Breastfeeding Harmful b/c of Food Hormones?

[regbyandjulie]

Hi!

I was talking to my friend the other day about breastfeeding, and she mentioned that she saw a study posted on the news about breastfeeding. According to the study, they reccommend that you stop breastfeeding after the baby is 4 months old, because of growing concern that growth hormones that are in food (like meat) being passed to the baby through breast milk. I didn't see the news piece myself, and I've tried to find more info about this, but haven't been able to. Has anyone else heard of this or know of any studies that have been done on food hormones being passed on through breast milk?

I'm inclined to believe that the benefits of breastfeeding would outweigh these risks, especially if I incorporate more organic foods in my diet, but I'm wondering about other thoughts on this.

[MrsPinecone]

Yeah. Whatever.

I BFed DS until 14 months, and will continue with DD at least that long.

The study was probably funded by the formula companies in one way or another.

[regbyandjulie]

That's a good point. I didn't see/read about it myself, but I thought I'd throw the topic out there. I plan on breastfeeding as well.

[talk2ham.1]

That's a bunch of bologna! Check kellymom :: Breastfeeding and Parenting for lots of info and research about breastfeeding. The forums there are great for getting questions like this answered better too.

But just for your peace of mind till then, know that a great deal of research over the past several decades has repeatedly proven breastfeeding to be THE best option for your child during his/her first year at least. Your body is capable and quite efficient about tayloring your breastmilk for your baby's specific needs.

[BinahYeteirah]

Oh, please! I agree with Mrs. P. The milk in formula is, no doubt, also contaminated by growth hormone from the cows' bodies.

[loaslaen]

Follow the money:
What money is to be made when women supply all of the babies needs through breast milk?

Those hormones aren't good for ANYONE. They are unnatural. So next best thing, warn women naturally feeding their babies of the potential of passing unnatural contaminants to their babies. The solution: feed the baby an unnatural alternative.

Hey, what about the rest of us eating those bad hormones? Well, that's ok, you'll just make money off our medical bills.

Breast milk is best!

[~~Who,Me?~~]

Originally Posted by MrsPinecone Yeah. Whatever.

Yeah, that.^^^^^

[greenrays]

That is hilarious!!!

I can't even get my pedi or allergist to give me a straight answer about foods crossing through the breastmilk. There are SO many studies out there and neither will commit to any of them.

I decided myself to cut out the foods my ds was allergic to, if it helped or worsened his allergies-- I have no clue b/c his are so high anyways!!

I would love to read that study if you have a linky to it. Like how much meat did the mom eat, was it always hormones added or did she ever buy organics?? lol, how did they measure the milk and the hormones??

I say breast feed or formula feed, I don't care. I just hate when studies knock one or the other!!

[Michar]

Mothering mag just did a big article on this topic several months ago about chemicals in BF and the studies found hands down it's still better overall to BF even though there may be some small harm from chemicals you ingest the good done by BF is still vastly superior to FF. BTW if you drink organic milk and eat organic meats you can cut down the amount of hormones/antibodics you ingest. I think the vast majority of people are extremely uneducated that drink non-organic milk and choose to eat "regular" meat what they are actually putting into their bodies and what they actually are legally allowed to do/put into those animals. Not saying people don't have a right to do so ... they do... just saying I think a lot of people would be shocked by what is allowed.

[jazzhands]

If you're really concerned, just switch to hormone-free products. Yes, meat will be a bit more expensive, but remember that meat is not a necessity. You can get the same protein from nuts and beans. Plus, you're saving a ton of money on formula, so you could just transfer some of that savings to the expense of changing your diet a bit.