How many of you were breastfed?

lightNlife · Dec 14, 2007

Hi Mom2Lillian,

I admit, I was going for a slightly different bent than the rest of the posters. The information I was basing my response on was the connection between allergies and breast feeding, not specifically CF complications and breastfeeding.

When mothers who have allergies breast feed their infants, there's a chance that the contents of the breast milk may influence the immunoresponse of the infant. Researchers don't fully understand the correlation (as I said before correlation does not equal causation) between breast feeding and allergies. It is presumed at this point (according to kidshealth.org) that allergies are genetic.

My family is an example of this. My mom has BIG TIME allergies, including allergic rhinitis. My sister and I also have severe allergies, although very different ones. As I said before, she was breast fed, I was not. The common denominator is my mom and her allergies.

Keep in mind that these studies say <i>may</i> not, as opposed to <i>do </i>not. I'd like to clarify that I'm not against breastfeeding. It's a natural and important way for a baby to bond with mom. I just don't think all the hype that "to breast feed is to best feed." For some it's just not an option, for one reason or other (in the case of adoption for example) and the mom of those kids shouldn't be made to feel as though she's setting her child up for health problems simply because she didn't breast feed.

To those who are breast feeding, great! If you can do it, more power to ya. If you can't, don't sweat it. You're not a neglectful mom.

Here's just one link that I have handy:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/335/7624/815">Effect of Prolonged Breastfeeding and Allergies</a>

lightNlife · Dec 14, 2007

Hi Mom2Lillian,

I admit, I was going for a slightly different bent than the rest of the posters. The information I was basing my response on was the connection between allergies and breast feeding, not specifically CF complications and breastfeeding.

When mothers who have allergies breast feed their infants, there's a chance that the contents of the breast milk may influence the immunoresponse of the infant. Researchers don't fully understand the correlation (as I said before correlation does not equal causation) between breast feeding and allergies. It is presumed at this point (according to kidshealth.org) that allergies are genetic.

My family is an example of this. My mom has BIG TIME allergies, including allergic rhinitis. My sister and I also have severe allergies, although very different ones. As I said before, she was breast fed, I was not. The common denominator is my mom and her allergies.

Keep in mind that these studies say <i>may</i> not, as opposed to <i>do </i>not. I'd like to clarify that I'm not against breastfeeding. It's a natural and important way for a baby to bond with mom. I just don't think all the hype that "to breast feed is to best feed." For some it's just not an option, for one reason or other (in the case of adoption for example) and the mom of those kids shouldn't be made to feel as though she's setting her child up for health problems simply because she didn't breast feed.

To those who are breast feeding, great! If you can do it, more power to ya. If you can't, don't sweat it. You're not a neglectful mom.

Here's just one link that I have handy:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/335/7624/815">Effect of Prolonged Breastfeeding and Allergies</a>

lightNlife · Dec 14, 2007

Hi Mom2Lillian,

I admit, I was going for a slightly different bent than the rest of the posters. The information I was basing my response on was the connection between allergies and breast feeding, not specifically CF complications and breastfeeding.

When mothers who have allergies breast feed their infants, there's a chance that the contents of the breast milk may influence the immunoresponse of the infant. Researchers don't fully understand the correlation (as I said before correlation does not equal causation) between breast feeding and allergies. It is presumed at this point (according to kidshealth.org) that allergies are genetic.

My family is an example of this. My mom has BIG TIME allergies, including allergic rhinitis. My sister and I also have severe allergies, although very different ones. As I said before, she was breast fed, I was not. The common denominator is my mom and her allergies.

Keep in mind that these studies say <i>may</i> not, as opposed to <i>do </i>not. I'd like to clarify that I'm not against breastfeeding. It's a natural and important way for a baby to bond with mom. I just don't think all the hype that "to breast feed is to best feed." For some it's just not an option, for one reason or other (in the case of adoption for example) and the mom of those kids shouldn't be made to feel as though she's setting her child up for health problems simply because she didn't breast feed.

To those who are breast feeding, great! If you can do it, more power to ya. If you can't, don't sweat it. You're not a neglectful mom.

Here's just one link that I have handy:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/335/7624/815">Effect of Prolonged Breastfeeding and Allergies</a>

lightNlife · Dec 14, 2007

Hi Mom2Lillian,

I admit, I was going for a slightly different bent than the rest of the posters. The information I was basing my response on was the connection between allergies and breast feeding, not specifically CF complications and breastfeeding.

When mothers who have allergies breast feed their infants, there's a chance that the contents of the breast milk may influence the immunoresponse of the infant. Researchers don't fully understand the correlation (as I said before correlation does not equal causation) between breast feeding and allergies. It is presumed at this point (according to kidshealth.org) that allergies are genetic.

My family is an example of this. My mom has BIG TIME allergies, including allergic rhinitis. My sister and I also have severe allergies, although very different ones. As I said before, she was breast fed, I was not. The common denominator is my mom and her allergies.

Keep in mind that these studies say <i>may</i> not, as opposed to <i>do </i>not. I'd like to clarify that I'm not against breastfeeding. It's a natural and important way for a baby to bond with mom. I just don't think all the hype that "to breast feed is to best feed." For some it's just not an option, for one reason or other (in the case of adoption for example) and the mom of those kids shouldn't be made to feel as though she's setting her child up for health problems simply because she didn't breast feed.

To those who are breast feeding, great! If you can do it, more power to ya. If you can't, don't sweat it. You're not a neglectful mom.

Here's just one link that I have handy:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/335/7624/815">Effect of Prolonged Breastfeeding and Allergies</a>

lightNlife · Dec 14, 2007

Hi Mom2Lillian,

I admit, I was going for a slightly different bent than the rest of the posters. The information I was basing my response on was the connection between allergies and breast feeding, not specifically CF complications and breastfeeding.

When mothers who have allergies breast feed their infants, there's a chance that the contents of the breast milk may influence the immunoresponse of the infant. Researchers don't fully understand the correlation (as I said before correlation does not equal causation) between breast feeding and allergies. It is presumed at this point (according to kidshealth.org) that allergies are genetic.

My family is an example of this. My mom has BIG TIME allergies, including allergic rhinitis. My sister and I also have severe allergies, although very different ones. As I said before, she was breast fed, I was not. The common denominator is my mom and her allergies.

Keep in mind that these studies say <i>may</i> not, as opposed to <i>do </i>not. I'd like to clarify that I'm not against breastfeeding. It's a natural and important way for a baby to bond with mom. I just don't think all the hype that "to breast feed is to best feed." For some it's just not an option, for one reason or other (in the case of adoption for example) and the mom of those kids shouldn't be made to feel as though she's setting her child up for health problems simply because she didn't breast feed.

To those who are breast feeding, great! If you can do it, more power to ya. If you can't, don't sweat it. You're not a neglectful mom.

Here's just one link that I have handy:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/335/7624/815">Effect of Prolonged Breastfeeding and Allergies</a>

wanderlost · Dec 14, 2007

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>lightNlife</b></i>

Hi Mom2Lillian,

I admit, I was going for a slightly different bent than the rest of the posters. The information I was basing my response on was the connection between allergies and breast feeding, not specifically CF complications and breastfeeding.

When mothers who have allergies breast feed their infants, there's a chance that the contents of the breast milk may influence the immunoresponse of the infant. Researchers don't fully understand the correlation (as I said before correlation does not equal causation) between breast feeding and allergies. It is presumed at this point (according to kidshealth.org) that allergies are genetic.

My family is an example of this. My mom has BIG TIME allergies, including allergic rhinitis. My sister and I also have severe allergies, although very different ones. As I said before, she was breast fed, I was not. The common denominator is my mom and her allergies.

Keep in mind that these studies say <i>may</i> not, as opposed to <i>do </i>not. I'd like to clarify that I'm not against breastfeeding. It's a natural and important way for a baby to bond with mom. I just don't think all the hype that "to breast feed is to best feed." For some it's just not an option, for one reason or other (in the case of adoption for example) and the mom of those kids shouldn't be made to feel as though she's setting her child up for health problems simply because she didn't breast feed.

To those who are breast feeding, great! If you can do it, more power to ya. If you can't, don't sweat it. You're not a neglectful mom.

Here's just one link that I have handy:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/335/7624/815">Effect of Prolonged Breastfeeding and Allergies</a></end quote></div>

I was all prepared to come in guns slinging on this one after the first post, but in reading this, I see more direclty where you're coming from. I actually have been biting my tongue throug this whole thread since it was not actually a breast vs. formula thread ( and I think everyone knows where I stand! <img src=""> )

I agree that for some moms, breastfeeding is not an option (but even in the case of adoption, a mom truly dedicated to breastfeeding can in fact induce lactation - with a lot of hard work), but I also think society is way too generous in saying that breast is "best" while formula is sufficient. Breast is not "best" it is natural, necessary and as god (or whomever you choose) intended.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>I wanted to point out also that from an evolutionary standpoint, our bodies are really only "programmed" to need a lot of milk at that very young age. That is why so many people become lactose intolerant. Over the centuries, as people have made milk a more prominent part of their diets, we have adapted. </end quote></div>

This is true - of milk OTHER than mother's milk. Mother's milk is the perfect food!

<i>Breastfed babies who are sensitive to dairy in mom's diet are sensitive to specific cow's milk antibodies, in the form of proteins (not lactose), which pass into the mother's milk. Cow's milk (either in the mother's diet or engineered into formula) is a common source of food sensitivity in babies. Cow's milk sensitivity or allergy can cause colic-like symptoms, eczema, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), constipation, hives, and/or a stuffy, itchy nose. </i>

Anyway - just some links/references I have found useful for everyone's perusal that is reading this thread:

A natural age of weaning:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html
">http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html
</a>

Ho wlong is it suggested to nurse:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kathydettwyler.org/dethowlong.htm
">http://www.kathydettwyler.org/dethowlong.htm
</a>

On allergies:

Jakobsson, I. and T. Lindberg 1978 Cow's milk as a cause of infantile colic in breast fed infants. Lancet 2:437-439.

Bloch AM, Mimouni D, Minouni M, Gdalevich M. Does breastfeeding protect against allergic rhinitis during childhood? A meta-analysis of protective studies. Acta Paediatr 2002;91:275-9

Other:

Rubin, D.H. et al. 1990 Relationship between infant feeding and infectious illness: A prospective study of infants during the first year of life. Pediatrics 85:464-471.

Walker, M. 1993 A fresh look at the risk of artificial infant feeding. Journal of Human Lactation 9(2):97-107.

Risks of artificial feeding:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kellymom.com/newman/risks_of_formula_08-02.html
">http://www.kellymom.com/newman...mula_08-02.html
</a>

I have to be honest, I haven't rread every referenced article, but I read the papers that they were referenced in.

Finally - can you be a wonderful mother without breastfeeding? Absolutely, no one refutes that, but I don't want to perpetuate the idea that formula feeding is an equal alternative. As far as allergies go - well, perhaps the proof isn't there for that yet, but there is enough proof for far many other benefits to deny the idea that anything but breast is best.

wanderlost · Dec 14, 2007

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>lightNlife</b></i>

Hi Mom2Lillian,

I admit, I was going for a slightly different bent than the rest of the posters. The information I was basing my response on was the connection between allergies and breast feeding, not specifically CF complications and breastfeeding.

When mothers who have allergies breast feed their infants, there's a chance that the contents of the breast milk may influence the immunoresponse of the infant. Researchers don't fully understand the correlation (as I said before correlation does not equal causation) between breast feeding and allergies. It is presumed at this point (according to kidshealth.org) that allergies are genetic.

My family is an example of this. My mom has BIG TIME allergies, including allergic rhinitis. My sister and I also have severe allergies, although very different ones. As I said before, she was breast fed, I was not. The common denominator is my mom and her allergies.

Keep in mind that these studies say <i>may</i> not, as opposed to <i>do </i>not. I'd like to clarify that I'm not against breastfeeding. It's a natural and important way for a baby to bond with mom. I just don't think all the hype that "to breast feed is to best feed." For some it's just not an option, for one reason or other (in the case of adoption for example) and the mom of those kids shouldn't be made to feel as though she's setting her child up for health problems simply because she didn't breast feed.

To those who are breast feeding, great! If you can do it, more power to ya. If you can't, don't sweat it. You're not a neglectful mom.

Here's just one link that I have handy:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/335/7624/815">Effect of Prolonged Breastfeeding and Allergies</a></end quote></div>

I was all prepared to come in guns slinging on this one after the first post, but in reading this, I see more direclty where you're coming from. I actually have been biting my tongue throug this whole thread since it was not actually a breast vs. formula thread ( and I think everyone knows where I stand! <img src=""> )

I agree that for some moms, breastfeeding is not an option (but even in the case of adoption, a mom truly dedicated to breastfeeding can in fact induce lactation - with a lot of hard work), but I also think society is way too generous in saying that breast is "best" while formula is sufficient. Breast is not "best" it is natural, necessary and as god (or whomever you choose) intended.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>I wanted to point out also that from an evolutionary standpoint, our bodies are really only "programmed" to need a lot of milk at that very young age. That is why so many people become lactose intolerant. Over the centuries, as people have made milk a more prominent part of their diets, we have adapted. </end quote></div>

This is true - of milk OTHER than mother's milk. Mother's milk is the perfect food!

<i>Breastfed babies who are sensitive to dairy in mom's diet are sensitive to specific cow's milk antibodies, in the form of proteins (not lactose), which pass into the mother's milk. Cow's milk (either in the mother's diet or engineered into formula) is a common source of food sensitivity in babies. Cow's milk sensitivity or allergy can cause colic-like symptoms, eczema, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), constipation, hives, and/or a stuffy, itchy nose. </i>

Anyway - just some links/references I have found useful for everyone's perusal that is reading this thread:

A natural age of weaning:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html
">http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html
</a>

Ho wlong is it suggested to nurse:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kathydettwyler.org/dethowlong.htm
">http://www.kathydettwyler.org/dethowlong.htm
</a>

On allergies:

Jakobsson, I. and T. Lindberg 1978 Cow's milk as a cause of infantile colic in breast fed infants. Lancet 2:437-439.

Bloch AM, Mimouni D, Minouni M, Gdalevich M. Does breastfeeding protect against allergic rhinitis during childhood? A meta-analysis of protective studies. Acta Paediatr 2002;91:275-9

Other:

Rubin, D.H. et al. 1990 Relationship between infant feeding and infectious illness: A prospective study of infants during the first year of life. Pediatrics 85:464-471.

Walker, M. 1993 A fresh look at the risk of artificial infant feeding. Journal of Human Lactation 9(2):97-107.

Risks of artificial feeding:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kellymom.com/newman/risks_of_formula_08-02.html
">http://www.kellymom.com/newman...mula_08-02.html
</a>

I have to be honest, I haven't rread every referenced article, but I read the papers that they were referenced in.

Finally - can you be a wonderful mother without breastfeeding? Absolutely, no one refutes that, but I don't want to perpetuate the idea that formula feeding is an equal alternative. As far as allergies go - well, perhaps the proof isn't there for that yet, but there is enough proof for far many other benefits to deny the idea that anything but breast is best.

wanderlost · Dec 14, 2007

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>lightNlife</b></i>

Hi Mom2Lillian,

I admit, I was going for a slightly different bent than the rest of the posters. The information I was basing my response on was the connection between allergies and breast feeding, not specifically CF complications and breastfeeding.

When mothers who have allergies breast feed their infants, there's a chance that the contents of the breast milk may influence the immunoresponse of the infant. Researchers don't fully understand the correlation (as I said before correlation does not equal causation) between breast feeding and allergies. It is presumed at this point (according to kidshealth.org) that allergies are genetic.

My family is an example of this. My mom has BIG TIME allergies, including allergic rhinitis. My sister and I also have severe allergies, although very different ones. As I said before, she was breast fed, I was not. The common denominator is my mom and her allergies.

Keep in mind that these studies say <i>may</i> not, as opposed to <i>do </i>not. I'd like to clarify that I'm not against breastfeeding. It's a natural and important way for a baby to bond with mom. I just don't think all the hype that "to breast feed is to best feed." For some it's just not an option, for one reason or other (in the case of adoption for example) and the mom of those kids shouldn't be made to feel as though she's setting her child up for health problems simply because she didn't breast feed.

To those who are breast feeding, great! If you can do it, more power to ya. If you can't, don't sweat it. You're not a neglectful mom.

Here's just one link that I have handy:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/335/7624/815">Effect of Prolonged Breastfeeding and Allergies</a></end quote></div>

I was all prepared to come in guns slinging on this one after the first post, but in reading this, I see more direclty where you're coming from. I actually have been biting my tongue throug this whole thread since it was not actually a breast vs. formula thread ( and I think everyone knows where I stand! <img src=""> )

I agree that for some moms, breastfeeding is not an option (but even in the case of adoption, a mom truly dedicated to breastfeeding can in fact induce lactation - with a lot of hard work), but I also think society is way too generous in saying that breast is "best" while formula is sufficient. Breast is not "best" it is natural, necessary and as god (or whomever you choose) intended.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>I wanted to point out also that from an evolutionary standpoint, our bodies are really only "programmed" to need a lot of milk at that very young age. That is why so many people become lactose intolerant. Over the centuries, as people have made milk a more prominent part of their diets, we have adapted. </end quote></div>

This is true - of milk OTHER than mother's milk. Mother's milk is the perfect food!

<i>Breastfed babies who are sensitive to dairy in mom's diet are sensitive to specific cow's milk antibodies, in the form of proteins (not lactose), which pass into the mother's milk. Cow's milk (either in the mother's diet or engineered into formula) is a common source of food sensitivity in babies. Cow's milk sensitivity or allergy can cause colic-like symptoms, eczema, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), constipation, hives, and/or a stuffy, itchy nose. </i>

Anyway - just some links/references I have found useful for everyone's perusal that is reading this thread:

A natural age of weaning:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html
">http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html
</a>

Ho wlong is it suggested to nurse:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kathydettwyler.org/dethowlong.htm
">http://www.kathydettwyler.org/dethowlong.htm
</a>

On allergies:

Jakobsson, I. and T. Lindberg 1978 Cow's milk as a cause of infantile colic in breast fed infants. Lancet 2:437-439.

Bloch AM, Mimouni D, Minouni M, Gdalevich M. Does breastfeeding protect against allergic rhinitis during childhood? A meta-analysis of protective studies. Acta Paediatr 2002;91:275-9

Other:

Rubin, D.H. et al. 1990 Relationship between infant feeding and infectious illness: A prospective study of infants during the first year of life. Pediatrics 85:464-471.

Walker, M. 1993 A fresh look at the risk of artificial infant feeding. Journal of Human Lactation 9(2):97-107.

Risks of artificial feeding:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kellymom.com/newman/risks_of_formula_08-02.html
">http://www.kellymom.com/newman...mula_08-02.html
</a>

I have to be honest, I haven't rread every referenced article, but I read the papers that they were referenced in.

Finally - can you be a wonderful mother without breastfeeding? Absolutely, no one refutes that, but I don't want to perpetuate the idea that formula feeding is an equal alternative. As far as allergies go - well, perhaps the proof isn't there for that yet, but there is enough proof for far many other benefits to deny the idea that anything but breast is best.

wanderlost · Dec 14, 2007

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>lightNlife</b></i>

Hi Mom2Lillian,

I admit, I was going for a slightly different bent than the rest of the posters. The information I was basing my response on was the connection between allergies and breast feeding, not specifically CF complications and breastfeeding.

When mothers who have allergies breast feed their infants, there's a chance that the contents of the breast milk may influence the immunoresponse of the infant. Researchers don't fully understand the correlation (as I said before correlation does not equal causation) between breast feeding and allergies. It is presumed at this point (according to kidshealth.org) that allergies are genetic.

My family is an example of this. My mom has BIG TIME allergies, including allergic rhinitis. My sister and I also have severe allergies, although very different ones. As I said before, she was breast fed, I was not. The common denominator is my mom and her allergies.

Keep in mind that these studies say <i>may</i> not, as opposed to <i>do </i>not. I'd like to clarify that I'm not against breastfeeding. It's a natural and important way for a baby to bond with mom. I just don't think all the hype that "to breast feed is to best feed." For some it's just not an option, for one reason or other (in the case of adoption for example) and the mom of those kids shouldn't be made to feel as though she's setting her child up for health problems simply because she didn't breast feed.

To those who are breast feeding, great! If you can do it, more power to ya. If you can't, don't sweat it. You're not a neglectful mom.

Here's just one link that I have handy:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/335/7624/815">Effect of Prolonged Breastfeeding and Allergies</a></end quote>

I was all prepared to come in guns slinging on this one after the first post, but in reading this, I see more direclty where you're coming from. I actually have been biting my tongue throug this whole thread since it was not actually a breast vs. formula thread ( and I think everyone knows where I stand! <img src=""> )

I agree that for some moms, breastfeeding is not an option (but even in the case of adoption, a mom truly dedicated to breastfeeding can in fact induce lactation - with a lot of hard work), but I also think society is way too generous in saying that breast is "best" while formula is sufficient. Breast is not "best" it is natural, necessary and as god (or whomever you choose) intended.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>I wanted to point out also that from an evolutionary standpoint, our bodies are really only "programmed" to need a lot of milk at that very young age. That is why so many people become lactose intolerant. Over the centuries, as people have made milk a more prominent part of their diets, we have adapted. </end quote>

This is true - of milk OTHER than mother's milk. Mother's milk is the perfect food!

<i>Breastfed babies who are sensitive to dairy in mom's diet are sensitive to specific cow's milk antibodies, in the form of proteins (not lactose), which pass into the mother's milk. Cow's milk (either in the mother's diet or engineered into formula) is a common source of food sensitivity in babies. Cow's milk sensitivity or allergy can cause colic-like symptoms, eczema, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), constipation, hives, and/or a stuffy, itchy nose. </i>

Anyway - just some links/references I have found useful for everyone's perusal that is reading this thread:

A natural age of weaning:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html
">http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html
</a>

Ho wlong is it suggested to nurse:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kathydettwyler.org/dethowlong.htm
">http://www.kathydettwyler.org/dethowlong.htm
</a>

On allergies:

Jakobsson, I. and T. Lindberg 1978 Cow's milk as a cause of infantile colic in breast fed infants. Lancet 2:437-439.

Bloch AM, Mimouni D, Minouni M, Gdalevich M. Does breastfeeding protect against allergic rhinitis during childhood? A meta-analysis of protective studies. Acta Paediatr 2002;91:275-9

Other:

Rubin, D.H. et al. 1990 Relationship between infant feeding and infectious illness: A prospective study of infants during the first year of life. Pediatrics 85:464-471.

Walker, M. 1993 A fresh look at the risk of artificial infant feeding. Journal of Human Lactation 9(2):97-107.

Risks of artificial feeding:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kellymom.com/newman/risks_of_formula_08-02.html
">http://www.kellymom.com/newman...mula_08-02.html
</a>

I have to be honest, I haven't rread every referenced article, but I read the papers that they were referenced in.

Finally - can you be a wonderful mother without breastfeeding? Absolutely, no one refutes that, but I don't want to perpetuate the idea that formula feeding is an equal alternative. As far as allergies go - well, perhaps the proof isn't there for that yet, but there is enough proof for far many other benefits to deny the idea that anything but breast is best.

wanderlost · Dec 14, 2007

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>lightNlife</b></i>

Hi Mom2Lillian,

I admit, I was going for a slightly different bent than the rest of the posters. The information I was basing my response on was the connection between allergies and breast feeding, not specifically CF complications and breastfeeding.

When mothers who have allergies breast feed their infants, there's a chance that the contents of the breast milk may influence the immunoresponse of the infant. Researchers don't fully understand the correlation (as I said before correlation does not equal causation) between breast feeding and allergies. It is presumed at this point (according to kidshealth.org) that allergies are genetic.

My family is an example of this. My mom has BIG TIME allergies, including allergic rhinitis. My sister and I also have severe allergies, although very different ones. As I said before, she was breast fed, I was not. The common denominator is my mom and her allergies.

Keep in mind that these studies say <i>may</i> not, as opposed to <i>do </i>not. I'd like to clarify that I'm not against breastfeeding. It's a natural and important way for a baby to bond with mom. I just don't think all the hype that "to breast feed is to best feed." For some it's just not an option, for one reason or other (in the case of adoption for example) and the mom of those kids shouldn't be made to feel as though she's setting her child up for health problems simply because she didn't breast feed.

To those who are breast feeding, great! If you can do it, more power to ya. If you can't, don't sweat it. You're not a neglectful mom.

Here's just one link that I have handy:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/335/7624/815">Effect of Prolonged Breastfeeding and Allergies</a></end quote>

I was all prepared to come in guns slinging on this one after the first post, but in reading this, I see more direclty where you're coming from. I actually have been biting my tongue throug this whole thread since it was not actually a breast vs. formula thread ( and I think everyone knows where I stand! <img src=""> )

I agree that for some moms, breastfeeding is not an option (but even in the case of adoption, a mom truly dedicated to breastfeeding can in fact induce lactation - with a lot of hard work), but I also think society is way too generous in saying that breast is "best" while formula is sufficient. Breast is not "best" it is natural, necessary and as god (or whomever you choose) intended.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>I wanted to point out also that from an evolutionary standpoint, our bodies are really only "programmed" to need a lot of milk at that very young age. That is why so many people become lactose intolerant. Over the centuries, as people have made milk a more prominent part of their diets, we have adapted. </end quote>

This is true - of milk OTHER than mother's milk. Mother's milk is the perfect food!

<i>Breastfed babies who are sensitive to dairy in mom's diet are sensitive to specific cow's milk antibodies, in the form of proteins (not lactose), which pass into the mother's milk. Cow's milk (either in the mother's diet or engineered into formula) is a common source of food sensitivity in babies. Cow's milk sensitivity or allergy can cause colic-like symptoms, eczema, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), constipation, hives, and/or a stuffy, itchy nose. </i>

Anyway - just some links/references I have found useful for everyone's perusal that is reading this thread:

A natural age of weaning:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html
">http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html
</a>

Ho wlong is it suggested to nurse:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kathydettwyler.org/dethowlong.htm
">http://www.kathydettwyler.org/dethowlong.htm
</a>

On allergies:

Jakobsson, I. and T. Lindberg 1978 Cow's milk as a cause of infantile colic in breast fed infants. Lancet 2:437-439.

Bloch AM, Mimouni D, Minouni M, Gdalevich M. Does breastfeeding protect against allergic rhinitis during childhood? A meta-analysis of protective studies. Acta Paediatr 2002;91:275-9

Other:

Rubin, D.H. et al. 1990 Relationship between infant feeding and infectious illness: A prospective study of infants during the first year of life. Pediatrics 85:464-471.

Walker, M. 1993 A fresh look at the risk of artificial infant feeding. Journal of Human Lactation 9(2):97-107.

Risks of artificial feeding:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kellymom.com/newman/risks_of_formula_08-02.html
">http://www.kellymom.com/newman...mula_08-02.html
</a>

I have to be honest, I haven't rread every referenced article, but I read the papers that they were referenced in.

Finally - can you be a wonderful mother without breastfeeding? Absolutely, no one refutes that, but I don't want to perpetuate the idea that formula feeding is an equal alternative. As far as allergies go - well, perhaps the proof isn't there for that yet, but there is enough proof for far many other benefits to deny the idea that anything but breast is best.

mom2lillian · Dec 15, 2007