Looking for Alternative to Infant Formula

There are some recipes for goats milk formulas out there. I haven't tried them personally, but from my research, goat's milk is closer to human milk than cow's milk and has a better balance of nutrients. I know there is a recipe at www.drsears.com . Whole foods has Goat's Milk for not too bad of a price, and cheaper than formula:) It would be a good way to avoid all the chemicals in formula. Good luck!

**Just wanted to edit to add that formula is "full of chemicals" is not what I said. I assumed may want to avoid the chemicals in formula, which is reasonable. The first ingredient in formula is modified corn syrup. As with all vitamin supplements and fortified things it far better to get it from a natural source than an engineered one. The body absorbs things more efficiently when they are in an unprocessed state. As I mentioned, goat's milk is nutritionally closer to human milk than cow's milk- in fact in many other countries young children drink goat's milk for that reason.

I think it's wonderful that you were able to breastfeed your daughter for any amount of time in the NICU, that is tough! Keeping supply up while pumping and nursing a preemie is hard for even the most dedicated mom, sounds like you did your very best. And trying to relactate on top of that! You should feed your baby whatever you feel comfortable with and not feel any guilt.

By the way, the formula recipe I suggested is made from *pasteurized* goat's milk. Also, in case there is any doubt in my motives, both of my children have been mostly (store-bought) formula fed. My son is allergic to cow's milk and soy so I have had to look for some creative solutions to meet his needs. Good luck!

Have you inquired to your pediatrican and found out what is available for your baby.

I dont know about the unpasterized and all the new things out there but the Pediatrican would be the one that I would talk to first on this issue.

J.

Suzanne,
I would not experiment with homemade formula for a baby who was premature and still is so young. It is not safe.
Do you know about Earth's Best Baby food? They make 2 organic infant formulas--dairy based and soy based. www.earthsbest.com. It probably contains the fish oil compounds already, too. Goat milk will be ok later. Now, your baby needs the special ingredients in the formulas for healthy development. Good luck.
Amy

Hi Suzanne- Why do you want an alternative to the store brand? Do you feel it is not good for your daughter? I am sorry your milk dried up and you could not re-lactate. I ended up not breastfeeding my daughter after she was born b/c she was in the NICU for a few days and we got off to a rocky start breastfeeding. I do know that there is organic baby formula as well as milk banks where you can buy breast milk. However, with the second option you really do not know what the lactating mother is ingesting.
If you feel guilty in some way about formula feeding your daughter don't. There is a terrible amount of preassure out there to breastfeed and it is not always possible.

It must feel so good to have your Daughter home with you, I remember how great it was when I got to bring my premies home. (One born at 30 weeks and was in the NICU for 3 months and 1 day, One born at 35 weeks and home in a few days, With both leaving without them was so hard.) Let us know how things are going. I don't know if your daughter has any long term things going on but if so Let me know and I will help you with resourse.
~S.

Are you worried about commercial formulas? I guess the only thing I could say is that we used them and felt really good about our choices.

If you are REALLY amibitious (which it sounds like you are!) then making your own formula should be done under the guidance of a medical professional. Quite honestly, I would worry about experimenting in my own kitchen!

Good luck to you and your precious baby!

I have heard great things about goat's milk as well. Worth checking out if you are looking for alternatives. Check out the book "Nourishing Traditions" by Sally O'Fallon as well. I believe she has a section on feeding babies.

All the best to you and congrats on a healthy baby girl!

Warmly-
A.
http://www.familymemoriesalive.com

Hi S.,
I'm also a mom of a 28 weeker and just wanted to lend my support. I can tell from your question that you know breast milk is best especially for preemies. I'm curious as to what you tried to relactate? And how long ago your milk "dried up" - were you pumping/trying to nurse in the NICU? I had GREAT success building milk supply with herbs such as fenugreek and "dry" pumping. Some OB's also advocate the use of Reglan (which is a reflux med, you're babe may have actually been on this in the NICU) it's an off label use but it cause milk production - I've read of adoptive mom's using this so that they can nurse their adopted babe. I'd also suggest contacting your local La Leche League for support and more info. I heard some suggest using donated/banked milk which is also an excellent idea. You should have no problem getting a presciption due to prematurity.

I don't know the first thing about formula, but if you have to use I'd be sure to use organic especially if you're using a cow's milk based formula- I've heard that Earth's Best Organic is good.

Good luck and I hope you and your baby continue to do well!
A.

Several people mentioned lactation consultants. I have used Janet Talmadge in Naperville. www.lactationinnovation.com

Hello I have a son that was 3 month premature last year..we gave him enfamil (the high calorie)prematurity milk then we had to switch to enfamil prosobee now he is on enfamil next step. How has your journey been with your daughter if you don't mind me asking?

Have you looked into Milk Banks? I looked it up on the internet a few months ago and found that it can be very expensive (like 3.75/oz), but perhaps you get get insurance to cover it. You will need a perscription from your doctor. They screen the dontating mothers, pasturize the milk, culture samples for quality/safety, freeze it and ship it to you. Good luck!

I know you want a natural formula, but if you can't find one or it is too expensive, you can use a fomula by Enfamil for pre-mature babies.

There are plenty of special formulas that are made specifically for premature babies, you should look for recommendations from your doctor....and you probably will have to get the formula from a home medical company. GOOD LUCK!

Hi S.,
I agree with some of the other advice in contacting a lactation consultant if you are trying to relactate, they should be able to help you if you are up to it. If you are planning to bottle feed now, she needs a higher calorie premature formula-both enfamil and similac make them. Neosure and enfacare are what they are called. I too would be cautious with homemade formula, check with you ped to see if any of the homemade stuff is recommended for preemies. Good luck!

Hi,
My grandmother was unable to nurse any of her children and thought I would have the same problem especially since I have twins. So, she bought me all of the items needed to make the homemade formula. I told her I refused to use unpasturized milk and she said that you can buy pasturized but not homogenized milk at a health food store and use that.

Well, I never did use any of the ingredients that she bought. I'm in the process of moving out of my current home. I noticed that so far the sunflower oil that I got (which was never opened) has expired (says best if used by 04/06) not sure if it is still "good" since it hasn't been opened. I will check the rest of the stuff I got to see what is still good.
If you are interested email me at ____@____.com

S., Have you tried contacting the Le Leche League? They would be a great resource in ways to, perhaps, re-stimulate your milk production. Also, there are hospital- run "milk banks" where you actually buy breast milk (obviously, checked, and put through a rigorous process). It's very expensive, like $3/oz. Some insurances pay for it, if there is a medical need- you do need a doctor's prescription to get it. Also, why would you not want to use a well-known brand of infant formula- one recommended by your doctor? doctors in the hospital? I do think it would be dangerous to add fish oil to
any formula? If it were that beneficial and needed by infants, it would be in all baby formula. Consider waiting until they are older and add it then, if your doctor thinks its a good idea, or most importantly, safe. Another thing, I had a friend who had triplets prematurely and utilized internet support groups who offered advice on her babies. There are all kinds of support websites out there where you could get advice; also, call Lake Forest hospital- bet they
also would have some resources for you. Best of luck, S.

This breastfeeding vs. formula always seems to bring up quite a heated discussion. Before I start I will admit to being a breastfeeding mother. I just was wondering if you had a lactation consultant or LeLeche help with the relactation process. It could be you did not get sufficient assistance with this. If this is what you prefer there are resources out there and it is possible. Could it be you did not speak to the right ppl? I wish you lots of luck and kudos to you for trying to breastfeed. Whatever you do , its the love a baby gets from its mother that does the most for its development. Congratulations! Enjoy motherhood!!!

I am not sure why you do not want store brand formulas but in case you change your mind Carnation Good Start is very gentle on them and breaks down better than other brands. Plus it is a little cheaper. Much, much less spiiting up with this vs. other brands.