Which Bottle is Best?

Finding the best bottle is a feat that can add up rather quickly. First you have to decide between glass and plastic. Then if you want a liner system or a standard bottle. Then the whole nipple question - standard or wide base, breast-like, flow. THEN brand. Wow. Fortunately, your baby will help you decide rather quickly. Unfortunately, you need to have the bottle before you baby can tell you his preferences ;)


I made the mistake of investing in rather expensive bottles (buying six of them for nearly $6 a pop!) without considering the fact my son may not take to them. 


Turns out the bottles I bought had a super fast flow - too fast for my little guy, and he HATED them. So I tried standard nipples on the milk collection containers that come standard with a breast pump. Those were fine, except they caused quite a bit of gas for my newborn.


I moved on to another brand. And another. And ANOTHER. Finally, I found an anti-gas bottle that seemed to appease baby. For three months. Then it was time to switch, again. Ironically, we ended up back with the expensive bottles I had initially thought were the solution and they've gotten us to the finish line (it's time to transition to sippy cups 100%!)


For us, here are the brands that worked and didn't:


Best: Playtex VentAire, Tommee Tippee (after four months)
Ok: Dr. Brown's (fine but a nuisance to get clean), MAM (were fine but didn't solve gas fussiness)
Not for Us: Tommee Tippee (before four months, even with "slow" nipple), Medela Breastmilk Bottles (made for a gassy baby)


And here are a few articles to help as you consider bottles:


The 5 Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies Lil' Sugar Article
Medela Introduces Award-Winning Calma in the United States WSJ MarketPlace Article

The "F" Word.

FORMULA.


There's an immediate reaction for mother's who opt to breastfeed ...


When I was pregnant, I was certain I was going to breastfeed. So certain that I actually donated the formula samples I received in the mail to a local food bank. I didn't need them, so why keep them?


Let's be honest with ourselves ... if you're a modern mom, you will almost certainly need formula for your baby at some point.


And there are LOTS of options out there. Some guidance as you navigate the formula aisle, courtesy What to Expect:

• Regular iron-fortified formula. Cow's milk is a definite no-no for babies younger than 12 months because it's hard to digest and doesn't provide the complete nutrition developing infants need. But most formulas for bottle-feeding are made with cow's milk that's been modified for human babies. Proteins are altered to be easily digestible, milk sugar (or lactose) is added to more closely resemble breast milk, and vegetable oil is substituted for butterfat. (Because iron is so essential for infant growth and development, both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the majority of pediatricians recommend iron-fortified formula for most babies until at least their first birthday.)

• Hydrolyzed formula. The protein content is broken down into smaller proteins, making it easier for baby to digest (which is why it’s also known as predigested formula). There’s a lot to consider about switching to hydrolyzed formula or even partially hydrolyzed formula (for one, it’s often more pricey) so be sure to talk to your pediatrician about bottle-feeding an allergy-prone baby before you make this choice.

• Soy-based formula. Originally popularized by dairy-averse vegans, soy-based formulas are made from soybeans supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. However, because soy formulas differ more from human milk than cow's milk, they aren't usually recommended as a drink-of-choice except under certain circumstances (e.g., a cow's milk allergy, though keep in mind it's common for infants with a milk allergy to also be sensitive to soy protein). The American Academy of Pediatrics maintains that soy-based formula should only be used in a handful of situations, for example in the rare instance that a baby is intolerant to galactose.

• Special formula. Some babies that are bottle-feeding, such as premature infants or babies allergic to both cow's milk and soy formulas and babies with metabolic disorders such as PKU, require special formulations. These infant formula products, which aren't necessary or recommended unless your pediatrician says so, are often hypoallergenic, lactose-free, or especially easy to digest (and come with a particularly steep price tag).

• Organic formula. These come from milk products that are produced without the use of pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, or growth hormones, and for that reason are considered healthier. However, certain organic infant formulas are sweetened with cane sugar (sucrose), which is significantly sweeter than the sugars commonly used in formula, and which, some experts worry, could contribute to problems like tooth decay and excess weight gain. Not all organic formulas use sucrose, however, so check the labels and, if you still have questions, ask your pediatrician.

• Probiotic and prebiotic formula. Some formulas for babies are now fortified with probiotics, a bacteria which is supposed to prevent diarrhea in otherwise healthy children. However probiotics should not be given to chronic or seriously ill babies, and according to AAP, the jury is still out on whether or not they are effective in treating diarrhea or preventing any other diseases. Prebiotics are also added to some formulas in order to reduce infections in healthy children, but it is still uncertain whether or not they are effective, either.

• Follow-up formula. These formulas are geared toward bottle-feeding babies older than four months who are also eating solid foods. They are not a good choice for a younger baby and you should always ask your doctor before introducing them to the menu.

And my own 2¢ ...


Infant formula is government regulated (click to see the FDA Infant Formula Overview), so there isn't any nutritional benefit to bigger brands (which command a significant premium). This is heresy to say as a marketer, but it's the truth. I recommend using samples to see how your baby's tummy handles the stuff. And try a generic / off-brand.


For me, Similac was my preferred brand (I got a TON of samples), but it caused my baby to spit-up really bad. I also tried Enfamil in the "to-go" packets with similar results. Walmart's Parents Choice brand was fine, but it was very smelly going in and coming out. We've settled with the CVS brand, which doesn't smell as terrible as other formulas and has been the mildest on baby's digestive system.

I buy the small 12 ounce cans, which last me about four weeks if I use them for mid-night feedings exclusively. William wakes up around 3a or 4a every night and wants a snack before going back to sleep. Rather than make him wait for an expressed bottle to warm, I make 4 ounces of formula, which is just enough to soothe him and hold him over for another three hours.

***Update: Rosie is an Enfamil kinda girl. I got a ton of samples for Enfamil, and my new pediatrician recommended it as well, so we've gone brand name. I have plenty of coupons that cut the cost to near generic, so that helps. We tried a can of Gerber Good Start and it put poor sweet Rosie in absolute misery. Turns out, according to our pediatrician, many babies can't tolerate Gerber Good Start! Just be careful not to over supplement when trying a new brand, or you can open the door for a bought of colic!

Fenugreek: Myth or Miracle??

I have to admit, up until very recently I was staunchly against use of herbal supplements to increase milk production. Then a trifecta of change hit: I wasn't able to pump as often, I got sick and my son decided he didn't want to eat solids as much. The net result? A hit on my milk supply and lowered production. It was bad, and I became extremely concerned I was drying up and the end was near. 


SO ... I decided to reconsider Fenugreek. After much belabored research, I took a chance on the maple-syrupy herbal supplement, and held my breath.


The result? A noticeable increase in my milk production. Yes - noticeable! Dramatic, no, but it brought me back up to normal (where I had been down by nearly 50%). Of course, I have to mention this was MY experience and yours may differ, but I can say with confidence it is worth the effort if you are desperate.


Side effects include maple syrup smelling BO. Seriously, not to get too personal (though I think we crossed that line long ago), but my armpits smelled like maple syrup. It's crazy. That's it though ... no aftertaste or burping, no weirdness. There are blood-sugar level effects, but nothing that I noticed. Then again, I'm not diabetic, so be sure to do the proper research before taking the plunge.


Some links as you start your research:


Fenugreek - An Herb to Increase Milk Supply 
What is the most important information I should know about fenugreek?
All About Fenugreek
Fenugreek: One Remedy for Low Milk Production
Fenugreek: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings


Good luck, moms.

What's the Big Deal with Breastfeeding?

Curious why the big hype about breastfeeding? After all, formula-feeding has been the norm for many years and we're all just fine, aren't we?


There are countless benefits to breastfeeding - both to you and your baby. My personal favorites include:

• formula feeding is fine (gasp!) and you're baby will grow to be a beautiful and healthy child. But breastmilk offers an incredible immunity-boost that no man-made formula can deliver. Nothing compares to mommy's antibodies.
• breastfeeding is cheaper, even if you are an Expressive Mom! See the real numbers in this post
• it's the easiest way to get back to pre-baby weight (breastfeeding burns 500 calories per day!). I've actually dropped a dress size from my pre-baby size - I eat like pig and haven't bothered with dieting or exercising, so it's definitely the breastfeeding.
• you may benefit from a reduced risk of breast cancer among at-risk women.  To be sure, there are MANY correlations for causes / prevention of breast cancer. Click to CNN Article
• you may also benefit from a reduced risk for uterine and ovarian cancers 

Plenty of articles out there on the benefits of breastfeeding ... some for the sampling:

7 Ways Breastfeeding Benefits Mothers - Ask Dr. Sears
Why Breastfeeding is Important - WomensHealth.gov
Benefits of Breastfeeding - Natural Resources Defense Council 
Your Guide to Breastfeeding - WebMD

Why breast milk could hold the key to beating Alzheimer's

Why breast milk could hold the key to beating Alzheimer's

Embryonic stem cells could revolutionise treatment of cancer, blindness, diabetes, Parkinson’s and paralysis

Breast milk cells can turn into cells of the bone, cartilage, fat, brain, liver and pancreas

By FIONA MACRAE

The milk, intended by Mother Nature to give babies the best start in life, is rich in stem cells, which have the chameleon-like properties found in those taken from embryos.Breast milk contains stem cells that could potentially beat diseases from Alzheimer’s to cancer, according to scientists.

The milk could provide a ready and ethical source of stem cells, which are widely seen as a ‘repair kit’ due to their potential to turn into any cell type in the body. Cancer, blindness, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and paralysis could all potentially be healed by the power of ‘master cells’.

The use of embryonic stem cells is mired in controversy because harvesting them from an embryo leads to its death. But the New Scientist reported that breast milk stem cells can turn into bone cells, cartilage, fat, brain, liver and pancreas, a breastfeeding conference will hear next year.

Researcher Foteini Hassiotou, of the University of Western Australia, said: ‘Breast milk offers a new exciting opportunity for stem cell therapies.’

Chris Mason, professor of regenerative medicine at University College London, said more proof is needed that the cells are as versatile as billed, but added: ‘If they are truly embryonic, this will be another way of getting stem cells that would not raise ethical concerns.’

Even if they do not turn out to be as versatile as hoped, said Newcastle University stem cell scientist Lyle Armstrong, a woman could still bank stem cells from her milk and use them to help in the treatment of a disease such as diabetes later in life.

Embryonic stem cell research suffered a major set-back earlier this week when the first company to test them in people withdrew from the field.For instance, a woman could bank the stem cells from her milk and then use them  to help in the treatment of a disease such as diabetes later in life.

Californian biotech company Geron hoped the revolutionary therapy would help  the paralysed walk again.

The trial on men and women with spinal cord injuries caused by car crashes and  sporting accidents was hailed as 'the beginning of a new chapter in medical  therapeutics'.

But after treating just four patients, Geron shelved the work, blaming the high costs and red tape of stem cell research as well as 'uncertain economic conditions'.

However, others questioned whether it would have given up on the treatment if  it really was going to produce the miracles promised.

Geron, which now intends to focus on cancer drugs, has not released any  information about how well the treatment worked.

Europe's first embryonic stem cell trial is due to start later this year when a jab to cure blindness is tested at London's Moorfields Eye Hospital.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2062922/Scientists-use-breast-milk-embryonic-stem-cells-row.html#ixzz1e8GlSXDL 

The Perfect Latch

Just as with breastfeeding, the perfect latch is critical to success.


When you pump, you need to be sure you have a proper latch in order to maximize your production, minimize your time investment and avoid roughing up your delicate nips.


Some pointers:

• be sure you have the right flange size - yes! they can vary in size! Your nipple should fit comfortably in the neck of the flange; it should not be squeezed and it should not have space around it (see below, courtesy Medela):

• when you start pumping, make sure your nipple is parallel to the neck of the flange, as depicted above. If it is sideways or crooked, you will have decreased efficiency
• start on a lower speed and increase once your milk has let down to a comfortable level. you do not need to pump at maximum speed / strength - this can make for some very tender nipples!!
• you should feel "tugging" on your nipples, but under no circumstances should you feel pain. consider a lower setting if you experience discomfort during or after pumping

If you have the perfect latch, but your nipples are only being slightly stimulated, check that your pump is attached properly:

• is the flange airtight to your breast?
• is your nipple properly centered in the flange?
• are the pump membranes in place?
• are you missing any pieces
• are the hoses airtight?
• is every piece snapped in place properly?

Do the Math: A Cost Analysis of Expressing v. Formula-Feeding

I don't think anyone would disagree that breastfeeding from the breast is cheaper than formula-feeding.

But what about us Expressive Moms who bottle-feed breastmilk? Is there still a cost-advantage?

I did a cost analysis (what? I am a business-woman and an MBA candidate) focusing strictly on financial figures and found the following:

Cost to be an Expressive Mom:

• 100% expressing: $423
• Expressing + 1x Bottle per day Supplement: $608

Cost to formula feed for one year:

• Generic brand formula: $749
• Brand name formula: $1,258

If you continue to feed your baby breastmilk until age two (as recommended by most health organizations other than the US government), you can save an additional $178 by not buying whole milk.

Notes and assumptions:

• Calculations were made on average feedings, based on this chart (which have been quite accurate, according to my experience).
• I assumed ZERO waste ... as in every drop of every bottle is consumed. Remember, formula goes bad after an hour, so this is likely a VERY conservative estimate.
• Growth spurts were not accounted for - and it's been my experience that consumption can increase by as much as 20% during growth spurts!
• I used the largest containers of powder formula for this analysis - they are the cheapest - so the figures inflate for different sizes, pre-made, portable variations.
• Included in 100% expressive figure are Medela brand hands-free breast pump, storage containers, cleaning wipes, and freezer bags. These are definitely some of the more expensive items, so costs can be cut further by using cheaper brands (ie. Lansinoh, Simplisse, etc)
• Supplementing 1x bottle per day uses generic powder formula costs
• Assume feeding 16 oz of whole milk from age one to two per day, with a cost of $3.89 per gallon
• Cost for bottles, nipples, bottle cleaners, and anything else related to bottle-use are the same for expressing and formula-feeding, so they are not reflected in these figures.

Generic formula used for analysis was CVS Milk-Based Powder Infant Formula 0-12 Months (cost: $15.49 // 23.4 oz). Brand name formula used for analysis was Similac Advance EarlyShield Powder with Iron (cost: $25.79 // 23.2 oz). 

... and, remember if you have more than one baby the costs decrease with each child, since pumps and containers are reusable!