The Breast Milk Cure

Nicholas Kristof writes in the New York Times, 'What if nutritionists came up with a miracle cure for childhood malnutrition? A protein-rich substance that doesn’t require refrigeration? One that is free and is available even in remote towns like this one in Niger where babies routinely die of hunger-related causes? Impossible, you say? Actually, this miracle cure already exists. It’s breast milk.' Only 9% of babies are exclusively breast fed for the first six months, many others are given tainted water in the mistaken belief that that's what babies need.

nyt.com

Breastfeeding Protects Against SIDS

Breastfeeding may substantially reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), especially when breast milk is the sole nutritional source, a meta-analysis showed. Any breastfeeding was associated with an independent 45% reduction in risk of SIDS, Fern R. Hauck, MD, MS, of the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, and colleagues reported in the July issue of Pediatrics. Breastfeeding as the sole source of nutrition for any duration was associated with a 73% reduction in SIDS.

medpagetoday.com

Few Babies in Child-Care Centers Receive Breast Milk: Study

While new mothers are strongly encouraged to breast-feed their babies for at least a year, a small study of child-care centers suggests that relatively few are set up to help moms to do so. The research, led by doctors at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, revealed that only 12 percent of infants enrolled in child-care centers in two counties near Cincinnati were being fed their mother's milk, even though 96 percent of the center directors said they'd be comfortable facilitating the practice.

consumer.healthday.com

Bamboo: Conscious Family Living is a new digital magazine and website

Dedicated to natural family lifestyles, all that encompasses natural parenting, holistic health, organic foods, green living, the celebration of nature and creativity and more. The premier issue, focusing on pregnancy, is coming this spring! Sign up for your free subscription to the digital magazine and enjoy online chats in the parent community forum, find eco-deals, get updated conscious news and hear about local events and resources.

www.bamboofamilymag.com