Powdered milk, here’s how to orient yourself

There is nothing like mother’s milk to feed and raise a baby. That mother, her milk, for her little one. It’s natural.

However, nature does not always work as it should and for some new mothers breastfeeding can be a problem: organic, psychological or simply practical, with the need to return to work.

Stopping breastfeeding or deciding not to start at all is, today, a choice against the tide that will be questioned by friends, relatives and especially by the pediatrician.

The World Health Organization and all international scientific agencies recommend exclusive breastfeeding at least until the 6th month of the baby’s life.

The first rule to survive criticism, especially when you become a mother, is to pretend nothing and continue on your way.

So, if you have decided not to breastfeed, avoid justifying yourself and contact the pediatrician as soon as possible for a choice suitable for the needs of your baby.

But you have to have clear ideas. It is in fact the duty of the pediatrician to encourage you to continue breastfeeding.

In addition, the prescription of a “breast milk substitute” is a medical act, that is, comparable to a therapeutic “recipe”. Although of course you can buy it without prescription.

Finally, ‘the advertising of infant formulae is prohibited in any way’. This is stated in Article 10 of Decree No 9 of 2009 April 82.

The rules of the Ministry of Health

But how should this breast milk substitute or formula milk be? It is still the Ministry of Health to dictate the rules for this delicate food.

It must provide energy for a maximum of 250 calories per 100 ml, contain cow’s milk protein within the limits set and essential amino acids in quantities at least equal to that of the reference protein.

Among the nutrients, numerous vitamins are present: A, D, B1, B2, Niacin, B6, Folic acid, Pantothenic acid, B12, Biotin, C, E, K.

Among the minerals, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Iodine, Zinc, Manganese, Sodium, Potassium, Selenium. Amino acids and other nitrogenous compounds; other nutrients such as Inositol and Choline complete the preparation.

So far, the rules. However, research in this field is constantly growing and the most recent products placed on the market try to “mimic” the functions of breast milk in order to obtain consequent responses from the newborn’s body.

The pediatrician’s job is to “know how to read” labels and prescribe the best milk for that particular baby.

There are also breast milk substitutes – prescribed exclusively by the pediatrician – indicated for specific problems: anti-reflux, for infants allergic to milk proteins, for babies of low body weight at birth.

How to prepare infant formula

Powdered milk should be prepared according to the instructions on the package to the letter.

The ratio of water / grams of powder should not change unless indicated by the pediatrician. In short, never add more dust with the mistaken belief that in this way the child grows more or is satisfied better.

The digestive system of an infant is very delicate and should not be forced at all.

Here are the basic rules:

• To prepare milk you must always have clean hands. The bottle should be sterilized and the milk solution prepared with mineral water with a low sodium content.
• By measuring cup of powder we mean satin: help yourself with a knife for a safe measure.
• Mineral water should be heated before adding the powder. Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients.
• Take the little one in your arms, sitting comfortably, and offer him the bottle with the sweetness and love that all mothers can give.