It is very confusing to parents about the rules for introducing cows' milk
to infants--as well as to health professionals like me!  I agree with Jack's
comments about milk and iron status--if the baby is ingesting a varied diet
including nutrients and iron  from a variety of food sources, including
breastmilk, then dairy can also be a *part* of that caloric intake.
Certainly not bottles and bottles of the stuff taking the place of balanced
breastmilk, and if the baby is not eating solids well, or has sensitivities
to dairy in mom's diet, then I do not encourage cows' milk at all.

Where does the question/concern of introduction of cows' milk and juvenile
onset diabetes come into play?  I have not read the research , I admit, but
have just been following the information that I read here and in other
places.  Is there a link with the occasional sip or ounce of cows' milk by a
6-12 month old, or is the link more with newborns confronted with the cows'
milk protein day in and day out from birth?  Many docs in my area are pretty
emphatic about waiting "You have to wait!!" until 12 months (not 364 days!)
and I feel really awkward when I espouse my more common sense approach to
solids and food introduction.  I certainly don't want to be actually
creating harm (i.e. the diabetes stuff)  if I were to "give permission" for
cows' milk introduction earlier than a year.

Comments? Clarification for me?


Karen's Fun Lactation Stuff: http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/2621