Chocolate Baby Formula: From Cradle to Grave

Although the title of this article from the Atlantic is a little misleading - it's actually a toddler formula - it's no less shocking to find out about this product. What's next, squash and cheeto puree?

And here's a follow up article, Chocolate formula: Baby Doesn't Know Best, with some great points, as well as comments - including one from Marsha Walker, who I interviewed for the film: "Dumping additives into infant and toddler formula provides a method to extend a product line, not improve the health of children."

After my son turned a year, even though I knew I wasn't going to wean him right away, I tried to introduce cow's milk to him because, well, I thought that's what I was supposed to do. When he wouldn't drink it, I was concerned - would he get enough calcium? Vitamin D? My lactation consultant assured me that there are plenty of countries around the world where mother's milk is the only milk, and those kids are all fine. And it's true. He weaned at 2.5 years, eats a wide variety of foods, including calcium-rich broccoli and kale, and loves plain yogurt sweetened with maple sugar. He really didn't need milk.

Sure, cow's milk can be a great snack and a great substitute for weaning or formula-fed babies. But I think it's just a mind set that we have to get over, that it's so crucial that we actually have to persuade a picky toddler to drink it by adding chocolate flavoring and 4.5 teaspoons of sugar!!!

NY Times: Baby Fat May Not Be So Cute Afterall

I'm always pleased to see articles in the mainstream press touting the benefits of breastfeeding. This recent NY Times article, about childhood obesity is no exception, as it clearly states that "breastfeeding is recommended to lower the obesity risk."

I'm concerned, however, with the last paragraph:

Experts say change may require abandoning some cherished cultural attitudes. “The idea that a big baby is a healthy baby, and a crying baby is probably a hungry baby who should be fed, are things we really need to rethink,” Dr. Birch said.

As I understand it, breastfeeding works best on-demand, which is especially important in the first few months. Now this isn't always practical, for working mothers especially, but it worked great for me and my son. My son would cry, I would offer my breast and he would feed as long or as short has he needed. He was able to determine for himself how much he needed, and what he needed - for a summer baby that was particularly important, as a short drink would give him watery foremilk, perfect for rehydrating a sweaty baby, or if he was hungry he could nurse for a longer period, to get more fat and nutrition. When he was having a growth spurt, he would cry to nurse more and more, which would stimulate my milk supply. It's part of what makes breastfeeding such a perfect system.

"Rethinking" that a crying baby is hungry baby may be a good idea for formula-fed babies, but may not be so great for breastfeeding.