COMPARISON OF HUMAN MILK AND FORMULA

One of the articles that we read on benefits of breast milk vs formula. However, we have to supplement and were just researching the different formulas.
There was one which I read on www.colichelp.com (don't ask me how I got there) which profiled this formula called Carnation Good Start. Apparently it is 100% whey protein and hence easier to absorb and had all the stuff that the other formulas had. Whey protein is all the rage for bodybuilding protein powders as it is proven to be more easily absorbed. Unfortunately when I tried to find it in Singapore, alas, it is not here. So we asked the lactation consultant who told us there were minor differences but most important judge is the baby. She gave us some samples which we tried on Russell. Funny, he poos more regularly on the ready to feed milk than on the powdered milk. And it's stinky poo too. We started with Isomil and then saw that Singapore didn't have the advanced version with the new fangled ARA, DHA which were available in the US. So we swithced to Enfalac A+.
Being not satisfied I couldn't get Carnation Good Start, I wrote an email to Nestle. Finally they responded and said that they didn't have that product here and their substitute was NAN HypoAllergenic which contains partially hydrolyzed whey protein. We'll stick to Enfalac for now since the little russcal seem to take to it ok except for the killer poo.

COMPARISON OF HUMAN MILK AND FORMULA

Breastfeeding saga

The little fella is seems to be on a growth spurt and is taking in about 40% more. Mummy's milk factory working overtime.
After talking to friends and a lactation consultant, we have decided to upgrade our breast pump to a more powerful one, the Pump In Style. Just when we decided to get one, there isn't any stock. So, being the technology savvy couple that we are, we headed for ...Ebay. Amazing, we got one thru the online auction. What's even more amazing was the seller is an old acquaintance. Who'd have thought?

The lactation consultant gave some tips which mummy is trying.
Fish & papaya soup - must be FISH HEAD cos there are higher content of essential fatty acids there and potentially some galactagogues
Fennel - apparently an Indian belief that it helps milk production
Acupressure on back of the hand and top of the foot prior to breastfeeding
Fenugreek - a supposed galactagogue to stimulate breast milk supply
Cut down feeding time to 20 mins and pump regularly ( this is to allow mummy to rest)

It is great that we have friends who are supportive and could share similar experience. This definitely helps and definitely want to thank Val, Bridget and Shin for all those phone calls.

The consultant's parting words were it doesn't matter how much you can give. As long as you have some , it's better to give that than not at all.

Anecdote from another mother on Breastfeeding Experience

Breastfeeding in the 2nd week

We are now into our third week and wondering if we are doing a good job in breastfeeding the baby. He seems to suckle for a long time and yet still whines 15 mins after that as if it's not enough. We have had to supplement as the doctor has advised to keep him well fed while he is still having his jaundice.
All these articles on breastfeeding (Breastfeeding Your Baby - Babycenter) indicate for the mother to persevere through and some not even supplementing. I guess the baby knows when he is hungry and has enough. Mummy is already putting the kid to the breast every 2 hours or so. Daddy wish he could help more.
Right now, we are activating friends who have breastfed well, breastfeeding support group and going to see a lactation consultant.