Breastfeeding: Healthy Babies, Healthy Communities, Part 2

By Nouf Bazaz

Women around the world are connected through a long tradition of breastfeeding. Modern day science has even heralded the benefit of breast milk; The American Association of Pediatricians affirms that breastfeeding leads to the "best possible health as well as the best developmental and psychosocial outcomes for the infant." However, this traditional practice is rapidly being replaced by man-made baby formulas. Unethical advertising by formula companies is rampant despite a marketing code introduced in 1981 by the World Health Organization to regulate breast milk substitutes. Today, a culture of bottle-feeding has become more widespread than ever as ruthless multi-national corporations make it exceedingly difficult for a mother to choose to nurse her baby.

It is a mother's right to know exactly what substances are placed in her infant's body. Formula milk can never replicate the properties of human milk despite the claims of some manufacturers. This is due in large part to the fact that scientists cannot even determine the exact composition of breast milk. An issue of Endocrine Regulation supported this claim by adding that "human milk contains living cells, hormones, active enzymes, immunoglobulins and compounds with unique structures that cannot be replicated in infant formula." Furthermore, the composition of breast milk is constantly changing to meet the individual needs of the baby while formula remains uniform.

Today, infant formula is derived from either cow's milk or soybeans. Neither replacement is easily digestible for a child and can stay in the digestive tract up to 3 times longer than breast milk. Furthermore, cow milk products such as Similac, Enfamil and Good Start can pose a severe risk factor for insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Infant formula derived from cow milk can also increase the chances of developing a milk allergy or lactose intolerance. Similarly, soy formula may pose various dangers to an infant as well. The proteins in soybeans can block the actions of enzymes such as tripsin that are vital in protein digestion. In animals, this has stunted growth and caused enlargement of the pancreas and such pathological conditions as cancer. Phytic acid or phylates are also found in soybeans that can block such nutrients as calcium, magnesium, iron and especially zinc from being absorbed. Soybeans are also found to contain aluminum that can be detrimental to a young infant. Phytoestrogens or isoflavones, powerful estrogen-like compounds, are found in soy formula as well. In animals, these compounds have changed patterns of growth and even led to infertility. Most startling, however, is that infants exclusively fed soy formula receive the equivalent of five birth control pills a day. This can drastically affect thyroid function and cause autoimmune thyroid disease and even cancer of the thyroid.

The Environmental Working Group has cited bisphenol A (BPA) as a deadly substance that can be found in formula. BPA seeps into the formula through the metal cans in which they are packaged and is 20 times more prevalent in liquid formula than powdered formula. In lab animals, this chemical caused hyperactivity, reproductive abnormalities and pediatric brain cancer. Scientists have also noted how it could be connected to various medical problems in humans such as breast and testicular cancer. Despite the Working Group's claim that BPA is harmful to infants even in small doses, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not repealed its arcane stance on the use of BPA and other estrogen-like compounds.

It is a common misconception that the FDA closely monitors formula. Minimal standards are in place that merely require certain ingredients to be present and listed on the package. These nutrient requirements were passed by Congress in the Infant Formula Act of 1980. Despite this loose regulation, formulas have been subject to various recalls as a result of contamination after production as well as for hazardous composition. Twenty-two significant recalls of formula have been documented between 1982 and 1994 in the United States. A third of the recalls were deemed life threatening.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has set aside the following guidelines for the usage of formula milk: Exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months after birth. Infants weaned before 12 months of age should not receive cow's milk feedings but should receive iron-fortified infant formula. Women who are unable to breastfeed should consider this alternative but should understand the risks involved; A wet nurse may be a more suitable option.

Today, the vast majority of women who do not breastfeed are not unable to do so but choose not to. This is in large part due to the power yielded by formula companies that has infiltrated a women's health care center and community. Educate yourself on the benefits of breastfeeding as well as the risks involved with formula feeding. Do not buy into the multi-million dollar image of the "modern" woman that bottle-feeds her child. When you enter the hospital to deliver your baby, be sure to make it clear to your doctor and nurse that you intend to breastfeed. Do not accept free samples of formula from your health care provider. Many women utilize these samples and are unable to breastfeed once the samples are finished. At that point, women are forced to succumb to the costly and environmentally degrading process of bottle-feeding. Do not allow your baby's body to be a battle ground for multi-national corporations operating on the whims of a capricious formula industry.

Interventions for Native women should be rooted in traditions of kinship. Women who lack the confidence to breastfeed or are nervous to do so should be encouraged by their loved ones. Be sure to stress that breast feeding is part of a natural, traditional way of life and that it is the most important gift a mother can give to her child. Promote oral traditions by sharing stories of breastfeeding with other women in the community. Start a support group for women to share experiences and voice concerns over breastfeeding. Appoint an Elder in the community to be a lactation specialist. Lactation consultants or organizations such as La Leche League can be excellent resources. Together we can create healthier babies and healthier communities.

Resources:
1) Kanistenhsera Teiakotitsnie: A Native Community rekindles the tradition of Breastfeeding. Lifelines, 7 (4), 340-347.

2) Mother Support: Going For the Gold 2008 (World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action)

3) La Leche League http://www.llli.org

4) To Donate Breast Milk
http://www.ehow.com/how_2074867_donate-breastmilk.html