There exists such a thing called the "Infant Feeding Hierarchy" that lists the preferred methods of infant feeding in order based on how suitable the feeding method is to feed and nurture an infant optimally. Interestingly enough, there seem to be multiple lists available. Here are a few examples:
The one most commonly listed is cited as the World Health Organization Hierarchy of Infant Feeding and is as follows:
1. Breastfeeding directly from the mother
2. Expressed milk from the mother
3. Expressed, screened/pasteurized human donor milk from a milk bank
4. Formula
Other lists are available too. Here are a few:
1. Breastfeeding directly from the mother
2. Expressed milk from the mother
3. Wet nurse/cross-nursing
4. Expressed milk from another mother
5. Formula
1. Breastfeeding directly from the mother
2. Expressed milk from the mother
3. Expressed human donor milk from another mother
4. Formula
There are many considerations when looking at these lists that may need more attention and could be the source of varying the list depending on your angle. Given that breastmilk changes according to the baby's needs when they are feed directly at the breast, it could be argued that a wet nurse is a better choice than mama's expressed milk. Some argue that since pasteurization destroys many nutrients in milk, that raw milk is superior. Still others will tell you that screened and pasteurized donor milk is safer if the mom is unable to breastfeed because there is more assurance that the baby will not contract illnesses from another mother. In reality, the discussions can go back and forth and the exact order of the list can vary, but in the end, one fact remains the same:
Breastmilk. If not, formula.
But in seeing that, this is where we run into trouble. Most people think it looks like this:
Nurse. If not, formula.
And in that, we have an error.
The bottom line is that scientifically, breastmilk is superior to formula, no matter the source. Mothers need to know that breastmilk is the best choice. Sure, nursing is ideal, but if you can't nurse, breast milk. From you, from someone else, whatever. Breastmilk. If you feel more comfortable about screenings and pasteurization or if you feel more comfortable about fully intact nutrients (taking into account that regardless of being raw, storage - ie. refrigeration/freezing - can have an effect on nutrient content), breastmilk. Donor milk is available, no matter where your comfort level lies. We need to spread the word.
In the next few posts in my series, Milk Donation Dilemma, I will address many responses given to me when I inquired on a mom forum about knowledge, education, and thoughts on donated milk. Some answers surprised me. At times it was the percentages of moms that responded in particular manners. Either way, I feel the responses need to be addressed. So, here goes...
Continue to Part II in this series.
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