PREVENTING FOOD SENSITIVITY: BREAST-FEEDING AND FEED MIXTURES

Apr
20
2009

Posted by: admin in Categories: Allergies.
Using Tags: Allergies

The mother who wishes to ensure that her baby is solely breast-fed needs to be prepared in advance. Because breast-feeding is thought of as ‘natural’ it is often assumed that it ‘comes naturally’. Unfortunately this is not true, and many mothers give up because they have not been shown how to breast-feed properly, or because they have sore nipples, or other problems. Advice and help with breast-feeding can be obtained from several organizations.

Before going into hospital, enquire about their policy on night feeds and supplementary feeds. Make it very clear to the midwife that you do not wish your baby to have anything but breast milk. Ask whether you will be able to have your baby with you and feed it on demand – this is far more conducive to successful breast-feeding than a system that is ruled by the clock. Another factor in establishing a good working relationship with your baby is starting breast-feeding within four hours of birth. Where a baby or mother is very ill, this may not always be possible, but you should ask that the baby be put to the breast as soon as possible.

If breast-feeding is not possible, for whatever reason, then the mother should not feel guilty about the situation. There are alternatives that carry less risk of allergy than standard infant formulas. These are feed mixtures known as hydrolysates which are available on prescription.

Formula feeds based on soya are sometimes used with children who are known to be sensitive to cow’s milk. These tend to be prescribed because they are a great deal cheaper than hydrolysates, and they may be very effective in clearing up symptoms that are due to cow’s milk sensitivity. However, there is always the risk that a child will develop allergic reactions.to soya proteins, which are themselves noted allergens. This is especially likely if the mother has eaten soya, which she may well have done, since soya flour is increasingly common as a hidden’ ingredient in many foods. As part of a prevention programme, soya-based formulas are not necessarily that much better than standard milk-based formulas – hydrolysates are definitely preferable.

There is little doubt that prolonged breast-feeding and careful weaning are the most important factors in diminishing the risk of allergy in newborn babies. There are also good reasons for believing that breast-feeding reduces the likelihood of food intolerance, as well as having more general benefits, such as-protecting babies from infection. Trying to breast-feed for as long as possible is something that would benefit any child. As a matter of national health-care policy, the many obstacles and discouragements to breast-feeding should be removed, and the promotion of formula feeds in maternity wards should stop, as the World Health Organization has recommended.