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Subject:
From:
Teresa Pitman <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 30 Jun 2003 10:32:53 -0400
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I am fascinated by the research in this area, including the information
Catherine Genna posted. I think it shows, more than anything, how little we
really understand about feeding babies, and how important it is not to "mess
with mother nature." When we let babies nurse freely, the process works.
When we start scheduling or restricting or supplementing, we mess things up.

I think I have posted before about some of the interviews I did with people
researching how infant feeding affects later obesity. One of the theories
about why breastfeeding reduces later obesity rates is that with formula the
baby has to consume larger volumes to get the needed nutrients, and so gets
used to consuming more. This makes some sense when you look at the data on
breastmilk volume. I think I've also mentioned the importance of "on-demand"
feeding - the idea that when babies are scheduled or forced to wait for
feeding, they will take in more milk than they really need at each feeding
because they can't be sure that they'll get to eat next time they are
hungry, and this sets them up in a pattern of wanting to over-eat at each
feeding.

I am impressed by this research on obesity because I think it shows the
unforeseen long-term consequences of attempting to manage infant feeding -
by introducing schedules or supplements or even going to formula full-time.

Teresa Pitman
Guelph, Ontario

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