The Best of the 2007 Baby Blog

It has been an exciting year in the baby blog with a few changes in bloggers, several news stories, a few series started, and of course lots of information and reflection. This is a list of the best of the best. . .the best news, the best advice and the best of my personal favorites. With that I wish you all a Happy New Year, and look forward to an exciting year in 2008! Ask a Baby Blogger Series–This, in my opinion is one of the best things the baby blog has to offer. Granted, it’s my advice which I … Continue reading

Valorie’s Breastfeeding Index

Later today I will post a review of the baby blog of 2007 so why does breastfeeding get its own category? Well, in part as an answer to readers who want to read what I’ve written on breastfeeding. I’ve written so much on breastfeeding at this point that you all have asked for an index of sorts so it’s easier to find what you’re looking for. It’s also in part because I’ve become known as the breastfeeding lady. . .guru. . .whatever you want to call it. I’ve been at this breastfeeding business for a long time and many of … Continue reading

Final Thoughts on the Breastfeeding/IQ Controversy

The internet is abuzz with controversy this week after a new study was released last week claiming that breastfeeding only makes babies smarter if they are already genetically predisposition to be smarter. One article, published by Newsweek implies that perhaps we won’t all be breastfeeding as much now that we all know it won’t make our kids smarter unless they have the gene for it. The unsaid conclusion is that breast milk and formula are equal. All I can say is give me a break! What I find interesting is that no one ever mentions exactly why all these studies … Continue reading

Breastfeeding + Gene = Higher IQ?

The FADS2 gene is going to be the talk of the town in breastfeeding research for quite some time. The newest research, done in a study in Britain and New Zealand, showed that infants who had the gene and were breastfed had an IQ that was, on average, 8 points higher than other infants. The gene was isolated and studied because it produces an enzyme found in breast milk. The research is considered “ground breaking” because it shows that both nurture and nature play a part in a child’s intelligence. It is being used by agencies that want to promote … Continue reading