Synthetic or the real deal?

Did you know that a bottle is supposed to be made and finished within about 4-6 hours to ensure microbiological safety?

The marketing of any product can either be the rise or fall of said product, and the formula milk industry have billions to spend. The year 1865 bore the birth of Cows Milk Formula (CMFs) from German chemist Justus von Liebig. During this time, Exclusive Breasfeeding (EBF) and general child health was seriously threatened with the rise of the industrial revolution. Besides women working longer and longer hours in factories, young children were also roped into working long hours in often very dangerous areas.

But there are breastfeeding advocates who are acting as our breastfeeding heroes…

…the United Nations…

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (a.k.a. CRC) states that governments have a legal obligation to ensure that ALL segments of society:

• Have access to information pertaining to the best possible nutrition for children.

• ALL segments of society are informed about the best possible nutrition for their child.

• To ensure that facilities, services and institutions conforms to the standards established by competent authorities.

Marketing budgets from CMF companies are billions. And parents are often bombarded with advertising, recommending CMFs and casting doubts on the quality and even safety of BM. Now there are certain cases where CMF’s is a viable option and even needed i.e. certain conditions like galactosemia (an inherited disorder here the body cannot break down the sugar galactose found in dairy products, most baby formulas and breastmilk).

Some marketing strategies include:

• Sharing free samples.

• Advertising CMF as the ‘modern and scientifically superior feeding option’.

• Having salespersons dress-up as nurses and share false information about CMF and breastmilk (in some extreme cases).

• Sharing gifts such as notepads, pens, hampers etc. with company branding to healthcare workers and the public.

• Marketing certain CMF as aiding in feeding fussiness and vomiting.

Most babies are fussy eaters and post feeds often come with a bit of vomit due to inhaled air during feedings. This is completely normal. ‘Refusal to feed’ may be a result of various reasons, including these three:

1.    Uncomfortable breastfeeding positions.

2.    Swallowing air while feeding aka winds.

3.    General moodiness of the baby.

But when you are a new parent/ adjusting or juggling other kids and a household and often work as well/ not receiving consistent and good quality sleep, CMF may sound like a miracle product. But what CMF companies do not advertise are the drawbacks of CMF.

Some of the drawbacks include:

1. The financial burden of formulas.

2. The resource burden- time, electricity, fresh potable water.

3. Increased risks of infant mortality.

4. Maternal health- reduces protection to certain cancers (mentioned in our previous blog article and podcast episode. Check it out on: ).

5. Environment harm- plastic waste, resources required for production.

6. Adding sugars, sweeteners, emulsifiers and thickeners to increase palatability and addiction (because sugar is addicting).

   
   

When thinking about switching over to CMF, remember that Breastmilk that is always the perfect temperature, always changing and adapting to suit the needs of your baby? No preparation needed. But if you have any questions or concerns, definitely consult with your dietitian.

Until next time

Shelldon Breda, registered dietitian