Unesa.ac.id, SURABAYA— The government has just issued Government Regulation (PP) Number 28 of 2024. This PP prohibits formula milk producers from marketing their products through advertising or providing discounts to consumers.
The policy is part of the implementation of Law Number 17 The year 2023 on Health received mixed responses from various groups, including UNESA academics. UNESA Faculty of Medicine (FK) lecturer, dr. Fiona Paramitha, Sp.A, welcomed this policy.
According to her, promotion of formula milk is often used negatively, such as advertisements that claim the advantages of formula milk. This draws attention, especially to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, to prefer formula milk to breast milk.
He highlighted the opinion of most parents that formula milk can make babies grow taller. According to him, this assumption is unfounded, breast milk is still preferred over formula milk.
He explained that research shows that breast milk contains protein and other substances such as calcium which are important for growth and are more easily absorbed by the baby's body than formula milk.
"In fact, there is no strong evidence to support the claim that formula milk significantly increases baby growth and development compared to breast milk," he stressed.
The lecturer who was born in the City of Heroes also added that giving Formula milk which is more dominant than breast milk will not have a significant impact on the baby's growth.
"Breast milk has more complete proteins and nutrients and is more easily absorbed, which supports the baby's growth well," he explained.
Indeed, there are some special conditions where mothers cannot breastfeed, such as breast abnormalities or undergoing chemotherapy, so donor breast milk or formula milk is an option. Even so, he emphasized that before making a decision, a consultation or recommendation from a doctor is necessary.
"Because if you just buy and give milk as a substitute for breast milk, it could be dangerous for the child's development and growth," he said.
He highlighted the mistakes parents make in using breast milk substitutes. First, the milk is dissolved in water that is too hot. He said that milk powder should be dissolved at a water temperature of 70 degrees Celsius or the water can be left for about 30 minutes after boiling.
Second, add the milk powder first before the water. "The water should be measured first, then the milk powder should be added according to the dosage," he explained.
Then, the most important thing lies in the inappropriate dosage of the milk powder. He said that the viscosity of breast milk substitute milk has a significant impact on the baby's growth and development.
Breast milk substitute milk that is too thick or the amount of powder is less than the recommended amount will risk a lack of fluids and cause constipation in the baby. On the other hand, if it is too watery it will cause nutritional deficiencies.
He also emphasized the importance of choosing an appropriate milk substitute based on a doctor's recommendation, especially in situations where the mother cannot breastfeed.
"Even though there are alternative milks, I recommend that while you can still breastfeed your child, it is highly recommended that parents continue to give breast milk, it is the best choice for the child's development and growth," he said.[]
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Reporter: Mohammad Dian Purnama (FMIPA)
Editor: @zam*
Illustration: IqbalStock/Pixabay
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