Although these children were being breastfed, their mothers were malnourished, and therefore so were the children. This study illustrates the importance of proper nutrition, especially essential fatty acids, in breastfeeding women. I believe it is criminal that formula is not DHA supplemented in this country despite being supplemented in most other countries.

• I have posted an earlier article which carefully reviews the importance of DHA in formula for brain development.
• An earlier Lancet study has already demonstrated that this will actually increase the baby's intelligence.
• It is VERY important to NEVER give soy formula if you are not breast feeding. This is clearly the WORST formula you can give to your baby.

The benefit of omega-3 fats are probably the single most important nutrient pregnant and breast-feeding women can be taking. I am convinced that it is a lack of omega-3 fats that predispose children to developing the brain injury from vaccines that results in autism, pervasive developmental delay and ADHD.

Always remember omega-3 fats are essential to your, and your children's health. The best source for omega-3 is fish oil and cod liver oil, as, unlike other sources such as walnuts or flax seeds, it is high in two fatty acids crucial to human health, DHA and EPA. These two fatty acids are pivotal in preventing heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. The human brain is also highly dependent on DHA and low DHA levels have been linked to depression, schizophrenia, memory loss and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's.

When choosing your fish oil or cod liver oil, it is important to remember that not all brands are the same. In my research and my clinical research experience with my patients, I have found that:

1. the liquid form is superior to capsules
2. certain brands definitely seem inferior to others
3. the Carlson's brand of fish oil/cod liver oil is of an exceptional quality and purity.

You can find Carlson's cod liver oil and fish oil under my "Recommended Products".

This is FAR better than flax seed oil, which most people can not properly metabolize due to the excessive amounts of grains and sugars they are metabolizing.

It is also important to recognize that the body is always right and if any belching occurs after taking the fish oil it should be stopped. Generally most natural medicine physicians should be able to help determine why the oil is not tolerated which is usually due to an allergy or absorption problem.

For more information about breastfeeding contact La Leche League International. The group also published their classic breastfeeding guide entitled The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding almost 40 years ago. The book is currently in its 6th revised addition, which can be viewed at Amazon.com by clicking the link above or below.

I would encourage all women who are able to do so to try to breastfeed, as it is the single most important thing a mother can do for her baby.

If a woman is interested in breastfeeding but still needs to go back to work for whatever reason, it would be very beneficial if she investigated the possibility of pumping or expressing her milk. If you need breastfeeding supplies, such as breast pumps, you can try Nursing Mother Supplies, which carries a wide variety of products to help you successfully breastfeed.

(Note: A small percentage of any sales generated by going through the link above will be donated back to the website, to help me to continue to supply this completely FREE service.)

Related Articles:

Infant Formula Increase Diabetes Risk

Infant Formula Fortification Protocol

Cow's Milk May Lead to Diabetes

Milk Increases Risk of Type 1 Diabetes

Supplemented Formula Ups Infant Intelligence

DHA Improves Vision in Preterm Infants

Fish Oil Important For ALL Infants

Is DHA The Secret Of Breast Milk's Success?

Breastfeeding Linked To Higher IQ

Fish or EPA/DHA Supplements May Help Protect Vision

Infant Formulas Deficient in Important Amino Acids Like Taurine

The Role of Taurine in Infant Nutrition

Taurine Improves Insulin Sensitivity