Back to the food.

I have a guest post on the fabulous site fooducate. Check out three healthy and delicious snacks that pack in the vegetables. And I posted pictures, too!

Enjoy!

Go Pats!

I’m also a mother, and, out of necessity, I am practical.

I know that breastfeeding isn’t right for every family, which is why it’s important for moms to feel confident about their infant feeding decision, which may including using infant formula.

Unfortunately, baby formula is a source for much maternal angst.

According to a study of 1,900 expectant first-time moms and those with kids one year old and younger, more than 40% of them feel guilty about using formula instead of breastfeeding, which may be why so many of them say that they’re willing to overspend on formula. Sixty-eight percent (68%) believe a heftier price tag for formula means that it’s a better quality product than store brands, such as those sold by Target and Walgreens.

That’s not true.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, all formula marketed in the U.S. must meet the same nutrient specifications, which are set at levels to fulfill the needs of infants. You’re not paying more for better quality; you’re paying more – up to $600.00 a year - for national brand packaging and advertising.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests breastfeeding for one year, or longer. But the reality is that more than 80% of moms use infant formula exclusively until solid foods are introduced or they supplement with formula within the first six months of lfie.

I fed my three kids breast milk and infant formula, sometimes on the same day. At the time, I was working outside the home and the breast/bottle strategy made the most sense.

Feeling guilty about what you feed your baby is a heavy burden that no mom should bear. Maybe you wanted to nurse your child and it just didn’t work out. Perhaps you planned not to breastfeed. Whatever your choice, nobody has the right to make you feel bad about it. As long as it’s safe, always do what’s best for you and your family.

Janice and Liz are moms, registered dietitians, and the authors of two cookbooks that I highly recommend for helping you feed your family: No Whine With Dinner: 150 Kid-Tested Healthy Recipes from the Meal Makeover Moms and The Mom’s Guide to Meal Makeovers: Improving the Way Your Family Eats, One Meal at a Time! I love their cookbooks, web page and Facebook page. Enjoy!

My latest blog is about why I am still taking multivitamins, despite the recent negative news about them, and other dietary supplements.

Pregnant women pass listeriosis, the infection caused by listeria, to their children. Most of the time, pregnant women with listeriosis don’t feel sick. Because listeriosis is often elusive, it’s important to do everything possible to prevent it.

Here’s a quiz from WebMD that will help educate you about listeria.

Check out MyPlate for Moms on FB for a delicious and nutritious pumpkin smoothie recipe. Pumpkin is packed with potassium to keep your blood pressure normal, and is brimming with beta-carotene, which lends color and protects cells against damage. Plus, this pumpkin smoothie is downright delicious and it’s a great way to work in a serving of dairy AND vegetables, and using eftover pumpkin puree.

Enjoy!