The CDC Reports that among infants born in 2019, 83.2% started out receiving breast milk. However from 1 – 6 months, the percentage of breastfeeding falls significantly. It’s clear breastfeeding can be challenging for families, and despite many infants starting out breastfeeding, many families do not continue for as long as they intend to. This decrease in breastfeeding frequency from month-to-month highlights the need for stronger support systems to help breastfeeding families achieve their goals.
According to the CDC, the longer an infant is breastfed, the more protection they receive from certain illnesses and long-term diseases. Moreover, the mother also receives significant health benefits from longer breastfeeding periods (when combined with all her children).
The CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), and numerous scientific studies cite breastmilk as the gold standard of infant nutrition. Not only does breastmilk promote bonding between child and mother, but it offers an optimal balance of nutrients essential for growth and development.
Breastmilk helps reduce the risk of diseases and infections in babies by bolstering their immune systems. Breastfed infants are also less prone to asthma, allergies, and obesity later in life.
Comparatively, formula milk poses a serious range of risks. Research from UC Davis Health indicates that formula-fed infants experience metabolic stress that could make them more susceptible than breast-fed infants to a wide range of health issues such as obesity, diabetes, liver problems and cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, in the past there have been a number of quality concerns regarding formula milk. These include problems with ingredient sourcing and processing and even microbial contamination. Recalls and safety alerts remain a common part of the process, which runs the threat of increasing anxiety among parents and disrupting feeding routines. Consequently, authorities often urge parents to assess the risks of formula milk carefully and prioritize breastmilk when possible, resorting to formula feeding as a last resort.
The CDC Breastfeeding report provides a state-by-state look at the latest breastfeeding trends. Here are some of the key findings for Florida:
The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee has shared the following organizations which work to create policy, systems, and environmental interventions to better serve babies, mothers, and families here in Florida:
Each year, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) presents the WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence to recognize local WIC agencies that have provided exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support activities. The following Florida agencies were awarded:
Best practices for storing and traveling with breastmilk
According to the CDC, many factors affect how long breast milk can be stored in various locations, such as storage temperature and temperature fluctuations. These factors make it difficult to recommend exact times for storing breast milk in various locations. The CDC recommends throwing away refrigerated breastmilk after 4 days of refrigeration because bad bacteria may start to form.
Some moms make the extra effort and deep freeze their breastmilk, the CDC recommends that frozen breastmilk be used within 6 months with a maximum of 12 months. With frozen breastmilk it’s common the milk may contain high lipase levels which could create an off-putting rancid odor making it difficult for your baby to consume.
If you need to fly with breastmilk, the CDC says you can carry a maximum of 3.4 ounces in your carry-on bag with ice and gel packs. Keep in mind that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific screening procedures for anyone traveling with breast milk, it’s best to contact them directly for the latest travel updates and information.
Give your baby the very best through a reputable GMP Certified provider
Freeze-drying breast milk into powder is convenient and is becoming a more popular option among mothers. Freeze-dried breast milk powder can be stored for years at room temperature without refrigeration, the nutrients are better preserved, it’s easier to use and travel with and most importantly there’s no soapy or rancid smell like defrosted frozen breastmilk.
With the rise in demand for freeze dried breastmilk, many new companies are popping up. Unfortunately due to the lack of current U.S. regulations for this growing industry, there is a concern that many service providers are operating with unsafe practices and undefined quality control standards. It’s important to understand not all freeze-drying services are the same. Keep your breastmilk and your baby safe by thoroughly researching whichever service you choose to freeze-dry your breast milk.
We’ve researched Milkify and found them to be the industry leader who is based in Houston, Texas. Dr. Berkley Luck founded Milkify and her team has over 40 years of sterile handling experience and was even featured on Shark Tank. Milkify follows strict CGMP regulations from the Food and Drug Administration in addition to following CDC guidelines for the safe handling of breast milk, as well as guidelines from the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. Milkify is regularly inspected by Food Safety International to ensure compliance with state regulations regarding safe food handling practices. You can learn more about the Milkify breastmilk freeze drying service by clicking here.
In closing let’s do all that we can to help our future generation get the best nutrients possible.
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/reportcard.htm
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002203021731055X
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2004.113
https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/state-breastfeeding-reports.html
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm
Jason Adams is a freelance writer and a lifelong learner with a deep curiosity and interest to learn about the latest insights, data and trends.
He uses that curiosity along with his experience to write about subjects that will inform, educate and empower our society at large.
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