BF class last night

chouli77 · April 2012

I had my BF class last night and learned more than I thought I would. I'm a HS biology teacher so the science behind it all had me totally enthralled.

The most interesting thing I learned was how formula-fed babies have to get more meal volume as they get older (4oz, 6oz, 8oz) because the calorie content of formula is always 20Cal/oz, but that our bodies naturally increase the calorie content of breast milk after about 3mo so our babies don't need more volume.

The scientist in me wonders about a link between formula-fed babies getting used to larger meal volumes and childhood obesity/satiety issues. I wonder if studies have been done there.

courtfsu · April 2012

Very cool. I had no idea about the calorie content. Non-related and maybe wierd question- do they go over anatomy (flat/inverted nipples) in your class?

I had no idea I would have issues Bfing because this was never discussed and quite frankly I didn't know cause I never went around comparing mine to anyone elses. Just curious.

ebettley · April 2012

Wow--that is very interesting! Thanks for sharing!

EMOmamma · April 2012

I exclusively pumped & we were increasing quantity until 5ish months - then after 6m it levels off for FF or BM as far as quantity goes. That has to do with the addition of solid food too. But like you said b/c of the calorie difference the quantities of BM & formula are not equal. 18oz BM =/= 18oz formula

BM is pretty amazing though.

venussapphire · April 2012

very cool

abbyhannah8 · April 2012

There has been research on that, we talked about it in nursing school. Formula fed infants do have an increased risk of childhood obesity because the stomach begins to stretch at a younger age. Breast milk is amazing stuff, the content of what is in it changes as the baby grows. Knowing all this info bums me out because I know there is a possibility I won't be able to breast feed. I had a reduction for medical reasons in 2008 so I have no idea if I will produce milk ok not!