Our incredible body

Some interesting facts on breast milk were recently discovered:

The complex sugars were long thought to have no biological significance, even though they constitute up to 21 percent of milk. Besides promoting growth of the bifido strain, they also serve as decoys for noxious bacteria that might attack the infant’s intestines. The sugars are very similar to those found on the surface of human cells, and are constructed in the breast by the same enzymes. Many toxic bacteria and viruses bind to human cells by docking with the surface sugars. But they will bind to the complex sugars in milk instead. “We think mothers have evolved to let this stuff flush through the infant,” Dr. Mills said.

Emphasis is mine.

Very cool! I look forward to reading about the thousands (millions?) of other benefits in breast milk.

Go here and read the rest.

Breastfeeding during the toddler years

I have posted about breastfeeding in the past. It's a passion of mine and I will post again and again on it, particularly when I read something that makes me clap my hands and yell, "Yes, someone gets it!"

Since last summer I have been thoroughly researching what food is best to eat. Recently I have made a commitment to eating Primal (80/20 rule). The following is from Mark Sisson:

Milk with fatty acids for brain development, antibodies for immune system support and high nutrient and fat content resulted in healthy babies who would more likely survive the challenges of Grok’s day. If the milk could change as the child aged to better meet his/her needs over time, that child would have an even better chance of making it to adulthood. And, as we know, these characteristics in breastmilk were exactly what evolution favored and selected for over time.

Because it took two years for babies and young toddlers to develop teeth adequate to chew much of the food available in Grok’s day, they were dependent on their mothers’ milk. (There were, of course, no Cuisinart processors or food mills in Paleolithic times – and little time to bother with elaborate food preparation anyway.) Children transitioned to solids at a slow and gradual rate and took milk from their mothers throughout the toddler years.

I love it! This is what needs to be expressed to parents, pediatricians and every person who eventually wants kids.

There are, of course, more than nutritional reasons to continue breastfeeding into the toddler years. I have found that it helps immensely to calm/relax Rooster prior to naps/bedtime, after getting hurt, or anytime he becomes extremely upset (more frequent nowadays when he exerts his independence). It has helped with teething, both as a comfort for pain as well as a supplement for nutrition. Rooster often did not want to eat anything solid. As long as he was nursing I did not have to worry about meeting his nutritional needs with solid foods for a few days at a time. Last, but certainly not least, emotions are running high for Rooster right now and nursing helps him feel secure, safe, and connected to another human being (his mama!). He's learning so much right now that I am confident nursing is a need of his while making so many developmental transitions.

Breastfeeding, fathers, and the benefits to mothers

My husband follows this blog because he is a type 1 diabetic. I will write about that soon but for now I will stick with her post.

I love that there is more research being done about the benefits of breastfeeding to both mom and baby. Yes, I see it as superior to formula in every way. Yes, I know there are some reasons why a woman cannot breastfeed and formula is a miracle in these cases. That doesn't change the facts.

I do disagree with this though:

OK Gentlemen, you are excused for today. No hard feelings.

The role a husband plays in breastfeeding is crucial. The more informed men are about breastfeeding and all of it's wonderful benefits and rewards the better it will be for the mom and baby. Roscoe has been so supportive of my breastfeeding relationship with Rooster. He is quite knowledgeable of why I wanted to do it so he has always been there cheering us on. At times I did get very frustrated, and with the emotions and hormones present in my system, it was very refreshing to have his unadulterated encouragement. I'm afraid there are moms out there who do not have supportive husbands that either never try to breastfeed or cut the relationship way short (I've heard sad stories of such at LLL meetings I attend). Support comes in positive words, encouragement, offering assistance, bringing her water/food/anything she needs, etc. With Roscoe's support our breastfeeding relationship has been successful.

Update: more research