Page 58 - Special Issue: Healthy Baby
P. 58
Food Feature
NOURISHING A GROWING BABY
By Jen Allbritton, CN
Food is what nourishes the body and makes olive oil, cod liver oil and egg yolks, as well as
us healthy and strong—especially when one’s complex carbohydrate-rich foods like vegetables,
weight hovers around 20 pounds! Infant nutri- whole grains and legumes—think whole food,
tion is critical for ensuring proper development, natural and seasonal, with a big emphasis on
maximizing learning capacities and preventing healthy fat.
illness. At no other time in life is nutrition so im- The bottom line: in a perfect world, with
portant. But which foods are best? The research perfect nutrition, every woman would breastfeed.
clearly points in the direction of Weston A. Price Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world.
Foundation principles. What about low milk supply, an unwell mother
or adoption? Luckily, it is possible to make a
BREAST OR BOTTLE wholesome whole food baby formula. (See page
Numerous studies support the benefits of 20 in this issue.)
breastfeeding. For example, breastfed babies tend
to be more robust, intelligent and free of allergies AFTER (OR WITH)
and other complaints like intestinal difficulties. THE BREAST OR BOTTLE
1
Other studies have shown that breastfed infants Ideally, breastfeeding should be maintained
have reduced rates of respiratory illnesses and ear for a year, with a goal of six months for working
infections. Some researchers believe breastfed mothers. The first year of life requires a full
2,3
infants have greater academic potential than for- spectrum of nutrients, including fats, protein,
mula-fed infants, which is thought to be due to cholesterol, carbohydrates, vitamins and miner-
the fatty acid DHA found in mother’s milk and als. Once breast milk is no longer the sole source
not in most U.S. formulas. of these nutrients, where should one go?
4
However, other studies show the opposite. There are three concepts to keep in mind.
In 2001, a study found breastfed children had First, make your little one a “whole foods baby”!
more asthma than bottle-fed. A Swedish study Avoid processed and refined foods as much as
5
found that breastfed infants were just as likely to possible, including many brands of baby food;
develop childhood ear infections and childhood they are usually devoid of nutrients and have
6
cancer as formula-fed babies. added “undesirables.” It is always best to make
7
So, what is best for baby? It comes down your own baby food from organic, whole foods.
to nutrition! Hands down, healthy breast milk is (You can freeze it in one-serving sizes for later
Jen Allbritton perfectly designed for baby’s physical and mental use.) Better-quality, additive-free, prepared
development, but this is only true when mom brands of baby food, like Earth’s Best, do exist,
is an supplies her body with the right nutrients. but it is still better to make your own baby food
adoptive The typical modern diet is filled with prod- to be assured of the quality—plus making baby
mother and ucts based on sugar, white flour, additives and food puts mom on the right track for home food
commercial fats and oils, which do not nourish preparation for the years to come.
a certified and build. The proper nutrients are necessary to Second, go slowly and be observant; every
nutritionist create breast milk that will provide all a growing baby will have an individual response to different
in Evergreen, baby needs. These include good quality proteins foods. Introduce new foods one at a time and con-
from foods such as grass-fed meats and organ tinue to feed that same food for at least four days
Colorado. meats, good-quality fats from butter, coconut oil, to rule out the possibility of a negative reaction.
56 Wise Traditions