http://cornucopia.org/index.php/replacing-mother-infant-formula-report/

What happens when infant nutrition becomes a "product" complete with marketing strategy?  Publicly traded companies work to set themselves apart by adding questionable ingredients.  What is DHA/ARA?  How is it manufactured?  Would you be surprised to learn that its made from algae processed using a known neurotoxin? 

The Cornucopia Institute contacted the FDA under the Freedom of Information Act looking to answer some questions about Infant Formula.  The FAQ is an easy read and found here. 

Too many moms are duped into thinking that Infant Forumla is "fine" & "normal"  The complex marketing and advertising strategies of Formula companies cannot compete with the grassroots organizations promoting Breastfeeding.  Human milk is free, formula is expensive & something in our consumer society tells us "purchased is better"   Even the Ad Council is reluctant to normalize breastfeeding - using Infant Formula as the "standard" and it's advertising.  You may be familiar with the "Breastfeeding is Best-feeding" campaign.  And instead of noting that Formula fed babies have a higher risk of cancer & other illness, we're told that breastfed babies have a lower risk.  A good summary of the normalization of formula is found here: Why Breast is not Best

Need help breastfeeding?  Have questions?  Wanna support other nursing moms?
llli.org, Kellymom.com, GentleChristianMothers.com  are all great places for reference & support. 

We finally planted Nicholas' placenta yesterday.  Eric & Tris gave us a Red Oak Tree for Christmas, so it was the perfect opportunity!
Our Ceremony:
It was chilly out so Sebastian & Sam dug our hole then called Nicholas and me outside.
I lit a beeswax candle and told a brief version of Nicholas' birth story.  As we buried the placenta - I said, "Nicholas, when you were in my womb, you were nurtured and sustained by your placenta.  Now, you are nurtured and sustained by the milk from my breasts.  As you grow, you will be sustained by creation and your Creator."  Then we shared our Bread & *wine*
I marked Nicholas with a Cross and Blessed him -
"Nicholas, I will hold you always in my heart. Yet motherhood is a continuing journey of surrender and letting go.   So I now release you to grow into the person you were born to be, setting aside all doubts, fears and expectations of my own.  I release you into the care and protection of the our Creator, may He be a source of lifelong nurturing and pleasure for you, and may you grow to love and care for Him and Creation in turn.  I wish for you that you will never cease to grow in strength, love and wisdom your whole life long"








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