Best infant formula?

[KristinC]

Hi,

My sister in law can't breastfeed her newborn, but she is interested in learning more about the best possible infant formulas out there.  I am pretty sure that the formula her doctor recommended contains GE soy.  Are there brands with organic dairy that anyone recommends? 

Thanks 

[CarolC]

I have found only one organic infant formula at Whole Foods, but when we tried it as a supplementation for my grandson (his mother's milk had not come in and he had nursing problems because of the C-section my daughter had) he became quite gassy.  The hospital had provided Enfamil ProSobee soy formula as dairy based formulas are more apt to produce dairy allergies later on, which my daughter and her husband both have.  However, I was appalled at the ingredient list of soy and corn syrup (the second ingredient after water), both of which are very likely to be GMO.  Since corn syrup is a major factor in obesity in America, I commented that formula must be the first step to childhood obesity!  I checked both Whole Foods and Elephant Pharmacy and found only a powdered form of formula (can't remember the name as I had to return it) but on the can it says the formula is for toddlers, not newborns.  I believe that because the holistic approach is for mothers to breast feed, neither company (both of whom are committed to holistic alternatives) wants to carry an infant formula.  My suggestion to you is to search the Internet, as well as checking for responses at the Bauman College Forum.  There are cases where mothers are unable to breast feed and I cannot believe there is no alternative out there to the corporatized food chain.  I also have qualms about soy as a milk alternative, even if not GMO, because of the plant estrogen problem.  Soy should ideally only be eaten occasionally but in infant formula it would be a daily ingestion and might have the potential for long term effects.  Fortunately for my daughter and her son, her colostrum has been plentiful and her milk is now coming in.

[AdrienneC]

For a variety of health reasons, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants under 1 should not be fed cow's milk. There are soy formulas out there made with organic non-GMO soy. Earth's Best is one of them.

[KellyT]

As a breastfeeding counselor, I am not usually in the position of recommending formula. For children who have a medical condition, human milk banks provide milk with a doctor's prescription. Some mothers choose to receive donated breast milk from trusted family or friends. For free breastfeeding help, mothers can call La Leche League 24 hours a day at 877 4 LA LECHE or go to www.lalecheleague.org

However, as a mother who did formula feed her twins, I wanted to respond here. My children were on soy formula in 1997 (before all soy formula was GMO). They had been started on standard milk-based formula first and then were switched to a hypoallergenic formula (Nutramigen), as they were allergic. We then switched them to soy because the Nutramigen cost twice as much and smelled awful. They needed 21 cans a month and WIC paid for only 16. Also, WIC back then would not pay for the special formula.

They were on soy formula until they were 18 months old. Studies have now shown that soy formula is the equivalent of giving an infant 3-4 birth control pills a day. My children have had dramatic sexual side effects, which we have been dealing with the past few years (they will be 11 in May).

I also recently learned that Europe bans soy formula.

As far as organic formulas go, Horizons makes an organic infant formula. If you live in the Bay Area, I know that the Nurture Center in Lafayette sells it. Earth's Best, which markets their product as a Toddler follow-up formula, is actually used for infants. The company chooses not to market it this way because of the WHO Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. The US is one of the only countries that refuses to abide by the code.

Here is some information from the brand new book "Feeding the Whole Family" by Cynthia Lair (2008). She is a certified health and nutrition counselor who runs the Whole Foods cooking program at Bastyr University. She also writes the nutrition articles for Mothering Magazine:

Page 27: No single brand of formula appears to be any better than another. Most commercial formulas contain sugar, salt, and cheap fats such as refined oils. There is no evidence that soy formula is a better choice than cow's milk formula. Recent studies claim that there is no evidence showing decreased risk of developing allergies if soy formula is used. It is important that parents do not give their baby soy milk or soy beverages as a replacement for breastmilk or formula. Some companies are producing organic formula, which is a step in the right direction. Creative nutritionists, naturopaths, and other health-care practitioners have attempted to invent more lively homemade formulas that usually combine some form of milk with high-quality vitamin and mineral supplements. Sally Fallon's book Nourishing Traditions (1995) has a couple of recipes for homemade formula that use raw milk and very high-quality fats. You might explore your community and see if there is a reasonable alternative that you and your health-care practitioner can agree upon.


I personally do not think using a homemade formula is wise, not to mention the incredible work involved. However, on the website for the Weston Price foundation, I remember seeing recipes for ways to enhance commercial formulas. That might be worth researching.

Best wishes to your sister-in-law. An organization that supports parents in building a close attachment to their children regardless of whether or not they could breastfeed is Attachment Parenting International (www.attachmentparenting.org) She will find support there. They are launching a new website on March 31 including forums which she may find helpful. For some women, the loss of the breastfeeding relationship is difficult. They are at an increased risk for postpartum depression. Support makes all the difference.

[AmandaL]

Just in case your sister-in-law is in my situation, my milk didn't fully come in for two months after my first son was born via c-section (he was frank breech).    In those first weeks, I could only pump a combined >1 oz from both sides.    I supplemented with Similac because thats what they gave us at the hospital and we didn't know any better.  Eventually, after patience and what seemed like constant nursing it came in with a gusto.  one happy baby.

[ChristineCh]

I know this is against what AAP and your doctor would recommend, but a raw-milk-based formula from the right kind of cows is another option.  The recipes and info. can be found both in Sally Fallon's Nourishing Traditions (starting on p. 598 with interesting discussion) and in Ron Schmid's book The Untold Story of Milk (p. 397). 

I think the best source of the right kind of raw milk is Organic Pastures, available at Whole Foods and health food stores.  I am personally involved in the campaign to save raw milk and I know Mark McAffee, the owner of Organic Pastures.  I have 3 young children whom I breast-fed and supplemented with store-bought formula, but if I were to do it again, based on what I've learned about raw milk over the past few months, I wouldn't hesitate to make my own formula using raw milk. 

Just another option . . .albeit a controversial one! 

[blujay]

I second Christine's recommendation. Raw milk would be the best solution for infants. I would even go another step forward and get the high quality 'Raw colostrum kefir' that Organic pastures makes. (available at whole foods, or where ever you can source organic pastures) Although this may be the most expensive route, its a small price to pay in comparison to life time of medical complication and drug bills.

Another option is to supplement with herbs known to stimulate milk production, called
Galactagogues
(taken from:http://herblore.com/service/index.php?pg=ARTICLE_BREASTFEEDING)

Fenugreek  – one of the best and strongest herbs for increasing milk production. When taken in very large amounts, Fenugreek is also used for lowering blood sugar levels, and is, therefore, not recommended for use by diabetics or those who are on strict insulin regimens to regulate their blood sugar levels. It also works on the digestive system, and in a small percentage of people, it may cause gas in either the mother or baby. Many mothers of adopted babies have successfully used this herb to help establish a breastmilk supply to feed their adopted babies. Fenugreek is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it can cause uterine activity.
Goat’s Rue – Goat’s Rue is a powerful herb for stimulating milk production and increasing the flow of breastmilk. It has been shown to increase milk production by 50% in many cases, and may also stimulate the development of the mammary glands themselves. Like Fenugreek, when taken in large amounts, this herb also helps to reduce blood sugar and is therefore not recommended for use by insulin-dependent diabetics. This herb is safe for use during pregnancy. It can be used as a single herb by itself, or to use along with or to add to the Nursing Tea/Tincture when something a little stronger is needed.
Fennel – this herb is great for increasing breastmilk production, while at the same time is also extremely helpful in relieving symptoms of gas or upset stomach. It is the perfect herb to take in conjunction with Fenugreek (ORDER NOW) when gas is a problem. This is also one of the main ingredients of my Nursing Tea (ORDER NOW).
Red Raspberry – also one of the ingredients of Nursing Tea (ORDER NOW). It not only helps to increase breastmilk production, but it also will help the uterus recover after birth, as it is a uterine toner. Red Raspberry Leaf is incredibly high in vitamins and minerals, including Niacin (a B vitamin), which has been said to be helpful in relieving symptoms of Reynaud’s Syndrome.
Vitex – although this herb is a prolactin-inhibitor, it has traditionally been used, and is proven in case studies, to actually increase breastmilk production in nursing mothers. It’s main function is that of balancing hormones, therefore, this herb is very helpful for women who are experiencing hormonal imbalances, such as PMS symptoms, while breastfeeding.
Alfalfa – a great herb for increasing breastmilk production while providing the body with lots of good vitamins and minerals. It is very high in Vitamin K in particular, which helps to staunch bleeding. One midwife I work with encourages all her clients to take Alfalfa for at least six weeks before birth and for several months afterwards to help avoid hemorrhage at the birth and to help the body recover and make plentiful breastmilk afterwards. Note: This herb is not recommended for use by those on blood-thinning medications.
Nettle – a similar herb to Alfalfa. Helps to enrich the milk.
Blessed Thistle – also known as “Our Lady’s Milk Thistle”. It increases breastmilk while helping to alleviate mild forms of postpartum depression. It is a bitter herb, which is healthful for the liver and digestion. Although it is an effective herb for increasing milk production, we no longer include this herb in our Nursing Tea. Many customers found it to be too bitter and did not like the taste, therefore hesitated to use the tea. We do have Blessed Thistle available as a single herb in the tincture form.
Borage – traditionally used to help balance the adrenals as well as increase breastmilk production. It is not for use on a long-term basis, and because it can be hard on the liver after a while, it is not one of the herbs I recommend for nursing mothers/babies.
Hops – used in many cultures for years to help with breastmilk production. You’ve heard women say that they “breastfed their babies on beer”? The Hops is why. Beer from other countries has Hops that are helpful, but our beer here in this country is not as effective. It is the dark German beers that tend to have the right ingredients or the right quality of Hops. Hops is not one of my favorite herbs to recommend for breastmilk production, however, because it can cause depression with prolonged use.

The following suggestions have been proven helpful in increasing milk production. Some or all of them may be helpful to you.

   1. Good nutrition, including plenty of protein, vegetables, fruits and grains. You actually need more calories as a breastfeeding mother than you did when you were pregnant. Remember to drink lots of water or herbal tea (which count toward your 8 glasses a day)!
   2. Rest, as much as you can. Sleep when the baby sleeps. Arrange for someone to cook, clean and do errands for you. Your job right now is to take care of yourself and your baby.
   3. The following herbs have proven to help increase breastmilk production (known as galactagogue herbs): Goat's Rue, Fennel, Raspberry Leaf, Alfalfa, Nettle (all of which are in Herb Lore's Nursing Tea), Blessed Thistle, Borage and Hops. Goat's Rue is an extremely effective herb for increasing milk production.  It has been even more effective for some women than Fenugreek.  (More about Goat's Rue below.)  Fennel Seed not only helps to increase breastmilk production, but also helps to expel gas and help soothe indigestion and colic. Raspberry Leaf is high in vitamins and minerals and will also help the uterus to recover and regain its size and shape quickly. Alfalfa and Nettle are loaded with vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and Vitamin K (the blood coagulant vitamin). Blessed Thistle is also used as a bitter and is extremely healthy for the liver. Borage is also an effective galactagogue, but isn't an herb that one would want to use for longer than a week at a time as it contains an alkaloid that may be harmful to the liver. It is a great herb for cooling fevers and balancing the adrenals, and its beautiful purple flowers are edible and are a lovely addition to any salad! Hops has been used to increase mother's milk (which is why they say to drink beer while nursing), but can cause depression when used over an extended period of time. It may also make you sleepy! The beer in other countries contains Hops that are helpful for milk production, but the beer in the United States doesn't seem to have the same content or quality.

Hope this helps

[KellyT]

It's very nice that the other members here have shared some additional information with you. However, I wanted to add that often times the difficulty a woman has in breastfeeding has nothing to do with her supply. It has to do with milk transfer issues. Attempting to increase your supply when milk transfer is the real issue can lead to engorgement and mastitis. The most common milk transfer problem is incorrect latch, which can cause pain in the mother and can cause the infant to not receive enough milk (leading to low weight gain). If left untreated for even a few days, it can cause the milk supply to drop, as the breast is not being sufficiently stimulated to create milk. Also, the low weight gain in the baby often leads to supplementation which further leads the milk supply to drop, as again the breast is not being stimulated enough. At this point, the mother is led to believe that her milk supply is insufficient. Many mothers give up at this stage. 

Unfortunately, mothers in the US often get very little breastfeeding information before birth and incorrect information (or not enough help) in the hospital after birth. Many women are able to fully breastfeed one or even two babies, yet they struggle to pump even a half an ounce. This is normal. Working with a qualified lactation consultant (an IBCLC) will help a woman and her baby with their particular issues, as each dyad is unique. (In the US, the term "lactation consultant" is not regulated and anyone can call themselves one regardless of experience.) There is also free help available through La Leche League, as I mentioned in my previous post. La Leche League leaders are women who have breastfed their own child for a minimum of one year and have studied lactation in depth for another year. IBCLC's (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants) have studied lactation for many years and have the equivalent of a master's degree in lactation. They have a minimum of 2500 hours to 4000 hours one on one with mother and baby dyads plus have completed extensive courses in all facets of lactation. The board certification exam is held only once a year and requires full documentation plus several letters of recommendation.

I have been an accredited LLL leader for 4 years and am studying to become an IBCLC. I will be sitting for the exam in either 2009 or 2010.

For nutrition educators and consultants interested in learning more about the link between nutrition and lactation and the use of foods and herbs to increase milk supply, "Mother Food" by Hilary Jacobson (holistic lactation consultant from Switzerland) is a fantastic resource (published in 2004). I have also given many good lactation resources on the forum, if you do a search here.

[CarolC]

Actually, my daughter is also having trouble with her milk coming in, two weeks postpartum and sometimes feeling very discouraged.  She has been taking Fenugreek in a combination with blessed thistle, nettle leaf and fennel seed in a form called More Milk Plus for about a week, with no improvement.  But at least she produces about 4 ounces every breast pumping after feeding the baby, and she has hopes she won't have to wait two months.  The problem is balancing the breast feedings with the formula, since the baby lost too much weight initially.  What amazes me is that many of the problems have ensued from having a C-section.  There is a profound influence on the infant from a C-section, as well as the problems of the recovering mom in trying to cope with all the issues.

[AmandaL]

Hi Carol, I would nurse on both sides, pump boths sides and while I was pumping I'd hand the baby off to my husband or another helping hand to bottle feed.   It was time consuming but did eventually pay off.   

I had another c-section a year later with my second son and did not have the same problems nursing.  Tell your daughter to hang in there-- I almost gave up everyday in those first two months. Hopefully it will be sooner for her.

[KellyT]

Hi all.

I wanted you to know that I wrote to Carol privately with information specific to her daughter's situation. This particular thread in the forum has drifted a bit off topic. As a breastfeeding counselor, I am painfully aware that having difficulty nursing can be overwhelming for a woman. The many letters of support here have been so nice. I know that the initial thread here was solely on the search for the best infant formula. I hope we have not upset anyone with our "management of breastfeeding" discussion.