Who assumes the risk of vaccine

Vaccines: Who assumes the risks? by Victoria Moore

(NaturalNews) Most parents who refuse to vaccinate for personal or religious reasons are usually asked by a doctor to sign an exemption form by theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This form is nothing more than an indoctrination piece about the supposed value of vaccines and the risks of not vaccinating. By signing this form, parents are falsely assuming risk for opting out of the immunizations. This measure is meant to be intimidating as well as remove liability from the doctor in the event the child becomes sick.

The big pharma way or the highway

With vaccine injuries on the rise, many parents are educating themselves on the risks vs. the benefits of the injections and either opting out or choosing an alternate schedule. Unfortunately, this doesn’t sit well with some physicians who may even go so far as to “fire” their patients for choosing NOT to take their medical advice. Parents are being treated as if they are uneducated on the situation and putting their children, and others around them, in grave danger, despite the fact that research is showing otherwise. With recent studies showing that vaccinated children are 500 percent more likely to be chronically ill than non-vaccinated children, and information revealing how vaccines have been based on medical fraud for over 200 years, it’s a wonder that vaccines are still widely accepted by the populous.

Why are parents expected to accept this one-size-fits-all vaccine schedule without questioning the benefits and risks? Even vaccine schedules for animals can be modified due to the size of the animal. If parents are having to accept liability if their children get sick by not vaccinating, shouldn’t doctors have to accept equal risk for those children who fall ill due to vaccination? Sadly, that is not the case.

Many vaccine education websites urge parents to ask doctors to sign a consent form acknowledging the ingredients in the injections as well as accepting any risks caused by the vaccines. Unfortunately, no doctor would ever sign such a form and a request to do so could cause further problems for the parents. Even if a doctor did sign the form, it wouldn’t stand in court. Neither the doctors nor the drug companies are held responsible in a case of vaccine injury. If a case does go to court, they have ample amounts of money in comparison to the family suing to defend their case that the vaccines are safe and the incident could have been caused by another factor.

The ugly truth

The truth is that most vaccines are not tested for genotoxicity or carcinogenicity. They have had no long-term studies carried out, or safety studies to evaluate the combinations of vaccines that are administered. The full list of ingredients is unknown to many in the medical community due to trade secrets. Without the complete list of ingredients or the known effects on long-term health; how are people able to make a free and informed choice?

The best course of action is for parents to continue to educate themselves on various topics that pertain to their children’s healthcare; PARTICULARLY VACCINES. Don’t be afraid to exercise your right to exemption and know why you are doing so. Holistic alternatives to vaccinating have shown to be more beneficial for the immune system and result in children who are less ill than their vaccinated companions without the damage done by the injected ingredients.

Sources for this article include

http://www.mcs-america.org/consentform.pdf

http://www.vaclib.org/legal/donotsign.htm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com

About the author:
Victoria Moore is natural health researcher/blogger, yoga instructor and Usui Reiki master. Her passions include empowering women on how to prepare for natural labor, teaching yoga to adults and children and learning about alternative approaches to health and lifestyle. Through her website www.yogimami.com she enjoys connecting with other like-minded people and sharing information about health and wellness, natural parenting, alternative medicine and organic living.

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Bottle-feeding might turn your baby into a sitting duck for a number of diseases, say doctors

 
Posted By Our Correspondent On Sep 1, 2012 (4:36 AM) In Sindh

KARACHI: While most Pakistani parents cannot afford to fork out Rs8,400 to have their toddlers inoculated against rotavirus – which causes most diarrhoea cases – it can be kept at bay by something that doesn’t cost a single paisa: breastfeeding.

At a session on childhood diseases organised on Thursday at the Sheraton Hotel by the public service unit of the Health Awareness Society, doctors banished misconceptions about rotavirus and told the audience how it could be prevented. The virus causes 125 million bouts of diarrhoea in children under five globally – around 85 per cent of the cases occur in developing countries like Pakistan. It kills between five and 10 million children on the planet each year.

The virus damages the intestines and prevents the absorption of essential nutrients and water, leading to dehydration and ultimately, death. Symptoms include vomiting and frequent, loose motions followed by fever. A child might die within a week if the virus is not treated. Children under the age of two can contract the virus several times until their immune system becomes powerful enough to fend it off. Bottle-feeding and poor hygiene were deemed as the main factors behind rotavirus as well as a whole host of other diseases.

Prof. MA Arif, who is associated with the National Institute of Child Health and Aga Khan University Hospital, said that diarrhea is the most common cause of child mortality in Pakistan – a trend found across the globe.

He recalled that back when oral rehydration sachets – popularly known as ORS – were not available in Pakistan, children would be strewn all over the floor of Civil hospital, waiting for some relief against a potentially fatal bout of diarrhoea.

“The disease claimed four lives each day.” He said that though a vaccine is now available to help decimate the incidence of the virus and reduce its severity anywhere between 65 and 80 per cent, even middle-income families are opting not inoculate their children.

Prof. Arif also pointed that children are less likely to fall sick in areas of the city that are relatively cleaner. “There are fewer complaints of diarrhea in Defence and Clifton as compared to Machhar Colony,” he said.

Battling ear infections

While cotton buds are often thought of as hygiene-boosting tools, using them improperly can lead to more harm than good. Dr Salman Matiullah, an associate professor at Dow International Medical College, said that an increasing number of children are being brought to him for the treatment of Acute Otitis Media, an inflammation in the middle ear. Most cases have been caused by the excessively rigorous use of cotton buds.

He said that the disease is the most common bacterial infection in children below five. The most common symptom is high-grade fever. Irritability, crying inconsolably and tugging at the ear are tell-tale signs that a baby has been infected. In such cases, the parents should have their children diagnosed.

The disease can be bacterial or viral bottle-feeding, allergy, a parental history of otitis media and prenatal smoking make babies more likely to catch it. It is also common in children with other medical conditions such as Down’s syndrome.

Dr Matiullah said that mothers should avoid cleaning their babies’ ears with cotton buds or putting oil in them. “Children, like adults, have a natural lining that prevents any dirt and even insects from entering the ear cavity.”

The infection can be treated by inserting a ventilation tube in the ear. Earlier, many people could not afford to treat their children as the tubes used to cost up to Rs2,000. But now, they can be imported from India for nearly one-tenth that price. However, more severe forms of the disease necessitates surgery.

Dr Matiullah said that prevention is more cost-effective than treatment. The flu vaccine as well as Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in chewing gums, can prevent it.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 1^st, 2012.

 

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Beyond Fenugreek: A Guide to Herbs to Increase Your Milk

Many factors can contribute to low milk supply including hormones, preexisting maternal conditions, ineffective latch and infrequent nursing. Mothers facing supply issues should always seek the counsel of a board certified lactation consultant who can help pinpoint and treat the true cause or causes. It should be noted that herbs alone will not cure or treat poor supply problems caused by ineffective latch or infrequent nursing, though they may play a part in an overall holistic treatment plan.
For some moms, herbal galactogogues may be a part of that treatment plan. While most mothers are familiar with fenugreek, they may overlook other natural galactogogues which could play an important factor in boosting milk supply. Herbs like goat’s rue, fennel, hops, blessed thistle or oats are all thought to boost a low or waning milk supply in nursing mothers. Many mothers see greater effects when they supplement with multiple herbs rather than a single herb.

Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a common, mild galactologue that is often used in concert with other more powerful galactogogues like fenugreek. Alfalfa is a highly nutritive plant which is very high in essential vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients. It is, perhaps, these nutrients that may boost milk supply in breastfeeding mothers as well-nourished mothers suffer from fewer supply problems than under-nourished mothers.

Alfalfa’s efficacy as a galactologue has not been well-studied or researched; however, Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli, authors of Herbal Remedies: A Quick and Easy Guide to Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies, write that alfalfa stimulates milk production, improving both the quality and quantity of mother’s milk.

The optimal dosage for alfalfa is four capsules three times daily. Alfalfa is largely considered to be very safe with very few side effects, though there have been isolated reports of allergic reactions.

Anise
Anise is a member of the apiaceae family of flowering plants and is native to the Mediterranean and southwest Asia. The herb has been traditionally used as a galactologue for new mothers in China and other parts of Asia, but little research on the use of anise to stimulate milk production exists. Anise does have estrogenic compounds which may contribute to its use as a galactologue.

Anise is traditionally served as a tea to aid in milk production. Mothers can prepare anise tea by gently crushing two teaspoons of anise seed and then pouring boiling water over the crushed seeds. The tea should be allowed to steep for ten to twenty minutes, and may be sweetened to preference.

Though anise doesn’t pose any risk with customary use, very few people may experience an allergic reaction to the herb. According to The American Herbal Products Association, anise should not be used during pregnancy. Mothers should also take care to avoid using star anise as some regular star anise might be contaminated with Japanese star anise which is highly toxic and associated with adverse neurological effects.

Blessed Thistle
Blessed thistle is a member of the asteraceae family of flowering plants which also includes asters, daisies, chamomile and sunflowers. The asteraceae family also incluedes milk thistle, another herbal galactogogue. Blessed thistle is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, and has been traditionally used during lactation to increase milk supply in breastfeeding mothers.

Mothers using blessed thistle may need to take up to four capsules three times daily for it to be effective, though blessed thistle is often used in combination with other herbs. Mothers allergic to daisies or members of the asteraceae family should not use blessed thistle.

Fennel
Fennel is in the same family as anise, also an herbal galactogogue. Fennel is widely used in tonics and over-the-counter preparations for breastfeeding mothers. Fennel is native to southern Europe and southwestern Asia where it is often featured in local cuisine.

Fennel is a commonly used and highly effective herbal galactogogue that is often used in concert with other herbal galactogogues. It is thought to primarily aid in promoting let down rather than actually increasing milk supply and this could be very effective for pumping moms who may suffer from periodic inhibited milk ejection reflex.

Fennel can be prepared as a tea or taken as a tincture. To prepare fennel tea, mothers may take two teaspoons of fennel seeds and crush them before pouring boiling water over the crushes seeds and allowing the tea to steep for ten minutes. Alternatively, mothers can take up to 4 ml of fennel tincture three times daily. Fennel oil can be toxic in doses greater than one teaspoon, so mothers should take care to avoid ingesting fennel oil.

Fenugreek
Fenugreek, an herb in the fabaceae family of flowering plants, is perhaps the most well-known of herbal galactogogues. Originally from southern Asia where it is often featured in regional cuisine, fenugreek is a relative newcomer to the western herbal medicine cabinet.

Fenugreek, like many herbs and pharmaceutical medications, is associated with beneficial effects on the digestive system and is traditionally used to treat stomach and intestinal complaints such as flatulence. The herb contains high levels of phytoestrogens which may account for its ability to increase milk supply.

A study published in the September 2000 issue of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s News & Views measured the breast milk production of exclusively pumping mothers taking three capsules of fenugreek three times daily. The average daily volume of milk increased 124% from 207 ml/day to 464 ml/day among mothers taking the herb.

Most mothers taking fenugreek will notice an increase in production within 24-72 hours, though it may take up to five days for some mothers to see an effect. If you take fenugreek and do not notice an increase in milk production make sure that you’re taking at least 3500 mg of the herb daily. It is also wise to double check the freshness of the herb as its efficacy may have faded as the herb aged. If you’re in doubt about whether the herb is fresh, open a capsule and check to make sure the fenugreek powder is vibrant in color with a distinct odor of maple syrup.

Rarely, mothers may experience an allergic reaction to fenugreek including wheezing or other asthmatic symptoms. Mothers who are sensitive or allergic to peanuts, chickpeas and other legumes may also be allergic to fenugreek and should be cautioned against its use. Odd as it may seem, it is normal for the sweat, urine and milk of mothers taking fenugreek to smell like maple syrup.

Occasionally, a baby may exhibit fussiness or diarrhea when his or her mother takes a high dose of fenugreek but these side effects often subside within a week. If these symptoms continue beyond a week, the mother may have actually developed an oversupply while on fenugreek and so may not actually need to continue taking the herb.

Goat’s Rue
Goat’s Rue is a traditional galactologue that has been used for centuries. Goat’s rue, like fenugreek, belongs to fabaceae family of flowering plants. Goat’s rue’s latin name is galega officinalis which is derived from “gale” which means “milk” and “ega” which means “to bring on.”

Goat’s rue was first used by European dairy farmers who noted an milk production increase of 35-50% in animals who grazed on this wild herb. Some mothers have reported a doubling of their pumping out put while taking goat’s rue. Additionally, goat’s rue is thought to increase mammary tissue which may offer some hope for women with hypoplastic breast tissue or women suffering from PCOS who have underdeveloped breasts.

Goat’s rue should be taken in tincture form, and mothers should slowly build up to a dosage of 2 ml three times a day. Some mothers experience nausea, vomiting and other side effects while taking goat’s rue so it’s wise to always consult a professional herbalist before using the herb.

Other Herbal Remedies
There are many commercially prepared remedies that include multiple herbal galactogogues. For many mothers, taking commercially prepared capsules, tinctures or teas is more effective and easier than taking isolated herbal galactogogues.

Mother Love, a company that provides herbal support for pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding, offers More Milk which is a tincture of nettle, blessed thistle and fennel. Mother Love also offers More Milk Special Blend which is a tincture of goat’s rue, fenugreek, blessed thistle, nettle and fennel. More Milk Special Blend is recommended by Mother Love specifically for mothers with PCOS as well as mothers breastfeeding after a breast reduction. These tinctures tend to have an unpleasant taste, but the taste can be disguised in a flavorful drink.

Traditional Medicinals offers Organic Mother’s Milk Tea which combines fennel, anise, coriander, fenugreek and blessed thistle with a proprietary blend of spearmint, lemongrass, lemon verbena and marshmallow. The tea tends to be spicy and sweet with a strong anise flavor.

Yogi Tea offers Nursing Mom Tea which combines chamomile, fennel, nettle, anise, fenugreek and lavender. Some moms find that the Yogi Tea blend is more pleasant to the taste, but less effective than the Traditional Medicinals Tea.

Vitanica offers an herbal supplement for nursing moms called Lactation Blend which combines several galactogogues including fennel, nettle, blessed thistle, vervain, hops, goat’s rue, oat straw, raspberry leaf, chasteberry, fenugreek and milk thistle.

Where to Buy
Single herbs, and occasionally herbal combinations and supplements, are available at many health food stores, through herbalists and naturopaths as well as online through sites like Puritan’s Pride. Yogi and Traditional Medicinals Tea are often available at your local supermarket and your local health food store as well as online through their respective websites. Mother Love tinctures and supporting products are also available online. Vitanica’s Lactation Blend is available through your naturopath or online.

Published by Jennifer McGruther

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Why bottle feeding is not natural and not the way of Muslim ladies

‘Water-based drinks before 6 months dangerous for the baby’
Posted By Sehrish Wasif On Apr 1, 2012 (11:23 AM) In Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Water or water-based drinks before six months can be life threatening to the baby, said Dr Tabish Hazir of the South Asia Infant Feeding Research Network (SAIRFN) at a report launch on Saturday.

What’s troubling is that the prevalence of bottle feeding is common in women who work, are educated, or are from rich families.

Moreover, the rural populations of Sindh and Balochistan have higher rates of women who do not begin timely complementary feeding, which puts infants in these areas at a higher risk than the rest of the country.

These conclusions were drawn from data collected during the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) 2006-07, released by the National Institute of Population Studies in June 2008. The data was compiled into a report launched by the SAIRFN on the infant feeding practices at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences on Saturday.

The report focuses on the determinants of inappropriate timing of introducing solid, semisolid or soft foods to infants in the DHS.

It suggested that exclusive breastfeeding strategies should be targeted at specific groups, including working and urban women, health facilities offering caesareans (C-section), and the higher socio-economic strata.

Dr Hazir blamed the health system where healthcare providers do not counsel pregnant women concerning the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.

SAIFRN Research Cell Research Administrator Dr Narjis Kazmi said that appropriate feeding between the ages of six months and 23 months reduces malnutrition and illnesses in infants.

She pointed out that DHS 2006-07 was the most recent source of information on infant and young child feeding practices from a nationally representative sample of 10,023 married women.

However, Dr Kazmi was quick to add that there isn’t sufficient data to prepare a formulated, integrated approach to handle the situation.

“A uniform approach is needed to collect data on complementary feeding to include all complementary feeding indicators recommended by the World Health Organisation,” she added.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 1^st, 2012.
URL to article: http://tribune.com.pk/story/358049/water-based-drinks-before-6-months-dangerous-for-the-baby/

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Soy Milk Is Safe! That Is What the Formula Industry Says

Critics suggest that soy formula, because it contains a chemical similar to the female hormone, estrogen, might disrupt normal hormone levels and impair development

In a recent study, a team of researchers conducted telephone interviews with 248 men and women aged 20 to 34 years who were fed soy-based formula as infants. Each of the participants answered questions that attempted to assess “health in young adulthood, with an emphasis on reproductive health.”

The group that consumed soy formula was then compared with 563 similarly aged men and women who consumed cow milk-based formula during infancy and answered the same questions.

The only difference between the groups was that women who had been fed soy-based formula reported menstrual bleeding that lasted an average of one third of a day per month longer compared with women in the cow milk-based formula group.

The study relied on the memory of study participants, which may bias their answers.

Infants fed soy-based formula have long-term health outcomes similar to those who are fed cow milk-based formula, the researchers say.

JAMA August 15, 2001;286:807-814

Dr. Mercola’s Comments:

If you can believe a “telephone interview” study funded by the the baby formula industry, then maybe you will believe this nonsense. I know I sure don’t. The study was funded in part by the International Formula Council, a trade group that represents manufacturers of infant formula.

Another example of the well-funded edible oil industry slipping their research into the public media. If you have not read Dr. O’Shea’s Doors of Perception article please do so, as you will have a better example of how the industry attempts to shift your views.

One of the reasons why this issue is so important is that nearly 20% of infants are fed soy formula, with 750,000 US infants receiving soy formula every year.

There are some MAJOR flaws in the design of this study, but what would you expect from a study that is funded by the Infant Formula industry?

The major problem is that it was a phone survey. Other concerns include

Some people would not respond
The study did not address the thyroid issue
No medical examinations were performed
Only reviewed 250 children given soy formula
The authors also intentionally manipulated the statistics by failing to evaluate still-births or pregnancy failures which were higher in the soy group, while evaluating miscarriages which were slightly higher in the milk group.

The lack of any information on dose and time of soy exposure seriously impairs any usefullness of this study. The only time exposure discussed is 16 weeks, which is conrasted to the commonly recognized permanent harm resulting from about six months’ exposure in girls and nine months in boys.

It is not only the phytoestrogen levels of soy formula (or soy milk) that are an issue, but the levels of manganese and aluminum in the products.

A soy-fed baby receives the equivalent of five birth control pills’ worth of estrogen every day. These babies’ isoflavone levels were found to be from 13,000 to 22,000 times higher than in non-soy fed infants.

My comments in February of 2000 are still valid:

Folks, soy formula is one of the worst foods that you could feed your child. Not only does it have profoundly adverse hormonal effects as discussed above, but it also has over 1000% more aluminum than conventional milk based formulas.

I don’t recommend either, but if one, for whatever reason, cannot breast feed, then Carnation Good Start until six months and Carnation FollowUp after that seem to be the best commercial formula currently available, although it may not contain taurine, in which case it should be added..

The milk protein is hydrolyzed 80% which tends to significantly decrease its allergenicity. It is also important to note that when breast feeding it is wise to avoid drinking milk as it has been shown for several decades that the milk will pass directly into the breast milk which can cause potential problems in the infant.

Related Articles:

How Safe is Soy Infant Formula?

Infant Formula Fortification Protocol

Soy Formula Exposes Infants To High Hormone Levels

Soy Formulas and the Effects of Isoflavones on the Thyroid

Experts Dispute JAMA Soy Infant Formula Study

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Deadly Influence of Infant Formula

The Deadly Influence of Formula in America

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Which Infant Formulas Contain Hidden Toxic Chemicals?

Although artificial human milk is regulated by the FDA, researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that a thyroid-affecting chemical used in rocket fuel contaminated 15 brands of powdered infant formula — including two that accounted for 87 percent of market share in 2000. The top offenders included Similac and Enfamil.

The International Formula Council blamed the perchlorate on the water used to make the formula rather than the powder. However, pre-mixed liquid formulas come with their own potential toxins, such as the chemical BPA.

And in China, 76 tons of melamine-tainted milk products were recently seized, just two years after melamine-adulterated formula killed six infants and hospitalized thousands more.

Mother Jones reports:

“For all these reasons the American Academy of Pediatrics remains less than sanguine about infant formula, recommending exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued nursing ‘until at least the baby’s first birthday.’ Indeed, they credit mother’s milk with everything from breast cancer risk reduction to obesity prevention.”
Dr. Mercola
In 2009, a government study found that 15 brands of powdered infant formula were contaminated with perchlorate, a toxic compound in rocket fuel.

The two most contaminated brands, made from cow’s milk, accounted for 87 percent of the U.S. powdered formula market in 2000, the scientists said, and although they did not identify the formula brands they tested, Mother Jones reports that they were referring to Similac and Enfamil — two infant formula brands that exist in just about every supermarket in the United States.

Most people are exposed to perchlorate through their diet in the form of contaminated water and/or foods. But infant exposure may be far greater than that of adults, especially if they are fed infant formula, as the toxin may be present in both the formula and/or the water used to prepare it.

Can You Really Trust Infant Formula?

Your child is perhaps never more vulnerable than in the first few months of life, when their fragile body is still rapidly developing.

Infants experience greater exposure to chemicals pound-for-pound than adults, and have an immature and porous blood-brain barrier, which allows greater chemical exposures to reach their developing brain.

Children also have lower levels of some chemical-binding proteins, which allows more of a chemical to reach their organs, while systems that detoxify and excrete chemicals in adults are not fully developed.

So it goes without saying that feeding babies the purest, gentlest food possible is extremely important. Infant formula is a poor nutritional substitute for breast milk in general, but when you factor in toxic contaminations such as perchlorate, it really makes me question their use entirely.

Perchlorates, Melamine and Inferior Nutrition

Perchlorates are salts derived from perchloric acid, which are used in the defense- and pyrotechnics industries. Unfortunately, most perchlorate salts are water soluble, and we’re now experiencing widespread land and water contamination in many areas of the world.

This is a serious concern because perchlorate is known to disrupt thyroid function and hormone production by inhibiting your thyroid gland’s iodine uptake.

In addition, at high doses perchlorates may affect fetal development, so the mother’s toxic load can also place the child at risk. This toxin has been found in most U.S. powdered infant formula, and according to the Environmental Working Group:

The EWG states:

“The CDC study said that reconstituting cow’s milk/lactose formula with water contaminated with perchlorate at just 4 parts per billion (ppb) would cause 54 percent of the infants consuming the mix to exceed the so-called “safe” dose set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Many scientists contend that the EPA “safe” level is too high to protect public health.”

And that is only one chemical that’s been detected in infant formula. Melamine, a compound composed of nitrogen, carbon and hydrogen that’s been linked to kidney failure, among other serious problems (including death), has been found to contaminate infant formula in China for some years now. But this toxin has also been detected in U.S.-made infant formula.

Melamine was found in concentrations of 137 and 140 parts per billion in Nestle Nutrition’s Good Start Supreme Infant Formula with Iron, but the FDA said that concentrations less than 1,000 parts per billion do not raise safety concerns, although earlier they had argued that no level of melamine was safe.

Now, even if you were able to prove that infant formula was 100 percent safe and free from these types of unintended contaminants (which would not happen), I would still not advise feeding it to your child …

Would You Give Your Baby a Can of Soda?

Many infant formulas have as much or more high fructose corn syrup than a can of soda. Metabolically this is very similar to alcohol on a chronic basis, so there appears to be a frightening similarity between giving your infant a can of soda or beer, or a bottle of most conventional infant formulas.

I’ve written numerous articles about the dangers of consuming fructose, including its ability to disturb your metabolism, elevate blood pressure and triglycerides, cause weight gain, heart disease and liver damage, and even deplete your body of vitamins and minerals.

There is no way that a baby should be consuming any corn syrup whatsoever, and the fact that infant formulas are able to be marketed as nutritious for babies when they’re loaded with corn syrup is incredibly deceptive. If you currently have infant formula in your home, check the label for corn syrup or corn syrup solids, and throw the can away if you find it.

Soy Formula is Even More Dangerous

I rarely talk about absolutes but this is one where I will say: NEVER give your child soy formula. I guess the only exception would be if there was a catastrophe and that was the only food source that would keep your baby alive.

The high concentrations of manganese found in soybean-based baby formula can lead to brain damage in infants and altered behaviors in adolescents.

Researchers have found that soybean plants lift up manganese in the soil and concentrate it, so that its use in soy-based infant formula can result in as many as 200 times the level found in natural breast milk. Experts believe that such high concentrations could pose a threat to the immature metabolic systems of babies up to 6 months of age.

The other significant issue is the estrogen in soy. A soy-fed baby receives the equivalent of five birth control pills’ worth of estrogen every day! These babies’ isoflavone levels were found to be from 13,000 to 22,000 times higher than in non-soy fed infants.

Breast is Best

One of the best gifts you can give your child is to start out their life with a sound nutritional foundation, and the best way to do this is by breastfeeding.

While any amount of breastfeeding is better than none at all, it is clearly to your advantage, and best for your baby’s health, to breastfeed exclusively — meaning no other food or water is supplemented — for at least the first 6 months. Then, at the age of 6 or 9 months, you can begin to supplement with solid foods (while still continuing to breastfeed as well).

What exactly does your baby stand to gain by being breastfed?

Lower risk of respiratory tract and middle ear infections
Lower risk of eczema
Lower risk of obesity
Added protection against heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and allergies
Improved brain function and immune system function
There are benefits to mom, too. The main ones are a reduced risk of chronic diseases like cancer, a faster return to your pre-pregnancy weight, and increased bonding between you and your baby.

So please don’t be swayed by myths like infant formula is more nutritious than breast milk. This is absolutely not true, and contamination issues are just the tip of the iceberg.

Statistics show a clear correlation between feeding infants artificial formula and increased infant mortality within the first year. It’s important to realize that there are at least 400 nutrients in breast milk that are NOT found in formula. Of course, the healthier that a new mom eats, the healthier her breast milk will be, too.

There are certain medical conditions that can prevent a woman from breastfeeding, however the majority of women are able to breastfeed successfully. If you need help, contact a lactation consultant in your area for tips and support. You can also visit La Leche League, which is a phenomenal resource for breastfeeding moms.

A Healthier Infant Formula …

If for some reason you’re not able to breastfeed, or you have adopted a baby, your next best option is to make a healthy infant formula using raw milk. You can find homemade formula recipes here.

We do have as one of our projects to produce the finest infant formula on the market. Unfortunately, there is a long development process and we are still about two years away from offering it.

Sources:
Mother Jones July 12, 2010

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Infant Formula Fortification Protocol

Dr. Mercola
A mother’s breast milk is nature’s perfect and complete foodfor babies and can’t even come close to being reproduced. With somany substances known to be present in breastmilk, but unable to be replicated inbreastmilk substitutes (formula), plus all of the as-yet unidentified constituents,it should come as no great surprise that children today are suffering from a vastmyriad of illnesses and disorders.

The human brain is infinitely more sophisticated than the world’s fastest computer,yet many people naively think that this wondrous organ can be perfectly constructedwithout any regard to the “raw materials” required. Building a properlyfunctioning brain requires the right materials, just as building a computer would.Imagine trying to build a computer from scratch, without any microchips. Or tryingto build a house without any lumber, bricks, steel, or other materials.

However, while there is no way to create a formula equal to breastmilk, there aresteps that can be taken to improve somewhat upon the standard formulas that areavailable.

One of the nutritional areas that are woefully inadequate with formulas is in regardsto their fatty acid content. With all of the anti-fat propaganda going onthese days, most people don’t realize the critical importance of fat, especiallywith infants. Not only is the quantity important, but the quality and breakdownof the types of fat supplied as well.

After all, the brain is 60% lipid (fat). Ofthis fat, approximately 12 % is arachidonic acid (AA) and 17% is docosahexaenoicacid (DHA).

Many people have heard about the benefits and importance of the omega-3 fatty acidsDHA and EPA, found primarily in fish.

The importance of DHA in the infants’ diet recently prompted many countries (notincluding the US) to allow formula producers to fortify their products with DHA,as well as AA. Currently, DHA/AA enhanced formulas are available, although not mandatory,throughout most of Europe.

Unfortunately, this small step still does not provide infants the nutrients theydesperately require, due to several problems.

First of all, the DHA added to the formulas,obtained from microalgae, is highly oxidized (approximately 30%)

Additionally, DHA and AA are not the sole fat constituents of breastmilk.Fortifying with them is a step in the right direction, but still leaves out plentyof important substances.

In an effort to help people provide their infants with the best possible nutrition,we often instruct mothers to “create” fortified formulas. But of coursewe insist that mothers breastfeed if at all possible or even obtain fresh breastmilkfrom a lactating friend or relative, if they have adopted a baby, or can’t breastfeedfor some reason.

For the infant to remain as healthy as possible, he must obtain a proper balanceof all the essential fats, which is difficult to impossible, especiallywhen you are changing mother nature and trying to create a formula.

However, below is a basic fat fortification protocol, which attempts to come asclose as possible to “the real thing”:

Kiddie Krill – one per day

Organic egg yolk – 1 yolk daily added at four months of age

Organic cream ideally non-pasteurized and non-homogenized — If you are unable to find a local dairy farmer who will cooperate with you please try this link: http://www.realmilk.com/where.html.

Omega Nutrition pure sesame, walnut, safflower, sunflower, oils (rotate with above) – 1 teaspoon daily

One teaspoon high quality coconut oil. This oil needs to be heated to 76 degrees to become a liquid.

Base oils as safflower, sunflower and sesame can be blended into the formula.

It is important, if not breastfeeding, to use one of the commercially availableformulas as a “base” from which to fortify the infant’s diet. Althoughsome people might be tempted to create their own homemade formula, I don’t recommendthis approach, as it is just too dangerous that something could be inadvertentlyleft out or added in too great a quantity. A mistake could cost an infant his life.

Nutramagen or Alimentumcan be used as a base infant formula and ‘doctored up’ with nutritional perks. Bothof these formulas are acceptable in regard to the ‘allergic’ aspect, and are theones usually used when children cannot tolerate anything. Of course, they are alsothe most expensive.

FORTIFIED COMMERCIAL FORMULA
Makes about 35 ounces

This stopgap formula can be used in emergencies, or when the ingredients for homemadeformula are unavailable.

1 cup Mead Johnson low-iron, milk-based powdered formula, Nutramigen or Alimentum are best and better tolerated but are more expensive
29 ounces filtered water (3 5/8 cups)
1 large egg yolk from an organic egg uncooked. Do not give to infant unless older than four months of age
1 Kiddie Krill
Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend thoroughly. Place6-8 ounces in a very clean glass bottle. (Store the rest in a very clean glass jarin the refrigerator for the next feedings.) Attach a clean nipple to the bottleand set in a pan of simmering water until formula is warm but not hot to the touch,shake well and feed to baby. (Never heat formula in a microwave oven!)

If your baby is premature, one additional area of fortification is in the area offree amino acids, most notably taurine. This nutrient is also critical for infant development and is foundin human milk but not in cow’s milk. Although many formulas add some taurine, ithas been shown that formula-fed infants have lower levels of taurine in their bloodthan breastfed infants do, even when the formula has added taurine.

Contrary to the advice given by some, soy milk, almond milk,or carrot juice, even if organic and homemade, are most definitely NOT ACCEPTABLESUBSTITUTES FOR BREASTMILK, or even for formula.

For those mothers who are breastfeeding, it is important to realize that the essentialfatty acid content of her breast milk coincides with what she eats. Therefore, herdiet is very important for the health of her baby. One of the most important thingsthat a breastfed mother can do is to avoid foods containing trans fats, such asmargarine and anything with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

While one can’t guarantee that taking the steps outlined above will completely eliminateproblems such as ADD/ADHD and other behavioral problems, developmental problems,autism, visual difficulties, and others, I believe it is a strong possibility thatit could help to reduce their incidence, although it is important to always rememberthat BREAST IS BEST.

Please recognize that soy formula is an unmitigated disaster for infants and should never be used.Fact is, it can harm your baby, as it is high in:

Manganese
Aluminum
Phytoestrogens that will harm your baby
(For more information please read the links below.)

Alternatively a raw milk formula can be made:

MILK-BASED FORMULA From Weston Price Foundation
Makes 36 ounces

Our milk-based formula takes account of the fact that human milk is richer in whey,lactose, vitamin C, niacin, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids comparedto cow’s milk but leaner in casein (milk protein). Use only truly expeller-expressedoils in the formula recipes, otherwise they may lack vitamin E.

The ideal milk for baby, if he cannot be breastfed, is clean, whole raw milk fromgoats. If goats are not available, them milk from cows certified free of disease,that feed on green pasture would be a second best choice. For sources of good qualitymilk, see http://www.realmilk.comor contact a local chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation.

If the only choice available to you is commercial milk, choose whole milk, preferablyorganic and unhomogenized, and culture it with a piima or Kefir Culture to restore enzymes.

2 cups whole milk, raw (non-pasteurized) milk from pasture-fed cows
1/4 cup homemade liquid whey (See recipe for whey)
4 tablespoons lactose (available from The Apothecary 301-530-1112)
1 teaspoon bifidobacterium infantis
2 Kiddie Krill
1 teaspoon expeller-expressed sunflower oil
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons coconut oil
2 teaspoons Frontier brand nutritional yeast flakes
2 teaspoons gelatin
1 7/8 cups filtered water
1/4 teaspoon acerola powder

Add gelatin to water and heat gently until gelatin is dissolved. Place all ingredientsin a very clean glass or stainless steel container and mix well. To serve, pour6 to 8 ounces into a very clean glass bottle, attach nipple and set in a pan ofsimmering water. Heat until warm but not hot to the touch, shake bottle well andfeed baby. (Never, never heat formula in a microwave oven!) Note: If you are usingthe Lact-Aid, mix all ingredients well in a blender.)

Variation: Goat Milk Formula

Although goat milk is rich in fat, it must be used with caution in infant feedingas it lacks folic acid and is low in vitamin B12, both of which are essential tothe growth and development of the infant. Inclusion of nutritional yeast to providefolic acid is essential. To compensate for low levels of vitamin B12, add 2 teaspoonsfrozen organic raw chicken liver, finely grated to the batch of formula. Be sureto begin egg-yolk feeding at four months.

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ROCKET FUEL in Baby Food

Rocket Fuel Found In Most Powdered Infant Formula

Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found that 15 brands of powdered infant formula are contaminated with perchlorate, a rocket fuel component detected in drinking water in 28 states and territories.

The two most contaminated brands, made from cow’s milk, accounted for 87 percent of the U.S. powdered formula market in 2000, the scientists said. The CDC scientists did not identify the formula brands they tested.

The CDC findings, published in the March 2009 edition of the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, raise new concerns about perchlorate pollution, a legacy of Cold War rocket and missile tests. Studies have established that the chemical is a potent thyroid toxin that may interfere with fetal and infant brain development.

The new CDC study provides some of the strongest evidence yet that a legally enforceable safe drinking water level for perchlorate should be a priority for the Obama administration.

Dr. Mercola’s Comments:

This is yet another nail in the coffin for infant formulas, if you ask me. Infant formula is a poor nutritional substitute for breast milk in general, but when you factor in toxic contaminations such as perchlorate, it really makes me question their use entirely.

Most people are exposed to perchlorate through their diet, in the form of contaminated water and/or foods. But infant exposure may be far greater than that of adults, especially if they are fed infant formula, as the toxin may be present in both the formula and/or the milk or water used to prepare it.

What is Perchlorate?

Perchlorates are salts derived from perchloric acid, which are used in the defense- and pyrotechnics industries. The military has used perchlorate since the early 1900’s, and it’s a component of solid rocket fuel, among other things.

Unfortunately, most perchlorate salts are water soluble, and we’re now experiencing widespread land and water contamination in many areas of the world.

Traces of perchlorate have been found in cow’s milk, water supplies, lettuce and other vegetables grown in certain high-contamination areas (such as the fields around the Colorado River), and now infant formulas have been exposed as another common source of this toxic exposure.

Which Formulas are the Worst?

Although the study does not identify the brands tested by name, the milk-based brands were found to be far more contaminated than the others, although ALL commercially available formulas were contaminated to some degree.

The test results for the types of formulas tested were as follows:

Cow’s milk-based (with lactose) = 1.72 mug/l perchlorate

Lactose-free formula = 0.27 mug/l

Soy-based formula = 0.21 mug/l

Elemental (typically consisting of synthetic amino acids) = 0.18 mug/l

The EWG states:

“The CDC study said that reconstituting cow’s milk/lactose formula with water contaminated with perchlorate at just 4 parts per billion (ppb) would cause 54 percent of the infants consuming the mix to exceed the so-called “safe” dose set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Many scientists contend that the EPA “safe” level is too high to protect public health.”

The Dangers of Perchlorate

This is a serious concern because perchlorate is known to disrupt thyroid function and hormone production by inhibiting your thyroid gland’s iodine uptake. This has actually been known since the 1950’s, when it was used to treat overactive thyroids.

In addition, at high doses perchlorates may affect fetal development, so the mother’s toxic load can also place the child at risk.

According to the CDC, perchlorate affects your health in the following ways:

Blocks your thyroid gland from taking up iodine. (Your thyroid gland needs iodine to make the thyroid hormones that regulate how your body uses energy.)

Iodine deficiency or conditions that prevent its use in making thyroid hormone lead to decreased amounts of thyroid hormone circulating in your blood, which can manifest as symptoms of hypothyroidism.

The researchers did note that supplemental iodine can counteract some of the toxic effects of perchlorate, and that the FDA requires infant formula to be supplemented with iodine.

However, the required concentration ranges from as little as 5 to as much as 75 mcg per 100 kcal of energy. Brands that contain only the minimum requirements leave infants iodine deficient and therefore more susceptible to thyroid damage.

That said, the researchers still stressed that even the formulas containing adequate amounts of iodine were not guaranteed to prevent “perchlorate-induced thyroid dysfunction.”

Avoid Infant Formula for Healthier Baby

Unfortunately, infant formulas are still a popular choice here in the United States, including soy formula, which may be one of the absolute worst things you can feed your baby. I strongly advise parents to avoid soy formulas at all cost as it can potentially kill your baby.

Let me make it PERFECTLY clear. There is overwhelming evidence that soy formula will seriously harm your baby. I rarely talk about absolutes but this is one where I will say: NEVER give your child soy formula.

I guess the only exception would be if there was a catastrophe and that was the only food source that would keep your baby alive. It is virtually 100 percent guaranteed to harm your child.

The evidence is beyond staggering. One of my next major upcoming projects will be to have a massive campaign around this These companies are destroying the health of future generations with their products. I am putting major energy into offering a healthy alternative.

The Dangers of Soy Formula

The high concentrations of manganese found in soybean-based baby formula can lead to brain damage in infants and altered behaviors in adolescents.

Researchers have found that soybean plant lifts up manganese in the soil and concentrates it, so that its use in soy-based infant formula can result in as many as 200 times the level found in natural breast milk. Experts believe that such high concentrations could pose a threat to the immature metabolic systems of babies up to 6 months of age.

The other significant issue the estrogens in soy. A soy-fed baby receives the equivalent of five birth control pills’ worth of estrogen every day! These babies’ isoflavone levels were found to be from 13,000 to 22,000 times higher than in non-soy fed infants.

What Else You Need to Know About Infant Formulas

Most all infant formulas have as much or more high fructose corn syrup than a can of soda. Metabolically this is very similar to alcohol on a chronic basis, so there appears to be very little difference between giving your infant a can of soda, beer, or a bottle of most all conventional infant formulas.

Of course I advocate breastfeeding if at all possible as it is by far the healthiest option. That breast milk is the best source of nutrition for newborns is one of the most clear-cut, non-debatable topics in health care. The benefits to the baby and the new mom are just enormous.

If for some reason you’re unable to breastfeed, please read the Healthy Alternative to Conventional Infant Formula for advice on how to make homemade baby formula.

Gerber, which in many people’s minds still go hand in hand with the image of “healthy baby”, never was, and never will be, a real contender against breast milk or homemade baby food.

Why Breastfeeding is Best

While any amount of breastfeeding is better than none at all, it is clearly to your advantage, and best for your baby’s health, to breastfeed exclusively — meaning no other food or water is supplemented — for the first 6 months. Then, at the age of 6 months, you can begin to supplement with solid foods (while still continuing to breastfeed as well).

What exactly does your baby stand to gain by being breastfed?

Here are just some of the benefits that it provides to your child:

Lower risk of respiratory tract and middle ear infections

Lower risk of eczema

Lower risk of obesity

Added protection against heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and allergies

Improved brain function and immune system function

Of course, there are benefits to mom too. The main ones are a reduced risk of chronic diseases like cancer, a faster return to your pre-pregnancy weight, and increased bonding between you and your baby.

Breastfeeding Myths Debunked

There are certain medical conditions that can prevent a woman from breastfeeding, however the majority of women are able to breastfeed successfully. Often, those who choose not to are doing so because of misinformation, so I want to clear up some of the myths right now.

MYTH 1: “I don’t have enough milk” — ALL women have enough milk to breastfeed. The more the baby nurses, the more milk you will produce.

MYTH 2: Infant formula is more nutritious — This is absolutely not true, and contamination issues are just the top if the iceberg.Statistics show a clear correlation between feeding infants artificial formula and increased infant mortality within the first year. It’s important to realize that there are at least 400 nutrients in breast milk that are NOT found in formula. Of course, the healthier that a new mom eats, the healthier her breast milk will be.

MYTH 3: Breastfeeding is painful — Breastfeeding can be painful for some women, but this is almost always the result of incorrect positioning. Trouble with positioning can be resolved by getting help from a lactation consultant.

Additional Help and Resources if You Can’t Breastfeed

If you cannot breastfeed, you can make a healthy homemade infant formula for your child using this recipe. (Remember to avoid soy infant formula.)

Le Leche League is another terrific resource. I was fortunate to be in a rotation group for my last two years of medical school with Tim Cahill, whose mother is Mary, and is one of the founders of Le Leche League. Tim was a super terrific guy, and a great testimony to what breast feeding can do.

Sources:
Environmental Working Group
Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology March 18, 2009

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How I Increased My Breast Milk Supply – and You Can, Too!

The Economics of Breast Milk Pam Gaulin

When the first drop of breast milk flows out it is a huge relief for moms, both physically and emotionally. As baby grows and her habits change, from how often she eats to how frequently she soils her diapers, breast feeding moms often wonder if their baby is getting enough milk. Before you worry about baby not getting enough milk, rest assured that breast milk for a healthy new mom is produced according to supply and demand, it’s like economics for babies. The more babies breast feed, the more milk you will make.
Before trying to increase breast milk supply, determine that you do need to make more. Feeding eight to 12 times a day is normal, according to La Leche League. It does not mean that baby is not getting enough breast milk.

No Caffeine

While caffeine can stimulate breast milk, it’s not something you want in baby’s system. Babies will not process caffeine as quickly or as efficiently as you. When I was pregnant, I lost my taste for coffee and switched back to my old favorite, black tea. While I was nursing, I did not want to ingest any drink that are known diuretics, which included tea and cranberry juice. I switched to herbal tea and stopped drinking cranberry juice. If you drink caffeinated soda, replace it with water, at least while you are trying to increase breast milk supply.

Drink More Water

I am a big water drinker, but I drank even more water when I was trying to produce more milk. Whenever I breast fed or sat down to use my breast pump , I made sure to have a large glass of water nearby. Your breast milk production won’t be productive if your body is not receiving enough fluids.

Increase Feedings

Another way to increase breast milk supply is to feed the baby more often. For women who are at home with their babies, nurse the baby whenever she requests, to encourage more milk production. Using a hospital-grade breast pump, between feedings, or while you are away from your baby will also help increase breast milk supply. Store pumped milk in sanitary containers and refrigerate or freeze it to help you manage one of baby’s growth spurts.

Take Care of Yourself

Another way I increased my breast milk supply was to take care of myself. When breast feeding the body needs an extra 500 calories. Rather than worrying about baby weight while I was nursing, I supplemented my diet with extra, nutritious calories. Nap when baby naps and sleep when baby sleeps.

Exercise should be kept light to moderate. While walking with baby in a stroller, I would always keep a large bottle of water to replenish any fluids I was losing through sweating.

Two Breasts Are Better Than One

Switching breasts while nursing or pumping is another way to increase breast supply. When the milk flow is slowing down from one breast, switch baby to the other breast, to maximize milk flow from both breasts.

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