Big surprise

[mamagotcha]

Victims of SIDS have low levels of serotonin in their brain stems.

One of the brain neurochemical transmitter substances–serotonin–has been shown to be significantly reduced under conditions of failed mother-infant affectional bonding. Other studies involving adult depressed and violent persons and criminals have clearly documented deficits of brain serotonin in these persons who have a history of suicidal and assaultive/homicidal behaviors. Unfortunately, these studies have not evaluated the extent of failed maternal-infant/child affectional bonding in these depressed and violent adults and it has been assumed that the brain serotonin deficits found in these subjects was due to some genetic factor rather than to maternal-infant environmental factors identified in this essay.

This error of interpretation is compounded by the failure to realize that there is another neurobiological mechanism involved in the development of brain serotonin–tryptophan–a precursor amino acid essential for the development of brain serotonin which is richly present in colostrum and breastmilk but absent in formula milk. Thus, two distinct and different neurophysiological mechanisms have been identified that contributes to deficits in brain serotonin: a) failed physical affectional bonding in the maternal-infant/child relationship (sensory processes); and b) the amino acid tryptophan present in colostrum and breast milk but absent in formula milk (neurochemical processes). (emphasis mine)

Why the hell do we still have such a low breastfeeding rate in our country?

Comments

[mamagotcha.livejournal.com]

Well, remember that something like this is a trend... it doesn't mean that EVERY baby who must be formula-fed will die of SIDS or have long-term health issues.

Do you have a friend who is nursing who could donate some breastmilk? Or a local milk bank? I did a long-term donation situation with an adopting mom whose baby was having serious allergy issues with formula; it's a PITA but it can be done.

May I inquire as to how you've reached that decision?

[kalmn.livejournal.com]

i'm adopting and am also on teratrogenic drugs.

[mamagotcha.livejournal.com]

I'd ask my most trusted care provider how to help a bottle-fed baby get his serotonin levels up. I know that getting adequate tryptophan is more than just eating turkey. And I'd see if a nursing mamafriend would be interested in sharing a boobful once every other day or so. I'm still lactating, and I'd love to take the job, but the commute is a bit much!

And congratulations! I knew you were expecting, but somehow I missed the method. What an adventure you have in store for yourself!