Is There Any Difference Between Infant Formulas?

Absolutely!

Infant Formulas are based on Cows Milk, Soy Milk or Goats Milk.  And they are categorised as:

1. 100% Whey dominant = HA Formulas
2. Whey dominant = most Birth-6mth Formulas / Infant Formulas / Step 1 Formulas
3. Casein dominant = From 6mth Formulas / Progress Formulas / Step 2 Formulas or Toddler Formulas

Within the Cows Milk range, there are choices of  Lactose Free, Anti-Reflux, and HA (Hypo-Allergenic), Gold (contains LCPs), and of course Organic.


Cow's milk, Goat's Milk, Soy Milk and all other milk besides human Breastmilk, was never intended for human infants.  Each mammal species produces a milk composition ideal for it's own particular species. Therefore, the composition of Whey proteins to Casein proteins in Cow's milk or Goats milk (and every other milk) will be different to breastmilk.  The nutritional content (vitamins, minerals and enzymes) of other milk will also be vastly different to breastmilk, and will lacks many key nutrients present in breastmilk, which is vital for the development of human babies.
It is actually dangerous to feed any fresh milk that is not breastmilk, to human babies, as it is not only completely unsuitable for a human baby's gut but it also does not support the vital growth and development of human babies.  Other than breastmilk, any fresh milk (meaning unmodified and unfortified milk) must not to be given to infants, and not to be given to older babies as a food until after at least after 12 months of age, or older if possible.  All milk sources for Formulas must first be modified in both protein composition, as well as nutritional composition, with the goal of becoming as close to breastmilk as possible.

"Excuse me....Where is the information for my prescription medicine?"

Have you ever been surprised, or even frustrated with the lack of written information that comes with something as important as your prescription medications?

Perhaps when you are prescribed something for the first time? Or perhaps it's a medicine you've been taking for a while but you needed to check if it's ok to have a few drinks at the party tonight? Or maybe you've just had one of those days and you need something to alleviate that headache?

Why is it that your basic over-the-counter mouth ulcer gel is hidden in a roll of detailed information, but your important 'Prescription Only' medication comes with next to nothing??

Gone are the days where the pharmacist would hide behind a wall and make up a special 'secret concoction' ordered by the doctor, which the pharmacy assistant would then hand to you labelled 'The Mixture' or 'The Tablets'. We now live in the in age of information and we now not only demand information, we are also entitled to it, and medicines are certainly no exception.

So, how much information should be provided? Is more always better? Should you jump on the computer and start 'googling' away and take advantage of all the information available on the Internet?

Breastfeeding....Is It Really Worth It?

In short....absolutely yes!
Breast milk is the perfect food for human babies and provides unmatched immunity .

Benefits of Breastfeeding:

1. Breastmilk is the "Gold" standard, living food for human babies, packed with nutrients and vital immunity again foreign organism.
2. Breastmilk composition changes to suit baby's growing needs (breast milk when baby is 3months is nutritionally different to when baby is 6 or 9 months), and also varies throughout the day (think breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, snack etc)
3. Ideal for family history of allergies and lactose intolerance. 
4. Breastmilk is easily digested and therefore well tolerated by baby's immature digestive system.
5. Fosters good healthy oral development - breastfeeding naturally promotes the use of the baby's   correct oral muscles during suckling, unlike teats on bottles.
6. Helps mother and baby sleep - sleep hormones are released in both mum and baby during breastfeeding to aid in sleep.
7. Reduces allergies associated with formula ingredients (which is ultimately refined and man-made).
8. Saves money - cost of formula, bottles, teats, sterilisers etc.
9. Saves time - no preparing feeds, cleaning.
10. Portable - no preparation required except a breastfeeding cover/muslin cloth etc for modesty.
11. Helps mum burn those extra calories much faster - speeds up mums metabolism and terrific for getting back  to your pre-baby weight.

(Note that I have not included bonding time to be a benefit exclusive to breastfeeding, as I believe this can be achieved through any means of contact and feeding time, be it breast or bottle, breastmilk or formula)

Disadvantages of Breastfeeding (& Remedies):

1. Nipples may become cracked or sore - this may occur when breastfeeding begins in the first few weeks until the nipples toughen a little for this purpose, and baby learns to latch on properly.  To remedy this, simply express a few drops of breastmik and rub over affected nipple area and allow to air dry, and repeat at least after each feed.  Breastmilk has a natural healing action and is also antibacterial.  Avoid using creams and lotions on this area (even if they are labelled specifically for this purpose) as attempts to clean these products off the nipple before breastfeeding will not only further aggravate the nipple area, but also will not remove the residue left behind, posing an unnecessary risk to the baby.