In a message dated 12/9/2006 7:33:56 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: Experience has shown that drawing analogies between dead infant foods and live human milk, and making assumptions based on these false analogies, is not an approach likely to lead to accurate conclusions. I also try not to base infant feeding advice on subjective "grossness" - this seems to me a slippery slope, and also one on which many anti-breastfeeding practices are based. *************************** I apologize if my comments were misconstrued. The reason I made the statements I did, was because the only articles or research I seemed to locate was concerned with bacteria growth in left over milk. I was merely concerned with digestion. Something I can't seem to find any info on. I used jarred baby food ONLY as an example as that was a quick and easy comparison. I made my baby food by hand...did NOT use the jarred stuff, and even the purest vegetable and fruit in a container that has been refrigerated and reused later shows definite signs of early digestion. It isn't the cornstarch that is being digested (there is no cornstarch in pure fruits and vegetables) it is the food itself. Human milk does contain sugars, carbohydrates etc. AND might I add the most perfect forms for human consumption (goes without saying). It would seem to me that human milk, being that it is so easily digested by baby, that letting it sit for several hours that the small amount of saliva transferred back into the milk via the bottle would indeed start the digestion process. The enzymes are going to do their job no matter where they are. I must apologize for the "grossness" comment. That came across completely wrong. It was very late when I wrote that and obviously I wasn't thinking as clearly as I might normally. I would never in a million years do anything to undermine breastfeeding in any way. I meant that the idea of feeding partially digested food to my child was a bit gross. Of course.....if it were all that was available, I would still give it to my child over formula etc. I hope that any and all that were offended by that comment would accept my apology. I am but a layman...still learning. As anything else, the only things I say to a mom are things that are evidence based and that I can back up with a study or in a reputable source. I would never give my "opinion" to a mom as a professional if it cannot be backed up by the true professionals. I recognize my limitations and my lack of knowledge on many levels. I need to make sure everyone understands that. I will take this as a lesson learned, and as an "open mouth insert foot" moment. I hope one of the true experts can address my question on digestion. Then I will be able to make sure my information IS correct. Again I apologize for any offense taken. Renee Drake RN CLC "If we could look into each other’s hearts and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance, and care". Marvin J. Ashton “Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world.” David O. McKay *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET email list is powered by LISTSERV (R). There is only one LISTSERV. To learn more, visit: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html