American Academy of Pediatrics Swoops in to Protect Parents from Formula and Magnets

Let it be said  from the outset that I think breastfeeding is wonderful and that I do not believe that you should let your baby ingest magnets of any kind.

I do find the juxtaposition of the two announcements from the AAP somewhat amusing, though.

The resolution about formula is bound to bring out another round of the Mommy Wars–rabidly pro-breastfeeding/anti-formula, rabidly pro-formula and all the people who just want to live and let live:

WHEREAS, breastfeeding is the normal, physiologic way to feed newborn infants; and
WHEREAS, not breastfeeding increases the risk of adverse health outcomes in mothers and their infants; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Surgeon General have stated strongly and clearly that patients must be protected from commercial infant formula marketing

Read more...

The ‘Breast is Best’ Backlash from the Similac Recall

Can't we all just get along?

In the wake of last week's Simulac recall, there has been an enormous preponderance of "Breast is Best" and "Breast milk Never Gets Recalled" comments all over the media. Why must a formula recall  bring such smugness and feelings of superiority in so many pro-breastfeeding advocates?

Yes, in the best of all possible situations, breast milk is probably what's best for babies.  Best situation includes a healthy full term baby, a mother who is able to take proper care of herself and has access to the help she needs to get her nursing off to the right start, a mother who has the desire to breast feed and will not completely resent her baby and so on and so forth.

Read more...

Similac Infant Formula Recalled due to Beetle infestation

Abbot Laboratories, the makers of Similac infant Formula, have announced a voluntary recall of about 5 million containers of their powder formula.  The reason? Brace yourself.

You know how people always make those dumb cracks about kids who eat bugs getting extra protein?

Pieces of beetles and beetle larvae were found both in the formula and in the plant that produces the formula. Ewwwww.

According the the FDA, there should be "no immediate health risk" to babies who have consumed this formula, but could experience symptoms of "gastrointestinal discomfort and refusal to eat as a result of small insect parts irritating the GI tract." 

Read more...