the benefits of Breastfeeding. In today's society, especially the US, it is extremely difficult for many mothers, especially those working outside the home to breastfeed. However, please explore it's importance, and see if you can implement.

Infant formula was designed to be a medical nutritional tool for babies who are unable to breastfeed, and survival with today's formulas is much higher than with some less-developed concoctions such as straight animal milks or powdered milk/syrup mixes. Just like drugs or surgeries, when it's needed, infant formula is an extremely valuable substitute to have available. No breastmilk substitute meets the optimal nutritional needs for baby, and all artificial feeds fall quite short in providing the immunity needs of infants, leaving their tiny systems flailing.

For more information, visit KristaClark.com

Childrens Health Web Site

My Blog is new, and my Web Site KristaClark.com is also. Both of theses venues will be assisting Mom's in their awesome responsibility in their children's health, both physical and mental.
Please come back every couple days as I will be providing information regularly