moms may see stronger warnings on formula

[annaica]

 http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/breast-milk-experts-seek-right-formula/story-fnet08ck-1226482119636

MOTHERS may see stronger official warnings on baby formula labels about the risks of not breastfeeding.

The nation's food watchdog is seeking feedback on whether "breast is best" messages should be changed to clearly spell out the health benefits of breast versus bottle.

But the Infant Nutrition Council fears more confronting statements will make mothers using formula feel anxious and "second rate".

Under current law, manufacturers point out that "Breast milk is best for babies. Before you decide to use this product, consult your doctor or health worker for advice".

Food Standards Australia New Zealand deputy CEO Melanie Fisher said some public health experts had suggested altering labels amid concern over poor breastfeeding rates.

"Some stakeholders have suggested that the breast is best warning statement be amended to a risk-based statement about the risks to infant health of not breastfeeding," a consultation paper notes.

"These stakeholders state that such a statement would reflect a body of evidence showing that compared to formula feeding, breastfeeding is associated with lower incidence of infection and some chronic diseases, and evidence for improved cognitive development in the breastfed infant."

FSANZ is calling for submissions ahead of a review of infant formula regulations next year.

The Australian Breastfeeding Association says that despite recommendations to breastfeed babies exclusively for six months, less than one in five children are solely breastfed by the time they are at that age.

Infant Nutrition Council chief executive officer Jan Carey said that while breastfeeding was the "ultimate form of nutrition" and a "magical substance", scientifically-based infant formulas were not dangerous.

"I certainly agree that mothers should be able to make an informed choice. It is also important that mothers are not made to feel anxious," Ms Carey said.

"It's unfair if mothers are made to feel second rate." Lack of support at home or in the workplace, concerns about not producing enough milk, and difficulty breastfeeding were key reasons for using formula.

Dr Jennifer James, a senior lecturer in nursing and midwifery at RMIT University, said breast milk provided immunity and childhood obesity protection, and improved brain, oral and eye development.

Infant formula was vulnerable to production errors and contamination if not properly prepared, she said.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/breast-milk-experts-seek-right-formula/story-fnet08ck-1226482119636#ixzz27uHG2Zpv

[ceckyl]

I would love to see formula have to list the risks of use on the can.

[degsyuna]

I don't get all of the formula bashing. It's a completely valid, healthy form of nutrition. I breastfed my first and second children and am currently breastfeeding my fourth. With my third we did formula because my work was just too demanding to be able to take the time to pump. He is just as healthy and intelligent as my others and very bonded and affectionate.

I decided to breastfeed this one despite how stressful it can be to fit pumping in at work because I missed the breastfeeding experience. I'm fully confident that my son would be just as happy, loved, healthy, and smart if I had chosen to formula feed.

I think people need to just respect others' decisions and not judge unless someone is doing something actually harmful.

[TTC2Long]

I agree. Just like any medication.

Quoting ceckyl:

I would love to see formula have to list the risks of use on the can.

[connorsmama06]

I agree. I formula fed my first two. My boys are in all advanced classes and are very healthy wonderful boys.

Quoting degsyuna:

I don't get all of the formula bashing. It's a completely valid, healthy form of nutrition. I breastfed my first and second children and am currently breastfeeding my fourth. With my third we did formula because my work was just too demanding to be able to take the time to pump. He is just as healthy and intelligent as my others and very bonded and affectionate.



I decided to breastfeed this one despite how stressful it can be to fit pumping in at work because I missed the breastfeeding experience. I'm fully confident that my son would be just as happy, loved, healthy, and smart if I had chosen to formula feed.



I think people need to just respect others' decisions and not judge unless someone is doing something actually harmful.

[shortyali]

I agree 100%. I also find it funny that posting an article that talks about some of the risks of formula and all of a sudden you are bashing or picking on formula feeding moms.

Quoting TTC2Long:

I agree. Just like any medication.

Quoting ceckyl:

I would love to see formula have to list the risks of use on the can.

[Baby_Avas_Momma]

I absolutely agree that the risks should be listed. Wouldn't you want to know all the benefits and/or risks of something so you can make an informed choice?? Formula has it's place and thank goodness it exists for those who have no other options, but it's ranked #4 on the WHO's list for a reason, and not enough people are aware of that.

[ashleybgarcia]

Yes, it sustains life, & adds weight to your baby. You shouldn't feel second rate, but the facts are that formula isn't all that healthy for your child. Corn syrup( sugar in essence) is a main ingredient. I just don't agree with the healthy form of nutrition. There have been many recalls, contamination etc. I do not trust formula.

Quoting degsyuna:

I don't get all of the formula bashing. It's a completely valid, healthy form of nutrition. I breastfed my first and second children and am currently breastfeeding my fourth. With my third we did formula because my work was just too demanding to be able to take the time to pump. He is just as healthy and intelligent as my others and very bonded and affectionate.



I decided to breastfeed this one despite how stressful it can be to fit pumping in at work because I missed the breastfeeding experience. I'm fully confident that my son would be just as happy, loved, healthy, and smart if I had chosen to formula feed.



I think people need to just respect others' decisions and not judge unless someone is doing something actually harmful.

[moroccanmommy]

This

Quoting shortyali:

I agree 100%. I also find it funny that posting an article that talks about some of the risks of formula and all of a sudden you are bashing or picking on formula feeding moms.

Quoting TTC2Long:

I agree. Just like any medication.

Quoting ceckyl:

I would love to see formula have to list the risks of use on the can.

[TTC2Long]

So you're saying making sure moms know the risks associated with ff is bashing it? Isn't that in itself a clue that maybe ff is not all that great?

Quoting degsyuna:

I don't get all of the formula bashing. It's a completely valid, healthy form of nutrition. I breastfed my first and second children and am currently breastfeeding my fourth. With my third we did formula because my work was just too demanding to be able to take the time to pump. He is just as healthy and intelligent as my others and very bonded and affectionate.



I decided to breastfeed this one despite how stressful it can be to fit pumping in at work because I missed the breastfeeding experience. I'm fully confident that my son would be just as happy, loved, healthy, and smart if I had chosen to formula feed.



I think people need to just respect others' decisions and not judge unless someone is doing something actually harmful.

[susie3g]

It sounds like what they are trying to do is make people more aware of breastfeeding benefits (which I'm all for) but I don't think the way to promote breastfeeding is to talk down the alternatives on their own food label. That's like going to order a Big Mac from McDonald's and on the packaging you get the pleasure of reading how much healthier and better that a salad would have been. Some mothers actually cannot breastfeed and they should not have to read all that. I think it would indeed make them feel inferior when there's no need for it.