tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136071319223927512024-03-08T14:41:53.515-08:00The Littlest FoodieThe Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.comBlogger189125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-10624198147265670132012-04-03T17:47:00.000-07:002012-04-03T17:47:13.174-07:00Welcome to The Littlest FoodieHello Everyone! Welcome to The Littlest Foodie.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/The-Littlest-Foodie/119485158062412">Check out my Facebook page for the most up-to-date posts</a> and check out the archives for all of your healthy eating needs.<br />
<br />
There is TONS of information on sugar substitutes, and no sugar recipes, healthy recipes and more!<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by!The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-89649610423755665482011-12-28T21:15:00.000-08:002011-12-28T21:15:51.497-08:00Taking a breakHello!<br />
<br />
I am letting everyone know that I will be taking a break from blogging for awhile. Thanks for reading and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/The-Littlest-Foodie/119485158062412">keep up with me on Facebook under The Littlest Foodie. </a><br />
<br />
If anyone is interested in blogging under this topic for me while I am on hiatus- let me know on Facebook.<br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
<br />
<br />The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-46792244841570928012011-12-20T13:29:00.000-08:002011-12-20T13:29:51.591-08:00Happy Hanukkah!Hello to all of my Jewish friends! I wish you lots of fun and blessings over the next 8 days and nights. How fun that Hanukkah and Christmas overlap this year! We all will be celebrating.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7RRSGeUkAJU/TvD-ORsMp3I/AAAAAAAAB6M/cCQEMOS39Vw/s1600/hanukkah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7RRSGeUkAJU/TvD-ORsMp3I/AAAAAAAAB6M/cCQEMOS39Vw/s1600/hanukkah.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are some great resources to add some healthy meals to your Hanukkah table!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/hanukkah">Eating Well- healthy recipes and meal planning</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2010/12/save-the-oil-for-the-menorah-16-healthy-hanukkah-recipes/67289/">The Atlantic- 16 healthy recipes</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/holiday-central-hanukkah/package/index.html">Food Network- Traditional and healthier versions</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/856668/hanukkah-dinner-recipes/@center/856712/hanukkah">Martha Stewart- recipes, crafts and more!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2088959579"> Eat Better America- Lots of guides on how to make your favorite recipes healthier</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Here is a classic favorite- I will be making these soon!<br />
<br />
<div class="span-8 nomargin">
<div id="recipeContent">
<h1 itemprop="name">
<a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/crispy_potato_latkes.html">Crispy Potato Latkes</a></h1>
<span itemprop="author">From EatingWell</span>:
<a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/category/publication/magazine/december_2005/january_2006">December
2005/January 2006</a> <script type="text/javascript">
GA_googleFillSlot("circ_sub_link_recipe_head");
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<div id="recipeImage">
<img alt="Crispy Potato Latkes Recipe" class="imagecache imagecache-standard imagecache-default
imagecache-standard_default" height="308" itemprop="image" src="http://www.eatingwell.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/standard/recipes/SD5015.JPG" title="Crispy Potato Latkes Recipe" width="308" />
</div>
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<div class="span-16 prepend-top append-bottom graynopadding last">
<div class="span-9 normargin border prepend-top append-bottom">
<div itemprop="recipeYield">
<b>
12 latkes </b> </div>
<b>Active Time:</b> <time datetime="T50M" itemprop="prepTime">50 minutes</time>
<br />
<b>Total Time:</b> <time datetime="T90M" itemprop="cookTime">1 1/2 hours</time>
</div>
</div>
<div class="span-16 headinggroup2">
<div class="span-9 border">
<h3>
Ingredients</h3>
<ul>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes,
(about 2), shredded</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 medium white onion,
shredded</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">2 medium shallots, minced
(about 1/4 cup)</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 teaspoon salt</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 large egg, lightly beaten</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">2 pieces whole-wheat matzo,
(6-by-6-inch), broken into pieces</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/2 teaspoon white pepper</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">3 tablespoons peanut oil, or
extra-<a class="kLink" href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/crispy_potato_latkes.html#" id="KonaLink0" style="font-family: inherit ! important; font-size: inherit ! important; font-weight: inherit ! important; position: static; text-decoration: underline ! important;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit ! important; font-weight: inherit ! important; position: static;"><span class="kLink" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit ! important; font-weight: inherit ! important; position: relative;">virgin </span><span class="kLink" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit ! important; font-weight: inherit ! important; position: relative;">olive </span><span class="kLink" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit ! important; font-weight: inherit ! important; position: relative;">oil</span></span></a>, divided</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<h3>
Preparation</h3>
<ol itemprop="recipeInstructions">
<li>Toss shredded potato, onion, shallots and salt in a
medium bowl. Transfer to a sieve set over a large bowl; let drain for
about 15 minutes. Squeeze the potato mixture, a handful at a time, over
the bowl to release excess moisture (don’t oversqueeze—some moisture
should remain). Transfer the squeezed potato mixture to another large
bowl. Carefully pour off the liquid, leaving a pasty white
sediment—potato starch—in the bottom of the bowl. Add the starch to the
potato mixture. Stir in egg. </li>
<li> Put matzo pieces in a sealable plastic bag and crush
with a rolling pin into coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumbs and pepper
over the potato mixture and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate until
the matzo is softened, 20 to 30 minutes.</li>
<li>Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking
spray.</li>
<li>Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over
medium-high heat. Stir the potato mixture. Cook 4 latkes per batch:
place 1/4 cup potato mixture in a little of the oil and press with the
back of a spatula to flatten into a 3 1/2-inch cake. Cook until crispy
and golden, 1 1/2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer the latkes to the
prepared baking sheet. Continue with 2 more batches, using 1 tablespoon
oil per batch and reducing the heat as needed to prevent scorching.
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake until heated through,
about 10 minutes.</li>
</ol>
<h3>
Nutrition</h3>
<span itemprop="nutrition" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/NutritionInformation">
<b>Per latke:</b>
<span itemprop="calories">
100</span> calories;
<span itemprop="fatContent">
4 g</span> fat
( <span itemprop="saturatedFatContent"> 1 g</span> sat
, <span itemprop="unsaturatedFatContent"> 2 g</span> mono
);
<span itemprop="cholesterolContent"> 18 mg cholesterol; <span itemprop="carbohydrateContent"> 15 g</span> carbohydrates; <span itemprop="sugarContent">0 g</span> added sugars; <span itemprop="proteinContent">2 g</span> protein; <span itemprop="fiberContent">2 g</span> fiber; <span itemprop="sodiumContent">204 mg</span> sodium; 278 mg potassium.</span><br />
<b>Nutrition Bonus</b>: Vitamin C
(20% daily value).<br />
<b>Carbohydrate Servings:</b> 1<br />
<b>Exchanges:</b> 1 starch, 1 fat</span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%28http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/crispy_potato_latkes.html%29">(http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/crispy_potato_latkes.html)</a>The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-29522771159625147602011-12-15T08:58:00.000-08:002011-12-15T08:58:20.740-08:00Recipe of the Day- Cheese Crackers!Thanks to my friend Mattie for finding this great recipe! Healthy and delicious...plus, what kid does not love a cheese cracker?!<br />
<br />
This recipe comes from <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/03/23/recipe-easy-cheesy-crackers/">100 Days of Real Food</a>, where a family of 4 cut out all processes food and only ate "real" food for 100 days. It has now become a lifestyle for them and they blog about healthy eating. <br />
<br />
<h3>
<strong>"Easy Cheesy Crackers</strong></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EsBb40LVkQ/TuonCabqUeI/AAAAAAAAB5s/qNtP_qQ3ozo/s1600/Easy-Cheesy-Crackers-500x332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EsBb40LVkQ/TuonCabqUeI/AAAAAAAAB5s/qNtP_qQ3ozo/s320/Easy-Cheesy-Crackers-500x332.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<strong>Ingredients</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>1 cup whole-wheat flour</li>
<li>5 tablespoons cold butter, cut into tablespoon size chunks</li>
<li>4 oz. or 1 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese…the sharper the cheese
the cheesier the crackers</li>
</ul>
(Yep, that’s it…only 3 simple ingredients!)<br />
<strong>Directions</strong><br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.<a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/03/23/recipe-easy-cheesy-crackers/slice-and-bake-cheese-crackers/" rel="attachment wp-att-1306"></a></li>
<li>Combine all three ingredients in a food processor and blend.
The mixture will eventually turn into one big ball chasing itself around
the bowl. Be patient because it can take a few minutes.</li>
<li>Roll the ball into a log about 1 ½” in diameter. At this point
you could refrigerate the dough until later.</li>
<li>With a sharp knife slice ¼” thick pieces off the log (pictured)
and place each one flat on an ungreased baking sheet. Try to
rotate which side you are cutting down on because the top of the
log does start to flatten a little. It is like your very own homemade
slice and bake!</li>
<li>If you want your crackers to look a little fancy (as pictured
above) take a fork and gently mash down the top of each one before
baking.</li>
<li>Bake for 12 – 14 minutes or until golden brown.</li>
</ol>
These crackers can be stored in the freezer so double the recipe and
save some for later!<br />
Yield: Two dozen"<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/03/23/recipe-easy-cheesy-crackers/">(http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/03/23/recipe-easy-cheesy-crackers/) </a>The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-33580629920526362312011-12-10T12:41:00.001-08:002011-12-10T12:45:03.171-08:00Breastfeeding and Cough/Cold RemediesHere is some very helpful information from Dr. Hale and the Infant Risk Center about which cough and cold OTC remedies are compatible with breastfeeding:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.infantrisk.com/content/cold-remedies-and-breastfeeding">http://www.infantrisk.com/content/cold-remedies-and-breastfeeding</a><br />
<br />
I personally skip all of the medications and go the holistic route. In my personal experience, they work MUCH better than any medication. Of course, check with your doctor about anything you take, including homeopathic remedies.<br />
<br />
At the first hint of illness, I take:<br />
<br />
- raw manuka honey (1 tbsp every few hours)<br />
- probiotic pills (as directed on the label, usually twice per day)<br />
- Edlerberry syrup (as directed on the label, usually 1 tbsp every few hours)<br />
- pre-natal vitamin<br />
- lots of water<br />
<br />
This has literally cured me of illness, and at the very least, has made my illnesses last only a few days instead of a week or more. Everything can be found at your local health food stores.<br />
<br />
What do you do? <br />
<br />The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-73544175148373085652011-11-30T21:39:00.001-08:002011-11-30T21:46:16.258-08:00Toddler Meal IdeasNeed a handy site to jazz up your meals for your toddler?<br />
<br />
Well- check out <a href="http://www.wholesometoddlerfood.com/index.htm">Wholesome Toddler Food! </a><br />
<br />
Or, check out these quick links on the site:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wholesometoddlerfood.com/toddlerbreakfast.htm">Breakfast </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wholesometoddlerfood.com/toddlerlunch.htm">Lunch </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wholesometoddlerfood.com/toddlersnacks.htm">Snacks</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wholesometoddlerfood.com/toddlerdinner.htm">Dinner </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wholesometoddlerfood.com/toddlermenus.htm">and- my favorite- the meal planner! </a><br />
<br />
Now- anyone who knows me, knows that I do not make separate meals for my son. He eats what we eat. Period. But, there are sometimes when he needs to eat and my husband is not home yet, or when I just need to make my son something quick for lunch and we are not going to eat.<br />
<br />
And, most of these recipes can be adapted for the whole family.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wholesometoddlerfood.com/index.htm">Click here to visit Wholesome Toddler Food</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-40627574645650062602011-11-22T15:22:00.001-08:002011-11-22T15:27:02.642-08:00Healthier Turkey Recipes and MORE!Check out this great site called <a href="http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/">Eat Better America</a> for some great healthy recipes for your Thanksgiving dinner!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFAWfy-VPc8/TswvfLYMVqI/AAAAAAAAB1c/oR1SUtlsuX0/s1600/eba_logo_hdr.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="30" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFAWfy-VPc8/TswvfLYMVqI/AAAAAAAAB1c/oR1SUtlsuX0/s320/eba_logo_hdr.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
They take your favorite recipes, and tweak them just a bit to make them healthier and just as tasty as before. There are user reviews to help you know which ones taste great!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PDaFQiU6inY/TswvfTlOYrI/AAAAAAAAB1k/NZrGNGGYsjg/s1600/GetImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PDaFQiU6inY/TswvfTlOYrI/AAAAAAAAB1k/NZrGNGGYsjg/s320/GetImage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/diet-nutrition/eat-for-health/thanksgiving-turkey-recipes.aspx">Turkey Recipes </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/diet-nutrition/eat-for-health/thanksgiving-sides.aspx">Sides Recipes</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/diet-nutrition/eat-for-health/thanksgiving-desserts.aspx">Desserts Recipes</a><br />
<br /><a href="http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/diet-nutrition/eat-for-health/thanksgiving-appetizers.aspx">Appetizers Recipes</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/diet-nutrition/eat-for-health/vegetarian-thanksgiving-main-dishes.aspx">Vegetarian Dishes</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/diet-nutrition/eat-for-health/thanksgiving-drinks.aspx">Drinks </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/diet-nutrition/eat-for-health/thanksgiving-leftovers.aspx">Leftover Ideas</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/diet-nutrition/eat-for-health/happy-healthier-thanksgiving.aspx">Click HERE to visit Eat Better America and get hundreds of recipes! </a></span></b>The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-90227120031278194432011-11-18T19:13:00.001-08:002011-11-18T19:16:23.381-08:00Thanksgiving- the healthy way!Everyone has their favorite recipes for Thanksgiving, but why not incorporate some healthy choices into your meal this year?<br />
<br />
I will be posting several healthy recipes over the next week to get you ready- but in the meantime- check out the HUNDREDS of recipes I posted last year! (Including diary free, gluten free recipes too!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tA-fyQsHc4E/TscfdSwOxCI/AAAAAAAAB1U/4r4yBDwZ0EY/s1600/Thanksgiving-703525.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tA-fyQsHc4E/TscfdSwOxCI/AAAAAAAAB1U/4r4yBDwZ0EY/s320/Thanksgiving-703525.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.littlestfoodie.com/search/label/Thanksgiving">Click HERE to check them out! </a></span>The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-19196481486097603062011-11-14T14:40:00.001-08:002011-11-14T14:40:26.323-08:00VoteAcademy.comHello everyone! I need your help.<br />
<br />
My husband is the Executive Director of a non-profit called The Arizona
Academy of the Performing Arts. It is a group that has music and
performing arts programs to serve kids and adults here in Arizona.<br />
<br />
The Academy is in a contest on Facebook called Chase Community Giving.
In this contest, Chase bank is giving away money to the charities
receiving the most votes. It is that simple. It costs you nothing. It
takes 10 seconds. You will not get spammed or get tons of annoying
updates on your FB wall. Best of all, you get 10 votes, so you can vote
for 10 of your favorite non-profits. <br />
<br />
Please help and spread the word and vote for our group. The Academy
could win up to $250,000- and this amount of money would be life
changing for our organization and ensure the continuation of the
organization for years to come.<br />
<br />
Just go to:<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1435644300"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></a><br />
<b><a href="http://www.voteacademy.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">www.voteacademy.com</span></a></b><br />
<br />
1. "like" Chase Community Giving<br />
2. Vote for The Academy<br />
3. SPREAD THE WORD!!!<br />
<br />
Thanks!The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-4421838721201024072011-11-08T08:28:00.000-08:002011-11-08T08:38:46.485-08:00What is the WHO-CODE?<h1 class="entry-title">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">This is a VERY important topic that every citizen should familiarize themselves with- I am talking about the WHO Code for artificial formula marketing. Trust me- this issue is not just for breastfeeding mothers, this is something that everyone should be very concerned about. Please read and go to the <a href="http://www.bestforbabes.org/">Best for Babes site </a>to learn more. </span></h1>
<h1 class="entry-title">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h1>
<h1 class="entry-title">
<a href="http://www.bestforbabes.org/"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">From the Best for Babes website</span> </a></h1>
<h1 class="entry-title">
"What is the WHO-CODE?"</h1>
<div class="entry-meta">
By Bettina Forbes, CLC | Posted on November 8, 2011 | <a href="http://www.bestforbabes.org/what-is-the-who-code#comments">1
Comment</a>
</div>
<br />
<i><b>"The primary purpose of the “WHO-CODE” is to protect
mothers and babies from the highly effective, aggressive and predatory
marketing of substitutes for breastfeeding (i.e. infant formula,
bottles, artificial nipples) at the most vulnerable period of their
lives, the birth of a new baby.</b></i><br />
<div class="wp-caption alignright" id="attachment_7798" style="width: 266px;">
<a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/751782"><br /></a><br />
<div class="wp-caption-text">
<br /></div>
</div>
Health workers helping vulnerable new moms and babies, day after day,
have discovered an alarming trend: in areas where formula and bottles
are marketed heavily, breastfeeding rates go down, and infection,
disease and mortality go up. This happens in countries around the
globe, independent of a country’s economic status. In fact, it is
estimated that globally, at least <a href="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs342/en/index.html">1.5
million babies’ lives could be saved</a> every year from improved
breastfeeding & complementary feeding; in the U.S., it is estimated
that <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-04-05-study-breast-feeding_N.htm">900
babies’ lives could be saved</a> every year from improved breastfeeding
rates, and $13 billion could be saved in health care and associated
costs for ten pediatric diseases alone.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://blogs.babble.com/babble-voices/catherine-connors-bad-mother-confidential/2011/09/12/shame-and-the-mom-on-formula-lactivism-and-why-it-seems-we-cant-just-all-get-along/">Some
people</a> don’t believe that formula marketing affects a mother’s
decision to try breastfeeding or her ability to continue. </b><i>It’s
understandable: it is human nature not to want to believe that we can
be so easily duped out of protecting and advancing our own and our
babies’ health! </i> So, before you read further, we urge you to <a href="http://www.ddrewdesign.com/blog/index.php?cmd=article&id=136">please
read this article on the 10 Most Successful Ad Campaigns of All Time</a>.
Read about what ad campaign helped Miller go from selling 7 million
to 31 million barrels of beer, which ad increased Clairol’s sales 800%,
and how Nike’s market share jumped from 18% to 43%. Now consider that
in 2004, just as the U.S. government was rolling out its largest effort,
the three-year, $40 million “Babies Were Born to Be Breastfed”
awareness campaign, formula advertising almost doubled to $50 million
annually. <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/30/AR2007083002198.html">
More importantly, the government’s campaign was diluted and rendered
ineffective under the influence of industry lobbyists</a>. Further,
under lobbying pressure, a valuable, national meta-study conclusively
showing the association of breastfeeding and lower rates of disease was
suppressed. No surprise: <i>Breastfeeding rates went down</i>.
Breastfeeding was outmarketed, and this is precisely why examples of
successful formula marketing make it into marketing textbooks. Try to
remain objective while watching <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQdp9tmxGW8">this extremely
sophisticated formula commercial</a>, and then consider it in the
context of research showing that breastfeeding protects against SIDS and
is <a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/751782">critical in the
NICU</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>In recognition of the devastating effect of formula and
bottle marketing, the World Health Organization and Unicef adopted the
“WHO-CODE” in 1981. The “WHO-CODE” is short for the <a href="http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/infantfeeding/9241541601/en/">World
Health Organization’s International Code of the Marketing of Breastmilk
Substitutes</a>. </b>Scores of countries have enacted legislation
implementing all or many of the provisions of the Code, but the U.S. has
not. Because “The Code” is a voluntary pledge, it is easy for
countries to say they uphold the code even when they don’t enforce the
following stipulations:<br />
<ol>
<li>No advertising of breast milk substitutes to families. (<a href="http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/infantfeeding/infant_formula_trade_issues_eng.pdf">Read:
Why formula advertising is different from other types of advertising,
making it predatory</a>.)</li>
<li>No free samples or supplies in the health care system.</li>
<li>No promotion of products through health care facilities, including
no free or low-cost formula.</li>
<li>No contact between marketing personnel and mothers.</li>
<li>No gifts or personal samples to health workers.</li>
<li>No words or pictures idealizing artificial feeding, including
pictures of infants, on the labels or the product.</li>
<li>Information to health workers should be scientific and factual only.</li>
<li>All information on artificial feeding, including labels, should
explain the benefits of breastfeeding and the costs and hazards
associated with artificial feeding.</li>
<li>Unsuitable products should not be promoted for babies.</li>
<li>All products should be of high quality and take account of the
climate and storage conditions of the country where they are used.</li>
</ol>
Note that several of these stipulations forbid the marketing of
infant formula to health care workers. <b>Tremendous damage to
mothers and babies occurs when formula companies market their products
directly to parents through hospitals, physicians, health care
professionals, and networking, peer support and “education” groups (such
as expecting mother “classes”, lunches or events).</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.naba-breastfeeding.org/resources.htm"> </a> We love to claim we are savvier at
looking past the claims of a print ad or commercial–even when <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595135/">studies show
us that rates of breastfeeding decline when formula advertising
increases</a>–but it is undeniable that we are easily influenced and
persuaded by our trusted doctors, family members, and peers. Formula
companies are turning respected authorities, i.e. health professionals
and organizations, into marketing arms for their product, a practice
which is extremely unethical, and is especially hard for the public to
see through. Marsha Walker of <a href="http://www.naba-breastfeeding.org/">NABA</a> has collected
examples of <a href="http://www.phdinparenting.com/2010/10/06/guest-post-inside-the-american-academy-of-pediatrics-conference/">formula
companies sponsoring pediatrician conferences</a>, donating to nursing
professional associations, and providing “information” and <a href="http://jexalt.wordpress.com/2011/10/04/disney-and-similac-team-up-to-undermine-breastfeeding-for-moms/">gift
bags to Ob/Gyns for their patients</a>.<br />
<br />
We’ve learned that formula companies donate to hospital NICUs–a
terribly mixed message considering that intensive care babies need
breastmilk the most–with the understanding that formula gift bags are
pushed on breastfeeding mothers. Formula companies sponsor name badges,
<a href="http://breastfeeding.blog.motherwear.com/2007/04/is_your_nurse_g.html">frappuccinos</a>
and breakfast “seminars” for hospital nurses, branded crib cards for
the baby’s hospital bassinet, and funding for the hospital’s NICU.<br />
<br />
Formula companies are now cross-marketing with <a href="http://theadventuresoflactatinggirl.com/2010/12/15/motherhood-maternity-boycott/">maternity
chains</a>, huge baby registry sites and retail stores, photography
studios like <a href="http://jexalt.wordpress.com/2011/10/04/disney-and-similac-team-up-to-undermine-breastfeeding-for-moms/">Olan
Mills, and even Disney</a> to undermine breastfeeding moms with
coupons and giveaways. They know we all love coupons and giveaways!
Our email addresses are being sold to formula companies and we, who
struggle against the breastfeeding booby traps, are being zeroed in on
and bombarded by formula marketing. Parenting, medical websites and
well-known bloggers are protecting parents’ “rights” to be educated by
advertisements, instead of by unbiased physicians and feeding experts
such as IBCLCs. Formula companies routinely advertise and win the top
spots in Working Mothers Magazine’s 100 Best Companies for Working
Mothers, even though infant formula means more employee absenteeism,
sick days, and higher health costs.<br />
Unfortunately, formula marketing hurts not only breastfeeding
mothers, but formula-feeding mothers too. A hefty marketing budget
($2-$3 BILLION globally) artificially drives up the price of formula,
making it harder to afford for those who need it, and outcompeting
lower-priced generic brands. It forces the U.S. government, health
organizations and non-profits like ours to raise funds to market
breastfeeding, educate hospitals and health organizations, physicians,
nurses, and health professionals. <a href="http://www.womensenews.org/story/reproductive-health/111106/infant-formula-companies-milk-us-food-program" style="color: #ff4b33;">The
government purchases billions in infant formula for low-income women
through the WIC program. Formula contracts, “new” formulations and
advertising drives up this cost</a>. Formula marketing experts are
smart; they say that “breast is best” so we are lured into a false sense
of security, yet there is no mention, ANYWHERE, of the next best thing
to breastfeeding or a mother’s pumped milk, which is screened donor
milk. When mothers are being bombarded by inaccurate advertising, are
they really making an informed choice?<br />
<br />
Formula marketing has cleverly hijacked the conversation about infant
feeding, <a href="http://breastfeeding.blog.motherwear.com/2009/03/the-case-against-breastfeeding-a-response.html">playing
“the guilt card” and igniting the mommy wars by pitting mothers against
each other</a>, instead of harnessing and focusing our energy to demand
better maternity policies, <a href="http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/">Baby-Friendly
Hospitals</a>, employer protocol, and <a href="http://www.momsrising.org/">protection of mothers’ rights</a>. If
more mothers were being allowed to achieve their personal breastfeeding
goals without being discriminated against, harassed, or humiliated,
fewer of the more zealous activists would be misplacing their energy by
accosting or judging formula feeding moms–a practice that we strongly
condemn. As for guilt, the only people who should feel guilty are those
who know about the negative impact of formula marketing and do it
anyway.<br />
<br />
If you are interested in learning about how formula marketing tactics
negatively impact breastfeeding rates, we encourage you to read this
summary of <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595135/">Selling Out
Mothers and Babies</a>, by Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC, or <a href="http://www.naba-breastfeeding.org/resources.htm">order the full
report</a>.<br />
<br />
We have one of the lowest breastfeeding rates of any industrialized
country, and one of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates of
any industrialized country. <i>We can do better!</i><br />
<h3>
<b>What can we do to raise awareness of the WHO-Code in the
U.S.? What can we do to demand that laws are put in place to enforce
it? </b></h3>
<h5>
<b>Organizations & Resources:</b></h5>
<h5>
World Health Organization: <a href="http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/infantfeeding/infant_formula_trade_issues_eng.pdf">Health
Implications of Direct Advertising of Infant Formula</a></h5>
<a href="http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/infantfeeding/Frequently_ask_question_Internationalcode.pdf"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">World
Health Organization: </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Frequently Asked Questions on the WHO CODE</span></span></a><br />
<h5>
<a href="http://www.unicef.org/nutrition/index_24805.html">Unicef
and the WHO-Code</a></h5>
<h5>
<a href="http://www.naba-breastfeeding.org/" style="color: #ff4b33;">National Alliance of
Breastfeeding Advocacy</a></h5>
<h5>
<a href="http://info.babymilkaction.org/">BabyMilkAction.org</a></h5>
<h5>
<a href="http://www.ibfan.org/">IBFAN: International Baby Food
Action Network</a></h5>
<h5>
<b>Recommended Reading:</b></h5>
<h5>
<a href="http://www.snugabell.com/blog/2010/04/a-summary-of-the-who-code-including-where-what-when-and-how">A
Summary of the WHO Code (including, What, When and How)</a> by
Pumpease.com</h5>
<h5>
<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/04/05/us-breastfeeding-study-idUSTRE6342ZG20100405">More
breastfeeding could save 900 lives, $13 billion</a>; (news on study by
Melissa Bartick, MD)</h5>
<h5>
<a href="http://jexalt.wordpress.com/2011/10/04/disney-and-similac-team-up-to-undermine-breastfeeding-for-moms/">Disney
and Similac Team up to Undermine Breastfeeding Moms</a></h5>
<h5>
<a href="http://www.womensenews.org/story/reproductive-health/111106/infant-formula-companies-milk-us-food-program">Infant
Formula Companies Milk U.S. Food Program</a></h5>
<h5>
<a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/751782">Medscape.com:
Economics in the NICU</a></h5>
<h5>
PhD in Parenting: <a href="http://www.phdinparenting.com/2010/02/22/how-to-report-unethical-promotion-of-formula-bottles-and-other-breastmilk-substitutes/">How
to Report a Unethical Promotion of [Breastmilk Substitutes]</a>, <a href="http://www.phdinparenting.com/2009/09/29/an-open-letter-to-the-attendees-of-the-nestle-family-blogger-event/">An
Open Letter to the Attendees of the Nestle Family Blogger Event</a>, <a href="http://www.phdinparenting.com/2010/09/03/similac-and-babble-team-up-to-dupe-breastfeeding-moms/">Similac
and Babble Team Up to Dupe Breastfeeding Moms</a>, <a href="http://www.phdinparenting.com/2011/10/02/can-an-ibclc-be-a-source-of-objective-information-about-formula-feeding/">IBCLCs
and Formula Feeding</a>, oh, heck just search WHO CODE or infant
formula on her blog!</h5>
<h5>
There are LOTS of great articles on the WHO-CODE, sorry I couldn’t
include them all–please let me know if I’ve missed an important, seminal
link!"</h5>
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<tr><td align="left" valign="bottom" width="56"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%28http://www.bestforbabes.org/what-is-the-who-code%29"><span style="font-size: large;">(http://www.bestforbabes.org/what-is-the-who-code)</span></a></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-41697090595132950792011-11-03T13:07:00.000-07:002011-11-03T13:07:30.798-07:00Breastfeeding failure- an Oxymoron!<a href="http://www.bestforbabes.org/breastfeeding-failure-is-an-oxymoron#comments">Check out this beautiful post from Stephanie Casemore</a> on the<a href="http://www.bestforbabes.org/"> Best for Babes Website. </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<h1 class="entry-title">
<a href="http://www.bestforbabes.org/breastfeeding-failure-is-an-oxymoron#comments">“Breastfeeding Failure” is an Oxymoron</a></h1>
<div class="entry-meta">
By Stephanie Casemore | Posted on November 3, 2011 </div>
<div class="entry-meta">
</div>
<div class="entry-meta">
<a href="http://www.bestforbabes.org/breastfeeding-failure-is-an-oxymoron#comments"> </a>
</div>
<!-- .entry-meta -->
"Lately I’ve been wondering if “breastfeeding failure” is an
oxymoron. I mean, to fail at something don’t you need to have a
predetermined understanding of what failure is and what success is? Must
you not be able to assess and quantify? But breastfeeding is a
relationship—not a test—and success looks different for everyone. A teen
mom, the mother of a preemie, a woman working outside of the home, a
stay at home mom: might breastfeeding not look different for a woman in
each of these situations?<br />
<br />
So why is it that so many women in our society today feel as though
they failed at breastfeeding? Is it possible to even fail? If you
breastfed, even for a short time, were you not a breastfeeding mom? How
is it then that you can do something, but yet fail at it?<br />
<br />
In almost every other human endeavour, we give credit for the
attempt; we give credit for the effort; we give credit for the action. I
am unsure of exactly what determines “breastfeeding success”—is it the
WHO guidelines, the AAP, my mother’s experience, the local La Leche
League members? It seems that are there many criteria that we hold
ourselves and other women up against when it comes to breastfeeding
failure. If you are one of the many women who believes she failed at
breastfeeding, my question for you is “Who told you you failed?”<br />
<br />
It was only when the breastfeeding relationship with second child was
coming to an end—a relationship that had been a three year odyssey in
healing—that I began to think about my first breastfeeding experience
and how the emotions surrounding that first breastfeeding effort
affected my nursing relationship with my second child. It was at that
point that I realized “breastfeeding failure” might very well be an
oxymoron.<br />
<br />
With my first child, my son, I had every intention of breastfeeding. I
floated through my pregnancy thinking everything was going to be
rainbows and sunshine! And then at 30 weeks, I got hit hard with
pre-eclampsia and my plans began to dissolve.<br />
<br />
From the start I pumped, expressing milk every two hours around the
clock. My breast pump soon became a permanent fixture in my living room
and remained so for the first year of my son’s life. Breastfeeding was
more challenging than I could have ever imagined, and even though my son
received far more breast milk (albeit by bottle) than most babies in
our modern world, I still felt like a failure.<br />
<br />
And I know I’m not alone. I’ve heard from many, many women over the
past several years who feel that they failed at breastfeeding, and even
more heart wrenching, feel they failed their children. Women who have
struggled to breastfeed, who have believed the motto of “breast is
best”, and who have in many cases gone to extraordinary lengths to try
to provide their babies breast milk, are feeling enormous guilt and a
burdensome sense of failure.<br />
<br />
Breastfeeding is a biologically expected activity, but it must also
be socially supported. If we were to follow our biology we would
breastfeed our infants until they naturally wean, which <a href="http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html" target="_blank">Katherine
Dettwyler’s research </a>suggests is somewhere between 2.5 and 7 years
of age. If this is the criteria we’re to use for “breastfeeding success”
then almost every breastfeeding mom and baby are failures!<br />
But in our human experience, breastfeeding is not only biologically
led, it is also largely influenced and supported (or not supported) by
our society. The division between what is biologically expected and what
is socially supported can create a tremendous amount of difficulty for
moms. When it comes to breastfeeding—and many other activities in
life—moms will look around them to determine what success mean, and our
society presents some questionable determinates of breastfeeding
success. <br />
So I’ve come to this conclusion: “breastfeeding failure” <em>is</em>
an oxymoron. You either breastfeed or you don’t. You can’t
breastfeed—regardless of how long it lasts—and be a breastfeeding
failure. How can we fail at something that has no predetermined finish
line? You may not be satisfied with your experience; you may not reach
your intended goal; but you do not fail when it comes to breastfeeding.
You do not fail your child when you have <em>given</em> everything you
could and <em>done</em> everything you could do to breastfeed.<br />
<br />
The reality of the situation is that due to the biological nature of
breastfeeding and the expected relationship between a mother and her
child, when breastfeeding doesn’t work out, there is a loss felt. This
loss is sometimes not recognized as a loss and as a result many women
carry with them feelings that they identify as guilt and a sense of
failure. Just like any other loss we experience in life, it is important
to recognize it and grieve it. There are things you can do to work
through the loss of a breastfeeding relationship and to refuse the label
of “breastfeeding failure”:<br />
<ul>
<li>The first step to overcoming the lingering pain of a breastfeeding
relationship that was not what you expected, not what you hoped for, is
to reframe your understanding of what success and failure looks like.
Who or what made the determination that you were a breastfeeding
failure? Don’t give your power over to people, companies, media, or
other groups that are not willing to recognize the success of your
efforts.
</li>
<li>Take back control of your experience. So you didn’t breastfeed as
long as you may have planned; plans change. Things don’t always go as
expected. Recognize all that you did do to make it work. Give yourself
credit for your effort. </li>
<li>Consider your experience at the time. We have the luxury of looking
back on our breastfeeding experience from a position of relative calm,
hormonal stability, and rest. My guess though is that after your baby
was born and you were struggling with breastfeeding, you were not
feeling calm, hormonally stable, or particularly well-rested. It’s
important to acknowledge the circumstances at the time and what you
accomplished given the challenges. Then figure out how you will overcome
those the next time around.</li>
<li>Grieve your loss. Breastfeeding is a relationship that is
biologically expected. So when we don’t get that relationship, we
experience a loss. As with any other relationship that ends, you need to
grieve it. Just recognizing it as a loss can go a long way in helping
you to come to terms with your experience. Talking about it will also
assist you to process the emotions you are feeling. If you don’t work
through the loss of your first breastfeeding experience, those emotions
are likely to surface again with your next baby.</li>
<li>Learn from the experience and make it something positive. We can
either choose to define our “failures” or be defined by them. Choose to
define your experience as a learning opportunity and as a period of
growth. You might use the experience to help support other women, take
it as a lesson of persistence or humility, or use it as a vehicle to
rail against the dangers of formula advertising. Whatever you take from
the experience, let it be positive, for even in seemingly painful
experiences there are opportunities for positive outcomes. </li>
</ul>
My final plea would be for all women to be kind and fair to each
other—and to themselves. Question what success means and who it is that
determines the criteria for success. And most importantly, avoid using
“breastfeeding” and “failure” in the same sentence; I’m convinced it is
an oxymoron.<br />
<br />
Stephanie Casemore has experienced breastfeeding as a challenge, a
gift, and a healing experience. She exclusively pumped for a year for
her first child and nursed her second child for three years. Turning the
challenges into a positive as an opportunity to support other mothers,
Stephanie shares her experience through her books: <a href="http://www.breastfeedingtaketwo.com/" target="_blank" title="Breastfeeding, Take Two"><em>Breastfeeding,
Take Two: Successful Breastfeeding the Second Time Around</em> </a>and <em><a href="http://www.exclusivelypumping.com/" target="_blank" title="Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk">Exclusively
Pumping Breast Milk: A Guide to Providing Expressed Breast Milk for Your
Baby</a>."</em><br />
<br />
<em><a href="http://www.bestforbabes.org/breastfeeding-failure-is-an-oxymoron#comments">(http://www.bestforbabes.org/breastfeeding-failure-is-an-oxymoron#comments) </a></em><br />The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-56790901185485123612011-11-02T23:54:00.000-07:002011-11-02T23:54:40.813-07:00Meal Planning and Freezer CookingIn my attempt to save money and make my life easier, I have been working at learning how to meal plan and freezer cook. At first, I thought it sounded so easy...boy was I wrong! I mean, once you get the hang of it- it IS easy. It saves so much time and money. However, it is a skill that needs to be learned and practiced.<br />
<br />
It is hard for me- because I am more casual when it comes to eating. Whatever I feel like at the moment, is what I want to eat. I don't like planning out meals, despite being a planner in most other areas of my life. But with me only working part-time and now having two kids- it has become a necessity.<br />
<br />
It also has been interesting for me to do this while keeping health in mind. Some freezer cooking options are not the healthiest. Plus, when you eat mostly fresh foods and not as many processed, boxed foods, it is hard to only grocery shop every few weeks and plan ahead.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lHOINT9ZIpI/TrI6laJrxOI/AAAAAAAAB0M/wQsBwq1MYRk/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lHOINT9ZIpI/TrI6laJrxOI/AAAAAAAAB0M/wQsBwq1MYRk/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture from <br /><a href="http://mamaandbabylove.blogspot.com/2011/04/freezer-cooking-with-slow-cooker.html">http://mamaandbabylove.blogspot.com/2011/04/freezer-cooking-with-slow-cooker.html</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
BUT- it can be done. I am not going crazy with it, but I am incorporating some ideas into my routine.<br />
<br />
Check out some great resources and menu suggestions here:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://goodcheapeats.com/2011/10/once-a-month-meal-planning-november/">http://goodcheapeats.com/2011/10/once-a-month-meal-planning-november/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/freezer-meal-recipes-master-list">http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/freezer-meal-recipes-master-list</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mommyhatescooking.com/recipe-index">http://www.mommyhatescooking.com/recipe-index</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.aturtleslifeforme.com/2011/06/freezer-meals-on-cheap.html">http://www.aturtleslifeforme.com/2011/06/freezer-meals-on-cheap.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://mamaandbabylove.blogspot.com/2011/04/freezer-cooking-with-slow-cooker.html">http://mamaandbabylove.blogspot.com/2011/04/freezer-cooking-with-slow-cooker.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
It is the same principal as <a href="http://www.littlestfoodie.com/2010/04/save-money-making-baby-food.html">making your own baby food</a>. You control the ingredients, you save money, and buy spending some time once in awhile, you save time on a daily basis by having the food ready to go!<br />
<br />
So- let me know! Do you do freezer cooking or meal planning? Tips? SHARE! <br />
<br />
<br />The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-55973301902741811862011-10-26T12:53:00.000-07:002011-10-26T12:53:38.600-07:00Recipe of the Day- Pumpkin Spice Muffins!From the Pioneer Woman...another use of my favorite ingredient- PUMPKIN!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pumpkin Spice Muffins</span></b> </div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOQIl6ksDQc/Tqhk4FrLf2I/AAAAAAAABs8/L3p8KbTYG0c/s1600/3982387292_f2a50d26aa_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOQIl6ksDQc/Tqhk4FrLf2I/AAAAAAAABs8/L3p8KbTYG0c/s320/3982387292_f2a50d26aa_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(photo from http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/10/moist-pumpkin-spice-muffins-with-cream-cheese-frosting/)</span><br />
<br />
<h4>
Ingredients</h4>
<ul>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 cup</span><span itemprop="name"> All-purpose Flour</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/2 cup</span><span itemprop="name"> Sugar- (I would substitute some agave nectar/honey and molasses here a total of about 1/4-1/3 cup)</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">2 teaspoons</span><span itemprop="name"> Baking Powder</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1-1/2 teaspoon</span><span itemprop="name"> Cinnamon</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/4 teaspoon</span><span itemprop="name"> Ground
Ginger</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/2 teaspoon</span><span itemprop="name"> Nutmeg</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/2 teaspoon</span><span itemprop="name"> Salt</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">4 Tablespoons</span><span itemprop="name"> Butter, cut
into pieces</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 cup</span><span itemprop="name"> (heaping) Pumpkin
Puree</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/2 cup</span><span itemprop="name"> Evaporated Milk</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1 whole</span><span itemprop="name"> Egg</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1-1/2 teaspoon</span><span itemprop="name"> Vanilla</span></span></li>
<li><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"><span itemprop="amount">1/2 cup</span><span itemprop="name"> Golden Raisins
(optional!)</span></span></li>
<li><h4>
Preparation Instructions</h4>
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Generously grease 12 muffin tins.<br />
Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
Cut in butter with two knives or a pastry blender until it is fully
incorporated. In a separate bowl, mix together pumpkin, evaporated milk,
egg, and vanilla. Pour pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture. Add
raisins. Fold gently until mixture is just combined. <br />
Pour into a greased muffin pan—batter hardly ever fills all twelve
unless you keep it down to 1/2 full. Sprinkle with remaining
cinnamon-sugar-nutmeg mixture over the top of each unbaked muffin.<br />
Bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool in pan for 15 minutes, then remove
and allow to cool</li>
</ul>
She tops her muffins with a cinnamon sugar mix and then frosts with cream cheese frosting, but I think the basic recipe is healthier and just as delicious!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/10/moist-pumpkin-spice-muffins-with-cream-cheese-frosting/">(http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/10/moist-pumpkin-spice-muffins-with-cream-cheese-frosting/) </a></span><br />The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-67229239263853715982011-10-17T15:44:00.000-07:002011-10-17T15:45:00.667-07:00Stem Cells in Breastmilk!Check out this amazing story about stem cells found in breastmilk. This is amazing, not only for the medical benefits, but also for the many people who are opposed to using embryonic stem cells!<br />
<br />
<br />
"Serious and fatal diseases such as pancreatic cancer, Parkinson's
disease and diabetes may eventually be treated using stem cells from
breast milk, researchers from the University of Western Australia have
discovered.<br />
<br />
UWA PhD student Foteini Hassiotou has potentially broken
through the greatest hurdle in stem cell research - the ability to
ethically obtain stem cells in a non-invasive manner."<br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br />Read more: <a href="http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/uwa-discovers-ethical-embryoniclike-stem-cells-in-breast-milk-20111017-1lt97.html#ixzz1b58OBxDR" style="color: #003399;">http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/uwa-discovers-ethical-embryoniclike-stem-cells-in-breast-milk-20111017-1lt97.html#ixzz1b58OBxDR</a></div>
<br />
<br />The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-70586122374840247502011-10-13T08:45:00.000-07:002011-10-13T08:45:47.922-07:00Time for Compassion!!I just came across this article that I LOVE. It talks about using compassion when talking about Mommy/Baby issues on the internet.<br />
<br />
It is no secret that I am a big advocate for breastfeeding. I love it and my personal experience with it has changed my life for the better. That being said- I also do not ever in any way want to make formula feeding Moms feel bad! Formula is not evil! Every Mom and Dad does their best. Period.<br />
<br />
I hope that it is always clear that I try and only present information about breastfeeding and try and help educate people to help their feeding experience better. I have many, many friends who have fed their babies formula. HECK- my Mom's breastmilk dried up after awhile and I was given formula. My husband was exclusively formula fed. We turned out just fine. AND my boys have never had even an ounce of formula. I even became one of "those women" who breastfed my oldest until he was over 2 years old! I breastfed while I was pregnant! So, I have been on both sides of the issue. <br />
<br />
But of course, I am a huge believer that more women would breastfeed (and for longer) if they were given information and support from before they even gave birth. Let's all just get along and stick together! Raising kids is hard enough without attacking each other. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/meredith-fein-lichtenberg/mom-on-mom_b_1005506.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false">Check out this great article on the Huffington Post talking about this very topic! </a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-15943873059384862592011-10-13T08:19:00.000-07:002011-10-13T08:19:30.964-07:00Baby friendly hospitalsCheck out this great resource on the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. To become a baby friendly hospital, the facility must meet 10 requirements:<br />
<br />
<span class="subint-tit01">"The Ten Steps
To Successful Breastfeeding</span><br />
<br />
The BFHI promotes, protects, and supports breastfeeding through
The Ten
Steps to Successful Breastfeeding for Hospitals, as outlined by
UNICEF/WHO.
The steps for the United States are:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="right" class="int-text" valign="top" width="20"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1
- </span></td>
<td class="int-text">Have a written breastfeeding policy that
is
routinely communicated to all health care staff.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" class="int-text" valign="top" width="20"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">2
- </span></td>
<td class="int-text">Train all health care staff in skills
necessary
to implement this policy.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" class="int-text" valign="top" width="20"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">3
- </span></td>
<td class="int-text">Inform all pregnant women about the
benefits and
management of breastfeeding.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" class="int-text" valign="top" width="20"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">4
- </span></td>
<td class="int-text">Help mothers initiate breastfeeding
within one
hour of birth.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" class="int-text" valign="top" width="20"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">5
- </span></td>
<td class="int-text">Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to
maintain
lactation, even if they are separated from their infants.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" class="int-text" valign="top" width="20"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">
6 - </span></td>
<td class="int-text">Give newborn infants no food or drink
other than breastmilk,
unless <em>medically </em>indicated.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" class="int-text" valign="top" width="20"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">7
- </span></td>
<td class="int-text">Practice “rooming in”-- allow mothers
and infants to remain together 24 hours a day.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" class="int-text" valign="top" width="20"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">8
- </span></td>
<td class="int-text">Encourage breastfeeding on demand.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" class="int-text" valign="top" width="20"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">9
- </span></td>
<td class="int-text">Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples
to breastfeeding
infants.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" class="int-text" valign="top" width="20"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">10
- </span></td>
<td class="int-text">Foster the establishment of breastfeeding
support
groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the
hospital or
clinic"</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" valign="top" width="20"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img height="1" src="http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/eng/images/0pix.gif" width="1" />
</span></td>
<td><img height="6" src="http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/eng/images/0pix.gif" width="6" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Sadly, there are only 119 hospitals certified in the entire country, and ZERO in Arizona. Should we start advocating for some, or what!!??</b><br />
<br />
Check out this site:<br />
<a href="http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/eng/index.html">http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/eng/index.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-40970101671020451712011-10-06T14:17:00.001-07:002011-10-06T14:17:59.214-07:00More research on Breastmilk and Good BacteriaCheck out this great video about research being done by UC Davis about the chemistry of breastmilk and how it feeds the good bacteria in our stomachs. Cures are being developed for many diseases with this information!<br />
<br />
Watch by clicking the link below! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/UCDavis?sk=videos#%21/video/video.php?v=10150331607079487">https://www.facebook.com/UCDavis?sk=videos#!/video/video.php?v=10150331607079487</a><br />
<br />
<br />The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-30383035808018091012011-10-02T11:32:00.000-07:002011-10-26T13:03:06.137-07:00Recipe of the Day- Agave Banana Spice Cake (No refined sugar!)Healthy and delicious! Also great for little ones, as long as they have had milk, eggs and wheat flour. (About 12-18 months)<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>4 ounces butter, softened</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2 cup agave nectar</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 tablespoon molasses</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 large egg</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 to 3
bananas, mashed, about 3/4 cup</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/4 cup
buttermilk or sour milk- <a href="http://homecooking.about.com/od/foodequivalents/a/buttermilkequiv.htm">(check out easy substitutions HERE)</a></li>
<li class="ingredient">1 teaspoon vanilla
extract</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2
teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 scant teaspoon ground
cinnamon</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/8 teaspoon ground cloves</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg</li>
</ul>
<br />
Heat oven to 350°. Grease and flour an 8- or 9-inch square pan.<br />
<br />
In a large mixing bowl with electric mixer, cream butter, agave nectar and molasses. Beat in egg, milk, vanilla, and mashed banana until blended.
Combine remaining dry ingredients and spices. Stir the dry ingredients
into the first mixture until moistened. Spread in prepared pan.<br />
<br />
Bake
for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cake springs back when lightly touched
with finger. <br />
<br />
<br />The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-19634888716090682182011-09-26T13:39:00.000-07:002011-09-26T13:39:05.151-07:00Information about milk substitutes<div class="hl-content" id="yh_nav_body">
<span>
<a href="http://health.yahoo.net/rodale/WH/milk-minus-the-cow">From Yahoo:</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>Cow-free milk is no passing trend: The milk-alternatives market grew
12.5 percent last year, according to the Beverage Marketing Corporation.
"While cow's milk contains nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and
protein, people are turning to nondairy varieties because of allergies,
lactose intolerance, and concerns about hormones and <a class="hl-navLink" href="" id="hlnavlink_15">antibiotics</a>," says Elisa Zied,
R.D., author of </span><em><span><a class="hl-navLink" href="" id="hlnavlink_17">Nutrition</a>
at Your Fingertips</span></em>. Some faux milks are more beneficial
than good old moo juice and clock in at fewer calories (skim has 90 per
eight-ounce glass), while others lack nutritional value or harbor hidden
calories and sugar, particularly the vanilla-and chocolate-flavored
ones. Consult this guide before you drink up.<br />
<br />
<a data-rapid_p="1" href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/best-foods-to-eat?cm_mmc=Yahoo_Health-_-In%20the%20Clear-_-Article-_-17%20power%20food%20options" target="_blank"><br /></a><br />
<strong> </strong><br />
<strong>Almond Milk</strong><br />
<img src="http://images.rodale.com/image/wh/yhoo-milk-almonds200.jpg" /><br />
<strong>Almond
Breeze Original,</strong> <em><span>Per cup: 60 cal, 2.5 g fat (0 g
sat), 8 g carbs (7 g sugars), 150 mg <a class="hl-navLink" href="" id="hlnavlink_53">sodium</a>, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein</span></em><br />
<em><span> </span></em>
<br />
<strong>Taste:</strong> Creamy, rich, and slightly nutty with a hint
of sweetness<br />
<br />
<strong>Pros:</strong><span> The least caloric of the bunch, it's
fortified with <a class="hl-navLink" href="" id="hlnavlink_60">vitamin E</a><span>,
a powerful antioxidant that fights UV damage, as well as <a class="hl-navLink" href="" id="hlnavlink_64">calcium and vitamins A and D</a>. </span></span><br />
<br />
<strong>Cons:</strong> While almonds themselves are a good source of
fiber and protein, the milk contains skimpy amounts of these nutrients
(that's because the milk is made by grinding the nuts and mixing with
water). Almond milk is also higher in sodium than other alternatives.<br />
<br />
<strong>Best in:</strong> Smoothies, coffee, and cereal<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Hemp Milk</strong><br />
<img src="http://images.rodale.com/image/wh/yhoo-milk-hemp200.jpg" /><br />
<strong>
Tempt Original,</strong> <em><span>Per cup: 100 cal, 6 g fat (0.5 g
sat), 9 g carbs (6 g sugars), 110 <a class="hl-navLink" href="" id="hlnavlink_97">mg</a> sodium, 0 g fiber, 2 g protein</span></em><br />
<br />
<strong>Taste:</strong>
Nutty and earthy<br />
<br />
<strong>Pros:</strong><span> It's naturally rich in <a class="hl-navLink" href="" id="hlnavlink_107">omega-3</a> fatty acids—wonder
nutrients for your heart, brain, and mood. Hemp milk is made with
cannabis seeds, but it won't get you high, because it lacks significant
THC (the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana). </span><br />
<br />
<strong>Cons:</strong> Depending on the brand, you may gulp only 10
percent of your daily calcium needs. It's not a great source of protein
either.<br />
<br />
<strong>Best in:</strong> Mashed potatoes, muffins, and quick breads.
Unobtrusive in flavor, it's a good stand-in for cow's milk in baked
foods.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Coconut Milk</strong><br />
<img src="http://images.rodale.com/image/wh/yhoo-milk-coconut200.jpg" /><br />
<strong>
So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage Original, </strong><em>Per cup: 80
cal, 5 g fat (5 g sat), 7 g carbs (6 g sugars), 15 mg sodium, 0 g fiber,
1 g protein</em><br />
<em> </em>
<br />
<strong>Taste:</strong> Thick, creamy, and, well, coconut-y<br />
<br />
<strong>Pros:</strong><span> It has the least amount of sodium and
can be fairly low-cal—even some flavored kinds will cost you only 90
calories per serving. Plus, most brands are fortified with half a day's
worth of <a class="hl-navLink" href="" id="hlnavlink_176">vitamin B12</a>, a
brain-boosting nutrient. </span><br />
<br />
<strong>Cons:</strong> "The majority of fat is saturated," says
Lauren Slayton, R.D., founder of Foodtrainers in New York City. But at
five grams per serving, it constitutes less than 8 percent of your total
daily value for fat.<br />
<br />
<strong>Best in:</strong> Coffee, tea, pudding, smoothies, and
oatmeal—it's a go-to thickener.<br />
<br />
<strong>Rice Milk</strong><br />
<img src="http://images.rodale.com/image/wh/yhoo-milk-rice200.jpg" /><br />
<strong>Rice Dream Enriched Original,</strong> <em>Per cup: 120 cal,
2.5 g fat (0 g sat), 23 g carbs (10 g sugars), 100 mg sodium, 0 g fiber,
1 g protein</em><br />
<em> </em>
<br />
<strong>Taste:</strong> Light, watery, and sweet<br />
<br />
<strong>Pros:</strong> The carbs. "Have a glass before or after a
workout—it offers carbs to fuel and fluid to hydrate, and like a sports
drink, it's a good source of electrolytes," says Nancy Clark, R.D.,
author of <em>Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook</em>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Cons:</strong> The carbs. If you're trying to drop a few
pounds, it's best to eat whole-grain carbs, which contain filling fiber;
rice milk has zero.<br />
<br />
<strong>Best in:</strong> Desserts, baked goods, pancakes, and French
toast. Its natural sweetness complements indulgent foods.<br />
<br />
<strong>Soy Milk</strong><br />
<img src="http://images.rodale.com/image/wh/yhoo-milk-soy200.jpg" /><br />
<strong>Silk Original,</strong> <em>Per cup: 100 cal, 4 g fat (0.5 g
sat), 8 g carbs (6 g sugars), 120 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 6 g protein</em><br />
<em> </em>
<br />
<strong>Taste:</strong> Faintly sweet. Some varieties have a slight
tofu flavor.<br />
<br />
<strong>Pros:</strong><span> It has almost as much protein as cow's
milk, plus plant chemicals that may help inhibit absorption of <a class="hl-navLink" href="" id="hlnavlink_270">cholesterol</a>. It's often
fortified, so shake the carton well—added calcium tends to settle at the
bottom, says Zied. </span><br />
<br />
<strong>Cons:</strong><span> Some studies suggest that overconsuming
soy promotes breast cancer. "A good guideline is about 25 grams of <a class="hl-navLink" href="" id="hlnavlink_284">soy protein</a> per day," says
Zied. </span><br />
<br />
<strong>Best in:</strong> Creamy soups and salad dressings, sauces,
casseroles, and other savory dishes. Vanilla-flavored varieties are
great in coffee or tea (or by the glass!).
<br />
</div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%28http://health.yahoo.net/rodale/WH/milk-minus-the-cow%29">(http://health.yahoo.net/rodale/WH/milk-minus-the-cow)</a>The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-63126973094863894522011-09-23T21:21:00.000-07:002011-09-23T21:21:18.402-07:00First Foods!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KiT2utJSY0M/Tn1YWaT5r9I/AAAAAAAABsg/DVVymBnI14s/s1600/IMG_2988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KiT2utJSY0M/Tn1YWaT5r9I/AAAAAAAABsg/DVVymBnI14s/s320/IMG_2988.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_gcs-aGSXBQ/Tn1YX0VmyDI/AAAAAAAABsk/3gQilf1z6vg/s1600/IMG_2993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_gcs-aGSXBQ/Tn1YX0VmyDI/AAAAAAAABsk/3gQilf1z6vg/s320/IMG_2993.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDq6sJh5Gr4/Tn1Ya69C7FI/AAAAAAAABso/pHETvuR5WNE/s1600/IMG_2995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDq6sJh5Gr4/Tn1Ya69C7FI/AAAAAAAABso/pHETvuR5WNE/s320/IMG_2995.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So- my little man turned 6 months old! Seems crazy how fast time flies by. Per current guidelines, he was exclusively breastfed until 6 months and then I started introducing solids, following the 4 day wait rule.<br />
<br />
We decided to pick avocados as his first food. (We did the same with my older son- so it was an easy choice). I took half of the avocado and mashed it up and gave it to him on a spoon and left the other half in large slices for him to feed himself. <br />
<br />
He loved it! He liked the taste and did not even make weird faces. He mostly played and explored- just as he should.<br />
<br />
We also introduced bananas this week. I did the same- mashed some, left some whole. I also froze part of the banana and put it into a mesh feeder because the poor guy is teething something awful and he loved the cold on his gums.<br />
<br />
Overall- it was a great experience and although I am sad that I am no longer his only food source, I am excited to introduce him to so many great new flavors and foods!<br />
<br />
<br />The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-14719334855766658012011-09-16T20:50:00.000-07:002011-09-16T20:50:17.794-07:00Role of Breastfeeding and BacteriaHere is an amazing article on how breastmilk introduces good bacteria into the stomachs of newborns, thus developing and shaping their immune systems.<br />
<br />
"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="style5" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<h2 class="uiHeaderTitle" style="color: #1c2a47; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Good bacteria, the role of breastmilk in immune system development and
that
"one" bottle
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: grey; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: left;">
by<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lakeshore-Medical-Breastfeeding-Medicine-Clinic/134844053221572" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Lakeshore
Medical Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic</a></span></span></h2>
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<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
In
a perfect world, a term, healthy newborn comes into the world
vaginally.
Again, I want to talk about normal. I know the process doesn't go
normally
all the time. (And I've talked about this <a href="http://www.drjen4kids.com/soap%20box/normal_%20newborn.htm">here</a>.)</div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span class="style5" style="color: #333333;">
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
The
delivery of that baby close to the anus is critical for immune system
development. The healthy, term newborn's gut is sterile (without
bacteria)
and the bacteria that get into that pristine gut are truly important.
During a vaginal delivery, the largely harmless bacteria around the
mother's
anus are the bacteria getting into the newborn gut. They increase in
number, compete for food and space and help coordinate efforts to create
a
healthy gut for that baby. With the exception of our skin, the gut is
the
largest immune system organ in our body.</div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
Because breastfeeding is normal, what happens to healthy, term newborns
who are
breastfed is normal. The newborn has a delay in their immune response
to
bacteria. A delay? To a bacteria? Yup. Normal.
After delivery, that newborn gut has many challenges from invaders that
may not
be friendly. Doesn't seem too smart not to fight back.</div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
We
all have mechanisms in our body to fight infection. In the gut it's
called
Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT) and it's ready to roll at 19 weeks
of
gestation. All of the things that make up the GALT are waiting for a
specific series of events to occur after delivery, when, if it proceeds
normally, will result in a functioning immune system. </div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<div class="style3" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
The
sequence of those events is important. For example, after the good
(commensal)
bacteria has set up shop in the newborn gut, something called an
"isolated
lymphoid follicle" in the intestine of that baby develops. It's
activated
by substances in colostrum and helps with T cell development and
function.</div>
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span class="style5" style="color: #333333;">
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
T
cells are part of what is called the "innate" system. They mature in
the
thymus, an immune system structure found in the neck and chest of
newborns.
Human milk activates resting thymus cells, helping to shape the immune
function
of these cells. Breastfed kids have a larger thymus than those that are
not breastfed; the thymus of the breastfed child is up to twice the size
of a
child not breastfed. The innate immune system contains cells that kill
bacteria but they do it by also causing inflammation and tissue damage.</div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
The
innate immune system is different from the "adaptive" immune system,
which is
very specific to certain invaders. (Never being very good at
immunology,
but being really great at American football, I see the innate system as
the
offensive line, generally protecting from guys coming at the
quarterback.
The adaptive immune system is more like the wide receiver or cornerback-
a
player with a more specific job)</div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<div class="style3" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
The
cells of the adaptive immune system, antibodies, come in several
flavors: Immunoglobulin M (IgM), which is the first type of antibody
produced
and isn't very specific; IgG which is transferred across the placenta
and is the
only immunoglobulin that the baby gets from mom and has at birth (the
newborn,
with only IgG is essentially immuno-compromised); IgE which isn't too
relevant
here; and IgA which rocks. IgA is a "sticky" immunoglobulin that
protects
surface areas from infection. A special type of IgA, secretory IgA, is
found in huge numbers in human milk and protects the airway, gut and
other
mucous membranes from infection. Secretory IgA is special because the
"secretory" part is an addition to the IgA and importantly, is
resistant to being broken down by the baby' stomach and GI tract.</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="style3" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span></span>
<div class="style3" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
So,
we have a new baby, exposed immediately to bacteria...why no
inflammation?
Well, the activity of the T-cells is delayed for about 10
days (remember,
T-cells cause inflammation and tissue damage.) Well... secretory IgA
helps.
It's made by mom in response to infections in her environment and passed
to the
baby through breastfeeding. Moms and babies should stay together.
This is one good reason: mom can't make antibodies to things that the
baby is
exposed to if the baby isn't with her.</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="style3" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span></span>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="style3" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
Human milk also contains special sugars, oligosaccharides, which help
feed good
bacteria. In fact, they are necessary for that good bacteria to grow.
Plus, they are a type of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em>prebiotic</em>-
something can block bad bacteria before they ever get to the surface of
the gut.
They let the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em>probiotics</em>,
the
good bacteria, stay in the gut. And because they never let the bad
bacteria get to the gut surface, no innate immune system is needed, and
we get
no inflammation or tissue damage. Oligosaccharides also work with
certain
receptors (called Toll Like Receptors). These receptors work in the
first
5 days (when are our kids getting supplemented?) and are controlled
tightly,
like hour by hour. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="style3" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span></span>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="style3" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
In
the time that the immune system is delayed, oligosaccharides, toll like
receptors and good bacteria protect against bad bacteria and avoid the
need for
an inflammatory response. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class=" fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Any</em></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em>alteration
in human milk or addition of formula </em>interferes with toll like
receptor
function, changes the bacteria that the baby's gut gets exposed to and
can then
lead to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em>inflammation and
tissue
damage</em>, the result we were trying so hard to avoid.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span class="style5" style="color: #333333;">
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
Just one bottle.</div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
The
lesson? Let's make sure we know why we are supplementing. </div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
(I suppose
that's another soap box- check out the "3b's" <a href="http://www.drjen4kids.com/soap%20box/newbornweight.htm"> birth
weight</a>, <a href="http://www.drjen4kids.com/soap%20box/bloodsugar.htm">blood sugar</a>
and <a href="http://www.drjen4kids.com/soap%20box/jaundice.htm">
bilirubin</a>)</div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span></span></span>
<div class="style3" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
Jenny Thomas, MD, IBCLC, FAAP, FABM</div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span class="style5" style="color: #333333;">
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="style4" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
More info? A very nice book from Dr. Lars Hanson on Breastfeeding and
Human Milk.</div>
</span></span></span>
<div class="style3" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Immunobiology-Human-Milk-Lars-Hanson/dp/0972958304?&camp=212361&creative=383957&linkCode=waf&tag=drj08-20" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), "66212", event);" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">
http://www.amazon.com/Immunobiology-Human-Milk-Lars-Hanson/dp/0972958304?&camp=212361&creative=383957&linkCode=waf&tag=drj08-20"</a></div>
<div class="style3" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="style3" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="style3" style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.drjen4kids.com/soap%20box/onebottle.htm">(http://www.drjen4kids.com/soap%20box/onebottle.htm) </a></div>
</span></span>The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-12156796666923467002011-09-13T20:56:00.001-07:002011-10-26T13:03:13.861-07:00Recipe of the Day- Carrot Cake Agave Muffins!<u><span style="font-size: large;"> Carrot Cake Agave Muffins: – Makes 36 muffins</span></u><br />
<br />
<br />
1 cup Organic Amber Agave Nectar<br />
4 large eggs<br />
1 cup canola oil<br />
3 cups shredded fresh carrots<br />
2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 F.<br />
Prepare 3 – 12 cup muffin pans with liners.
In a large bowl, combine agave, eggs, and oil, beat well. Stir in
carrots. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients. Blend in batter.
Fill cups only half-way for proper baking. Bake 22 to 25 minutes
until the center of a muffin springs back when lightly touched.<br />
<br />
<br />
YUM!The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-31504435427568339252011-09-07T20:25:00.000-07:002011-09-07T20:25:49.041-07:00Introducing Solids to Your PreemieCheck out this great article about introducing solid to preemies from Wholesome Baby Food:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/news/2011/08/introducing-solids-to-your-premature-baby-an-informative-guest-post/">http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/news/2011/08/introducing-solids-to-your-premature-baby-an-informative-guest-post/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This article has some really important information to be sure your preemie gets the proper nutrition! The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-44222743673879747632011-09-03T23:06:00.000-07:002011-10-26T13:03:28.486-07:00Recipe of the Day- Grilled Veggies!A GREAT idea for babies, toddlers, kids and adults! Everyone will love the selection and the sweetness added by the balsamic vinegar. Check out this great recipe from Giada and the Food Network- or come up with your own variation. Labor Day is the perfect time to grill with the family.<br />
<br />
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Grilled Vegetables</h1>
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<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/giada-de-laurentiis/index.html" title="Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis">Recipe courtesy Giada De
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evOER1bpgUk/TmMVUAg4rvI/AAAAAAAABqw/pKKzcyu-ol0/s1600/ll1a08_grilled_vegetables_1_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evOER1bpgUk/TmMVUAg4rvI/AAAAAAAABqw/pKKzcyu-ol0/s320/ll1a08_grilled_vegetables_1_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2 class="kv-ingred">
Ingredients</h2>
<ul class="kv-ingred-list1">
<li class="ingredient">3 <a class="crosslink" debug="2 17" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/red-bell-pepper/index.html">red bell peppers</a>, seeded and halved</li>
<li class="ingredient">3 yellow squash (about 1 pound total), sliced
lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick rectangles</li>
<li class="ingredient">3 zucchini (about 12 ounces total), sliced
lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick rectangles</li>
<li class="ingredient">3 Japanese eggplant (12 ounces total), sliced
lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick rectangles</li>
<li class="ingredient">12 <a class="crosslink" debug="318 334" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/cremini/index.html">cremini mushrooms</a></li>
<li class="ingredient">1 bunch (1-pound) <a class="crosslink" debug="358 366" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/asparagus/index.html">asparagus</a>, trimmed</li>
<li class="ingredient">12 <a class="crosslink" debug="384 395" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/green-onion/index.html">green onions</a>, roots cut off</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons <a class="crosslink" debug="443 451" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/olive-oil/index.html">olive oil</a></li>
<li class="ingredient">Salt and freshly ground black pepper</li>
<li class="ingredient">3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 <a class="crosslink" debug="535 547" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/garlic/index.html">garlic cloves</a>, minced</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 teaspoon chopped fresh <a class="crosslink" debug="586 607" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/italian-parsley/index.html">Italian parsley leaves</a></li>
<li class="ingredient">1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil leaves</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
leaves</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Directions</h2>
<div class="instructions">
<div class="instruction">
Place a <a class="crosslink" debug="8 16" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/grill-pan/index.html">grill pan</a> over medium-high heat or
prepare the barbecue (medium-high heat). Brush the vegetables with 1/4
cup of the oil to coat lightly. Sprinkle the vegetables with salt and
pepper. Working in batches, grill the vegetables until tender and
lightly charred all over, about 8 to 10 minutes for the bell peppers; 7
minutes for the yellow squash, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms; 4
minutes for the asparagus and green onions. Arrange the vegetables on a
platter. The key to getting those great grill marks is to not shift the
vegetables too frequently once they've been placed on the hot grill.</div>
Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, <a class="crosslink" debug="660 675" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/balsamic-vinegar/index.html">balsamic vinegar</a>, garlic,
parsley, basil, and rosemary in a small bowl to blend. Add salt and
pepper to taste. Drizzle the herb mixture over the vegetables. Serve the
vegetables, warm or at room temperature.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/grilled-vegetables-recipe/index.html">(http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/grilled-vegetables-recipe/index.html) </a></div>The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-513607131922392751.post-57741955046549030462011-08-31T16:40:00.000-07:002011-08-31T16:40:08.904-07:00Breastfeeding Moms More Aggressive?!Turns out- it is true...<br />
<br />
Check out this article to find out what us nursing mamas have in common with mama grizzlies!<br />
<br />
<h1>"Why you shouldn’t challenge a breast-feeding mom to play <em>Call of Duty"</em></h1><a href="http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/8/2011/08/aggressivemomtop.jpg" rel="lytebox"><img alt="Why you shouldn't challenge a
breast-feeding mom to play Call of Duty" class="image_0 v10_medium" src="http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/8/2011/08/medium_aggressivemomtop.jpg" style="display: none;" title="Why you shouldn't
challenge a breast-feeding mom to play Call of Duty" width="300" /></a>"When you happen upon a couple of bear cubs in the woods, what's the first thing that comes to mind? If you're answer was "I wanna squeeze 'em," you're wrong. It should be "where's the mom?" And with good reason. Numerous non-human mammals are known to exhibit heightened levels of aggression in defense of their young.<br />
<br />
But what about humans? A newly published study has revealed the first behavioral evidence for heightened aggression in nursing women. What's more, these women are not only more likely to display aggressive behavior than their formula-feeding peers, they actually exhibit lower systolic blood pressure in the process. Translation? Breast feeding can help you defend your young <em>and</em> help keep you de-stressed.<br />
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The researchers' hypothesis — that human mothers would display accentuated aggressiveness while breast feeding — was based on prior research in non-human mammals that shows that lactation enables heightened defensive aggression by decreasing the animal's fear response. Evolutionarily speaking, the ability to react defensively is enormously beneficial to the fitness of a mother and her offspring.<br />
But the scientists couldn't exactly pit these women against legitimately harmful threats, so how did the researchers screen for aggression? Simple: a videogame tournament.<br />
<br />
Well, not videogames, per se. Eighteen nursing mothers, 17 formula-feeding moms, and 20 non-mothers were recruited to participate in a computerized, competitive, reaction-time test (okay, a videogame) against a research assistant posing as an overtly confrontational study participant (try to imagine an unnecessarily hostile, pre-teen XBox Live opponent on <em>Call of Duty</em>).<br />
Here's where things get awesome. If the study participant won a round of the competition, she was allowed to press a button that delivered what the researchers describe as a "punitive sound burst" to their overtly hostile opponent (the trained research assistant). For those of you wondering, the "punitive sound burst" in this instance is roughly the equivalent of "booyah, bitch," and has, in fact, been <a href="https://illinois.edu/lb/files/2009/03/26/9293.pdf">validated as a measure of physical aggression</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
The paper's authors describe their findings:<br />
<blockquote> Breast-feeding mothers inflicted louder and longer punitive sound bursts on unduly aggressive confederates than did formula-feeding mothers or women who had never been pregnant.<br />
</blockquote>In fact, mothers who exclusively breast-fed their infants were found to be almost twice as aggressive as formula-feeding women and non-mothers. (It's worth noting that formula-feeding women did not exhibit more aggressive behavior than non-mothers.)<br />
The researchers believe the tendency for breast-feeding mothers to dish out longer and louder punitive sound bursts is mediated by a lactation-related decrease in the body's response to stress. The researchers explain:<br />
<blockquote> Exclusively breast-feeding mothers had lower [blood pressure] during the aggressive encounters relative to the other groups, and [blood pressure] correlated inversely with aggressive behavior. Together, these findings suggest that in humans, as in many other mammalian species, lactating mothers are more likely to aggress against hostile conspecifics than are non-lactating mothers or [women who have never given birth], at least in part because they experience dampened arousal in response to stressful aggressive encounters.<br />
</blockquote>So what's the take home message?<br />
<br />
"Breast-feeding mothers aren't going to go out and get into bar fights," said UCLA's Dr. Jennifer Hahn-Holebrook, lead author of the study. "But if someone is threatening them or their infant, our research suggests they may be more likely to defend themselves in an aggressive manner."<br />
<br />
The researchers' paper, "Maternal Defense: Breast Feeding Increases Aggression by Reducing Stress" appears in the September issue of <em><a href="http://pss.sagepub.com/content/early/2011/08/26/0956797611420729.abstract">Psychological Science</a></em><br />
<em>Thanks to Dr. Hahn-Holebrook for the forwarded copy of the paper"</em><br />
<span class="related-heading modfont ui-light"></span><br />
<a href="http://io9.com/5835975/nursing-moms-more-aggressive-than-formula+feeders">(http://io9.com/5835975/nursing-moms-more-aggressive-than-formula+feeders) </a><br />
<br />
Wow! Don't mess with my kiddos, haha!<br />
<br />
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<br />
The Richardson'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13635336518797178882noreply@blogger.com2