Artificial feeding cannot be compared with natural. Only breastfeeding is able to fully satisfy the need of infants for nutrients, vitamins, minerals, protective factors, indulging in breast milk.
This fact is an axiom. Even world-famous manufacturers of infant formula for infants adhere to the provisions of the World Health Organization Code of 1981, which set out a ban on advertising and promotion of artificial feeding and infant formula.
There is a statistically significant relationship between morbidity, general physical and mental development, and other criteria that were evaluated in children who were breastfed and breastfed. In general, the latter showed the best pace of development, indicators of general health, had a lower risk of diseases such as diabetes. Studies have shown that breastfeeding has many benefits for mothers. In particular, lactating women are less likely to suffer from postpartum depression, less likely to get breast and internal genital cancer.
However, situations in which the use of breast milk substitutes is required are not uncommon.
Replacement is possible in full, with a serious condition of the mother, lack of breast milk, diseases of the mammary gland, the use of drugs incompatible with breastfeeding, HIV in the mother, etc. Congenital diseases in children, such as malformations or galactosemia (intolerance to one of the components of milk) are also indication for the transition to artificial feeding. Mixed feeding is used in cases where there is a lack of breast milk.
What to do if your baby is not breast-fed
Do not despair, blame yourself for not having breast milk. Technologies for the production of milk mixtures are constantly being improved, taking into account the latest research and scientific achievements. At present, the qualitative and quantitative composition of artificial mixtures is as close as possible to natural milk. To find out more about the best type of infant formula for your baby do some reading, speak to health professionals and find out your options.
At the same time, cattle milk cannot be considered a better alternative to artificial mixtures. Studies in this area have proven that long-term feeding of cow’s milk is the cause of a number of microscopic changes in the gastrointestinal mucosa in children, which are the basis of serious digestive problems and diseases in the future. Any milk formula is developed specifically for people and therefore is better suited for artificial feeding.
There is a wide selection of different types of baby food, depending on the needs and conditions.
Artificial milk mixtures are divided into the following types:
- based on cow or goat milk. These are mixtures adapted for humans, from which animal proteins are removed. They are used for feeding healthy children. May contain additives in the form of essential fatty acids, lactic acid bacteria, etc. Similak, Enfamil, Nutrilon Premium and others;
- mixtures based on soy protein. They are used for intolerance to casein – the main protein of cow’s milk. Similak Isomil, Enfamil ProSobi, Nutrilon Soya, etc.
- special mixtures containing partially or fully hydrolyzed whey proteins, lactose-free amino acids. They are used only according to indications and are prescribed as therapeutic nutrition by a pediatrician. Nutrilon Pepti Allergy, Nan Lactose-Free, Nutrilon Amino Acids, Enfamil Pregestimil and others;
- Separately, mixtures for premature babies are created, taking into account the characteristics of their body. Nutrilon Pre, Pre Nan, etc.
Each type of mixture usually has several gradations corresponding to the age of the child. The effectiveness of the mixture is determined by the increase in mass and weight, neuropsychic and physical development. Your pediatrician will help you choose the best type of infant formula for your baby.
Tips for Parents
- The use of artificial mixtures has its own characteristics and tricks. For example, some parents are perplexed why some children eat food mixtures willingly, and some simply refuse. Try the mixture yourself and most likely find that the formula your child loves is a little sweeter, tastes better;
- Special requirements apply to children’s dishes. Ordinary bottles often cause colic in babies, as they suck in air. Your option must necessarily contain a special ventilation system that prevents the ingestion of air. For example, smart bottles of Medela Calma , allow the baby to suck, swallow and breathe in the same way as he did at the chest. Children with artificial feeding should be more often laid out on their tummy, doing massage. It helps very well from colic contact like a kangaroo, skin to skin. The girdle from anxiety works in the same way, due to the generated heat, the discomfort disappears after only a few seconds, the ethereal pairs of medicinal herbs help the baby calm down;
- Watch the size of the hole in the nipple. It should be appropriate for the age of the child. Too large a hole makes it easier to suck out the mixture. In the future, when changing the nipples, the baby can go on strike because of the more laborious process of feeding from the bottle;
- With mixed feeding, the feeding order is only this: breast – nipple, not vice versa. Breastfeeding is much harder for babies, compared with a pacifier. Changing the order once, you cannot make the child work. Breastfeeding is a priority;
- The immune system in weaker children is weaker. They often suffer from intestinal infections. For this reason, all bottles are thoroughly sterilized
- and stored under sterile conditions. To always have a clean bottle on hand, take a set of several. Use a bottle warmer to keep the temperature of the mixture at the right level;
- Strictly observe the proportion indicated in the instructions for preparing the mixture. There will be no benefit from 1 spoon per half liter of water;
- The mixture must be prepared immediately before feeding. Residues of the mixture cannot be stored;
- The mixture is prepared with warm boiled water. Boiling water worsens the quality of the mixture, leads to the death of lactic acid and bifido bacteria, if they are contained in the product;
- Do not use expired mixture;
- Monitor body weight gain yourself. To do this, you need a scale
- and a notepad with the dates of the measurement and a fixed weight. Weigh the baby enough once a week, in the same clothes, with a fresh diaper. Show these notes to your pediatrician;
- Artificial feeding such as enfamil vs similac is not a contraindication for swimming, walking, therapeutic exercises and baby massage. Artificial children like no one else need fresh air, the sun. Starting from 2 months of life, be sure to give the child daily, in the morning, 1 drop of vitamin D3, for the prevention of rickets;
- It is possible to use a system to simulate breastfeeding, if there are no contraindications. Thus, the child will not be deprived of a feeling of close connection with his mother;
- For poor weight gain, consult your pediatrician. It may be necessary to introduce complementary foods earlier.
Remember that not only feeding, but your love and care makes you a mom.
