I have a confession to make… and I feel like it makes me a terrible mother…

I’ve never enjoyed nursing my babies. In fact, it pretty much drives me crazy. And I feel guilty that I don’t enjoy it.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve breastfed all of my children to at least 18 months or so, and I wouldn’t even consider not nursing them (unless there was a physical/medical reason that I could not). I’m super grateful that I’ve the ability to nurse them, but I truthfully don’t enjoy it at all.

I love the benefits that babies get from nursing, the improved brain development, the bond that it creates, the financial savings, but the act of sitting and nursing multiple times a day makes me stir crazy!

The Pain of Not Nursing

At the same time, I’ve seen the pain that several of my friends have experienced when physically unable to nurse their babies and longing to. I’ve held their hands through the tears of wanting to nurse their newborns, and I’ve donated milk to their preemies who desperately needed the nutrients.

Motherhood is hard, and the topic of breastfeeding is especially painful (and often polarizing) for many moms.

This post is not here to debate the issue, and certainly not to judge moms for decisions either way, but to offer some practical alternatives for those who don’t or can’t nurse their babies.

(Note: If you want to nurse but are unable to, check out this post about a potential easy-to-fix problem that can often dramatically improve a baby’s chance of nursing instantly.)

When Nursing Isn’t Possible…

Doctors agree that the best option for baby whenever possible is to breastfeed. Unfortunately, this isn’t always an option.

As a doula, I’ve seen many times that a mom could have nursed but chose not to. I’ve also seen cases where mom wanted to but had a physical problem that prevented her from doing so. I’ve also seen babies who were unable to nurse for one reason or another.

When breastfeeding is truly not possible, there are a few other options.

In past generations, wet nurses and milk donors often nursed these babies until they were old enough to eat. Eventually, crude substitutes were created or different types of animal milks were used. Now, the infant formula market is a multi-billion dollar a year industry.

Here’s the problem…

Most commercial formula options, even organic ones, contain ingredients, additives and preservatives that aren’t good for baby. Emily of Holistic Squid explains the ingredients in one of the best store-bought organic baby formula options:

Organic Reduced Minerals Whey – In its natural form, whey is a great source of protein and Probiotics. You can read a description of Reduced Minerals Whey from the American Dairy Products Institute here. I’m not sure why you’d want to reduce naturally occurring minerals in an otherwise healthy food. The issue with dried whey is that it is typically dried at high temperatures that denature the proteins and make them toxic. Furthermore, the heating and drying process will negate any probiotic effects of the fresh whey. NOT GOOD.

Organic Non-Fat Milk – Sounds benign enough, but there is NO reason a baby should ever consume non-fat milk. Not only do babies absolutely NEED the milk fat and cholesterol, but the process of making powdered skim milk creates a substance that is not only devoid in nutrition, but is also laden with oxidized cholesterol and neuro-toxic amino acids. NOT GOOD.

Organic Lactose – A necessary ingredient, lactose is a milk sugar that naturally occurs in breast milk. GOOD.

Organic Glucose Syrup Solids – This is a fancy way of saying sugar made from starch. Most glucose syrup solids in the U.S. are made from corn – making what’s also known as corn syrup! NOT GOOD. A better choice to mimic breast milk would be more lactose.

Organic Palm Oil Or Organic Palm Olein – Not the worst ingredient if it’s coming from a reputable source. QUESTIONABLE.

Organic Coconut Oil– Good choice to provide the special medium-chain fats found in mother’s milk. Should be expeller pressed only. OK.

Organic Soy Oil – Soy oil is not fit for human consumption and should not be in baby formula. It can act as a hormone disruptor among other issues. NOT GOOD.

Organic High Oleic (Safflower Or Sunflower Oil) – Good if expeller-pressed only. QUESTIONABLE.

Organic Whey Protein Concentrate – See issues with Organic Reduced Minerals Whey above. NOT GOOD.

Other non-organic formula options often contain higher amounts of corn syrup solids, hydrogenated oils, soybean oil and sugar.

In fact, most infant formula contains ingredients most of us would not cook with or use in our own food, yet 1/4 or more of us rely on this as the only source of nutrition for our children in their most important and developmental months/years.

Organic Baby Formula Options

What to do when you cant nurse What I’d personally choose if I was unable to nurse is a homemade organic baby formula.

Making baby formula sounds like a crazy idea when you first hear about it, since formula seems like an extremely complicated substance that would be impossible to make at home…

Then again, many people feel the same way about toothpaste, deodorant, or makeup at first glance too.

Certainly, baby formula is a much more important recipe to get right since baby’s health depends on it, but homemade baby formula is not nearly as complicated as you might expect.

Homemade Formula

The Weston A. Price Foundation provides recipes for homemade infant formula with a dairy option and a dairy-free option.

Unlike commercial baby formula options, the homemade versions have a base of milk or broth with added real-food, nutrient-dense ingredients like gelatin, probiotics, beneficial high-vitamin oils/fats and acerola powder.

This chart shows the nutritional comparison between breastmilk and these homemade formula options. Of course, there are other considerations that won’t show in a strict nutrient comparison, such as the beneficial bacteria transfer during breastfeeding and increased bonding, but this chart shows why homemade is comparable to breastmilk from a strictly nutritional perspective:

Breastmilk vs homemade formula comparison

I have friends who have used both the raw milk option and the dairy-free option with great success and these are the options I would use if I ever was unable to nurse or find donor milk for my babies.

All of the non-perishable ingredients for this recipe are available here.

natural and organic baby formula recipes

Homemade Baby Formula Recipe (with Dairy Free Option)

Homemade baby formula combines nutritionally dense ingredients like raw milk, whey, lactose, probiotics, cream, gelatin healthy oils and more.

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Author Katie Wells

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings

ounces

Ingredients

2 cups whole raw cow’s milk preferably from pasture-fed cows
¼ cup homemade liquid whey see recipe in “notes” below Note: Do NOT use powdered whey or whey from making cheese (which will cause the formula to curdle). Use only homemade whey made from yoghurt, kefir or separated raw milk.
4 tablespoons lactose
¼ teaspoon bifidobacterium infantis
2 or more tablespoons good quality cream preferably not ultra-pasteurized, more if you are using milk from Holstein cows
½ teaspoon unflavored high-vitamin or high-vitamin fermented cod liver oil or 1 teaspoon regular cod liver oil
¼ teaspoon high-vitamin butter oil optional
1 teaspoon expeller-expressed sunflower oil
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons coconut oil
2 teaspoons Frontier brand nutritional yeast flakes
2 teaspoons gelatin
1-7/8 cups filtered water
¼ teaspoon acerola powder

Instructions

Put 2 cups filtered water into a pyrex measuring pitcher and remove 2 tablespoons (that will give you 1-7/8 cups water).
Pour about half of the water into a pan and place on a medium flame.
Add the gelatin and lactose to the pan and let dissolve, stirring occasionally.
When the gelatin and lactose are dissolved, remove from heat and add the remaining water to cool the mixture.
Stir in the coconut oil and optional high-vitamin butter oil and stir until melted.
Meanwhile, place remaining ingredients into a blender.
Add the water mixture and blend about three seconds.
Place in glass bottles or a glass jar and refrigerate.
Before giving to baby, warm bottles by placing in hot water or a bottle warmer. NEVER warm bottles in a microwave oven.

Notes

NOTE: All non-perishable ingredients for this recipe are available here. Homemade Whey Recipe: Makes about 5 cups.Homemade whey is easy to make from good quality plain yoghurt, or from raw or cultured milk. You will need a large strainer that rests over a bowl.If you are using yoghurt, place 2 quarts in a strainer lined with a tea towel set over a bowl. Cover with a plate and leave at room temperature overnight. The whey will drip out into the bowl. Place whey in clean glass jars and store in the refrigerator.If you are using raw or cultured milk, place 2 quarts of the milk in a glass container and leave at room temperature for 2-4 days until the milk separates into curds and whey. Pour into the strainer lined with a tea towel set over a bowl and cover with a plate. Leave at room temperature overnight. The whey will drip out into the bowl. Store in clean glass jars in the refrigerator.Source: Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon with Mary G. Enig, PhD.

Like this recipe? Check out my new cookbook, or get all my recipes (over 500!) in a personalized weekly meal planner here!

For babies with allergies to dairy, the Weston A. Price Foundation recommends these variations:

Using goat milk in place of raw cow’s milk, but making sure to add nutritional yeast and liver for the necessary B-12
OR, using a broth-based formula with liver, though this recipe has some concerns with too high of levels of Vitamin A

Of course, sources agree that breast milk is the best option for baby, but if nursing is truly not possible, these are the options I would use. I would absolutely recommend (and choose myself) to find a qualified and knowledgeable doctor before using this or any other option besides breast milk for babies.

Important Notes

There is a great list of answers to commonly asked questions about homemade formula in this article.
Based on new landmark research, consider adding a product like this one to baby’s bottle starting at 4-11 months to help reduce the risk of developing a food allergy. More to come on this soon, but I’ve researched this product extensively and would give it to my babies based on the research and experts behind it.
Always check with a qualified doctor before using this or any other recipe with a baby.
Serenity Kids has a Toddler Formula (ages 12 months+) that is a clean and nutrient-filled option that is easy to digest, made with quality fats, carbohydrates, and various essential prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals.

Organic Baby Formula: The Bottom Line

Breast milk is absolutely the best choice when it is possible. Good lactation consultants can help moms who are struggling with breast feeding to work through most problems. You can find trained lactation consultants in your area here.

Many times, an underlying tongue or lip tie can be the cause of breast feeding problems and a professional specifically trained in correcting these is needed. (Here is a guide to help diagnose a tongue or lip tie)

For the cases where breastfeeding is truly not possible, and donor milk is not an option, homemade baby formula can be an alternative to store-bought highly processed formula to provide baby necessary nutrients. It wouldn’t be my first choice, but if I was unable to breastfeed at any point, it is the option I’d turn to.

What was your experience? Were you able to nurse or did you have to turn to other options? Please share below!

Sources

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

154 responses to “Natural & Organic Baby Formula Options”

Lee

September 3, 2015

thanks for sharing~~~~

Reply
Catherine

August 13, 2015

My 2 1/2 mo old had a tongue tie. Wasn’t until he was 6 weeks old that I realized it needed to be clipped, which we got done, but by then, my milk supply had diminished greatly (despite me taking all sorts of natural milk producers). I’m struggling to keep producing the little milk I can, but have to supplement. I recently found the WAP recipes. I have not been able to find “organic” liver where I live, can I use plain frozen liver as an acceptable substitute? Also, any recommendations on where to find raw milk? It’s not sold anywhere around here. Thnx!

Reply
Lorinda

July 23, 2015

I fund your article to be full of grace and kindness toward all mamas that have struggled with nursing for various reasons!

I am a mama of 12, earth side. I have had greatsuccess with nursing for well over half of my marriage!! We have been married for 25 years.
I have had a several tongue tie babies and for the most part, as difficult as it was, we were able to push through by about a month old and finally nurse. Except for the last two sweet baby girls I have had.
Abi was born within one hour from the vry first twinge of labor to the complete birth of the placenta!! INTENSE!! she came out and I lifted her up to my breast and she looked up at me with here sweet eyes with her mouth tightly shut and stone silent. at first, we thought maybe she could be slightly downs, and were considereing taking her in to be looked at for it. she never did open her mouth that day, or any day for months. it took three people to pry open her gums just enough to slide a frenchfive tube down her throat. she wasn’t downs, but upon closer inspection, she had one one the most severe posterior tongue tie any professional in the northwest had ever seen!! it effected the muscular structure of her entire jawline.

normally, I don’t pump very well at all. we found a great LC, who worked with us and was very affordable. she came to our hoe daily to do excercises with our baby and just to encourage me as I was thrwn intopretty big depression. baby was clipped right away once we realized what was going on, and I spent hours daily doing skin on skin wither and trying to open her mouth enough to wrap the breast, allto no avail. I pumped for 13 months every two waking hours. It was a miracle, but my breastmilk supply increased like crazy!! I eventually was pumping enough to supply for her fully, plus twins as well as a singleton I donated to!! my huge freezer was always full!

I shed so many tears those thirteen months. pumping wasdepressing and I typically cried through each session. but in the end, my baby got breastmilk exclusively for all that time. she at about 6 months was able to open mouth and we started training her with a bottle, but she didn’t have naturally swallowing abilities so the training was rough, having to massage her throat as she took a few drops at a time from the nipple of the bottle. I would let her snuggle with the breast, but she never even attempted to nurse as she nevr developed that reflex in her brain.

today she is fiveyears old. taller than average withglorious corn silk hair. a preious soul who caneat almost anything given toher and swallow without any negative consequences. other than that her poor teeth are rotting out of her mouth( a common side effect of the tongue tie defect), she is a perfectly normal healthy girl!!

my last little is Anna and she was tongue tied too. she nursed, but painfully so and had to nurse every ten minutes for the first ten months of her life just to satisfy her and give her what she needed. I pumped but for some reason, it didn’t go as well. there were manytears shed with her as well basically cause I was so tired from hauling her around and nursing almost constantly that I couldn’t see straight.

we run a goat farm and we have found so manymamas desperate dealing with this very thing. I appreciate this article as it really helps mamas be equipped with many alternatives and resources that can be used in the effort of nourishing our little ones..

we naturally desire to encourage breastmilk if we can as we also recognize the benefits and that very bad science that went into the idea that breastmilk was bad for babies back in the day.. this was also during the time it was advertised that 7 out of ten doctors recommend camel cigarettes as they were considered HEALTHY for you!!

what ever a mama does for her baby to ensure nourishment, I hope you each do it with confidence and give yourself a hug!! youre doing an amazing work, ladies!!

Reply
1. Whitney
  
  June 10, 2018
  
  Amazing ? bless you mama!! We also deal with ties and difficulty pumping. Though not ties to the extent of your little Abi. We have four children and only one has no ties. Our littlest, also named Anna, is 6 months old and had tie revisions this month.
  
  I’m thankful to have found these recipes as we are still needing to supplement. Raw milk is unavailable here, can someone reccomend a reputable source for goats milk? I cringe everything she has to have formula, as well as when she develops eczema breakouts.
  
  Reply
nadia

July 11, 2015

Hi Katie, I have a 2 year old who is still breastfeeding. 2 months after he was born I developed a breast infection and my milk supply decreased. I gave him European formula since I live in Austria but he barely drank. Fortunately my milk came back a month later and since the he has been nursing. He is not a great eater, he started off well eating solid food at 5months but a year later he mainly wanted breast milk. So far I constantly have to breastfeed him because he is hungry and doesn’t eat much. I started noticing a deficiency in vitamins and magnesium because he looks pale and is slim. I told myself to wean him and give him formula from now on because I think only breast milk on the long run is definitely not enough. I haven’t tried this recipe yet but I will for sure give it a try. Can you recommend any store bought organic formula by any chance?
Your comment would be very much appreciated!

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  July 11, 2015
  
  Honestly, all of the store-bought formula I have come across just not stack up to the nutritional content of homemade (at the very best, store-bought has minimal chemicals, but still is pretty low on bioavailable nutrients). If you are concerned about your little guy’s nutrition, I really recommend giving homemade a try.
  
  Reply
Louise

June 26, 2015

It’s interesting to note other options when breastfeeding isn’t possible, but I don’t agree with this. I’m really sorry because it is helpful, but it’s helpful for women who are able to afford the ingredients. I was not able to breastfeed and it haunts me every day, but I am also low income. My daughter has 3 ties and absolutely despised nursing, while my autoimmune disorder made my milk dry up to drops within a month, because doctors refused to put me on higher levels of medication. I was not able to afford a LC, as every single one in my area, including the ones at my hospital, cost 200-300 dollars an hour. Of course, this is with insurance reimbursement, but what many LCs and breastfeeding mothers with middle to high incomes do not realize is that many women cannot afford to put out that much money at once.

I work my ass off for my family, and I am able to afford the storebought formula. I can only imagine what life is like for mothers who work retail or in the service industry, who work long hours to make ends meet and face abject hatred and judgment from other mothers because they couldn’t nurse or pump. Rather than telling mothers they should make their own formula, when many cannot afford these ingredients, we should be encouraging people to stop judging each other. Your post was better than some, but still judgmental.

In response to the previous commenter: HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, etc can be spread through breastmilk as well. Also, trans fat levels can be transmitted to infants, same with pesticide levels in food and other nasty things. Breastfeeding was discouraged for years because of high infant mortality rates. We keep switching between what’s encouraged and what isn’t. Formula had its time, now it’s breastfeeding. I think what’s best is a mother’s love, no matter how you feed your babies for the first 1-4 years of their lives. I’ve seen many breastfeeding moms who shove their babies in strollers and carriers and never talk to them. I’ve also seen bottle feeders who buy bottle propping gear so they don’t have to take time to sit down with the kid they chose to have. I don’t understand any of it.

However you choose to feed your baby: be kind to others. Teach your baby well. Teach them to love others, to be kind, to be honest and to have integrity. Teach them every day. Love them. Spend time with them. That is just as important, if not moreso, than what you feed them.

I’m off my soapbox now.

Reply
1. Michelle
  
  July 9, 2015
  
  I think this was more of a resource for those mothers that did not know they have an alternative to the $20 per can store-bought formula that is loaded with ingredients that most mothers on this blog would rather avoid. Many of us are learning (thanks to this blog and others) that what you put in your mouth now will have an effect on you 10, 20, 30 years later so we look for any and all alternatives we can. PLUS, many of us on this blog already have some of these ingredients on hand (gelatin, fermented cod liver oil, whey, nutritional yeast, cream)
  I did not see any judgement in this post at all, in fact it was positive for those mothers that cannot nurse and cannot afford to buy milk from a milk bank.
  I would think the ingredients would be cheaper than store bought, depending on your area. Maybe Katie could also do a cost breakdown because I do agree, that is important, but if it matters to pay more for better formula, some moms will pay whatever they can. My rough estimate would be this recipe costing around $11 to make…that seems pretty cheap to me.
  
  As a mom, you take all the advice you can and you do what you feel is best for your family
  
  Reply
2. Elena
  
  November 11, 2015
  
  We are fortunate that we are able to live off my husband’s income so that I can stay home with our children, and while we are essentially “middle class” we don’t have a whole lot of luxuries. For various reasons, all of our babies have been largely formula fed; the first two with commercially available lactose-free formula. Our third daughter had *horrible* diarrhea from the formula, and her urine was so acidic she had an almost constant severe diaper rash that left her skin broken and raw. I knew that her issues were from the formula, and I also knew about a commercially available goat milk formula, but it was $54 a can! So I did some more research, remembering the WAPF recipe I had learned about in nutrition school. I just happened to have powdered goat milk and almost all the other ingredients on hand, so made her a batch. She was 6 weeks old then and is 18mobths now and we have never looked back. In response to your comment about the cost of the formula, we did the breakdown and figured that commercial formula cost *at least* $1 but typically $1.20 per 8oz bottle. The homemade version, even using crazy expensive powdered goat milk was $0.50 or less/bottle – I didn’t always have every single ingredient, but I did the very best I could. Once we switched, she never spat up again (unless I used actual fluid milk, which I believe the fat was causing her upset), her diarrhea and bum rashes were gone almost immediately, and today she is tall, strong, happy and healthy.
  
  I didn’t find this post to be judgemental at all; in fact, I think it was beautifully written. I still feel huge guilt and frustration over not being able to breastfeed, and I feel like Katie expressed understanding and support.
  
  Reply
  1. Steph
    
    February 20, 2016
    
    Dear Elena,
    Your post has brought so much comfort to me! I’m expecting our fourth and am praying and hoping I can bf. I wasn’t able to with my other three. However, I can’t afford raw milk all the time either and if possible I would like to stay away from commercial formula . The idea of using powdered goat’s milk is definitely something I am going to keep in mind! Do you think it would be okay for a newborn?
    Sincerely
    Steph
    
    Reply
  2. Lindsey Sapien
    
    December 4, 2017
    
    Elena,
    
    Would you be able to point me in the direction oh where you ordered your powdered goats milk from? Also what did you use for the cream in the recipe?
    
    Thank you in advance
    
    Reply
3. athena
  
  November 17, 2015
  
  Hi there, I am sorry that you found this post judgemental, it wasn’t. Often when we find something judgemental and it wasn’t meant to me that is our own insecurities showing through. In addition, I too am on a very low income and said things like “I cant afford it”, what it comes down to is priorities. I also only consume raw, organic whole foods which is considered rather expensive to some. Once again the bottom line is priorities. Everytime I hear someone saying they can’t afford something I watch them turn around and buy a video system, get their nails or hair done, buy new this or that. You CAN afford it if you make it a priority.
  
  Reply
Shawna

May 27, 2015

Hi Katie, I know you don’t want to give any medical advice, but I’m just wondering what you think of donor breast milk. For my first 2 kids I’ve gotten some from a facebook group in my area called Human Milk for Human Babies. It’s been hard because I don’t know the people. Just wondering what you think =)

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  May 28, 2015
  
  I have not worked with them, but, as I mentioned in the article, I myself have donated milk to good friends who were unable to nurse their babies.
  
  Reply
  1. Saundra
    
    May 28, 2015
    
    I have recently read that Lyme Disease can be passed from mother to infant via breast milk. Sadly, a lot of mothers don’t know they have Lyme disease. Not to scare you, but you might want to look into it further. Also, the most accurate Lyme test is not the one that most doctors recommend. I can’t remember now what it’s called…sorry! Please see my comment about donkey milk and it’s similarities to human breast milk, it’s only lacking in fat, but in Greece they are having success adding virgin olive oil to increase the fat content.
    
    Reply
    1. Michelle
      
      July 9, 2015
      
      The donkey milk may be very close, but I think part of this post is to add to what moms CAN do. As it is, I have to locate a place to get raw milk, goat or cow so I can’t imagine how or where to get mare’s milk or donkey milk at all!
      
      I would more likely buy milk from a milk bank that try to track down donkey milk-but that is good information for sure!
      
      Thanks Katie for this article, I am training to be a Birth Boot Camp Instructor and I would like to have this information to pass along.
      I know that store bought formula is at least $20 so I am sure this would be much cheaper to make, even using 100% organic ingredients (Raw milk in my area is $8/gallon)
      
      Reply
Saundra

May 25, 2015

Actually, donkey milk is the closest to human breast milk, plus it has incredible immune benefits. In Europe it is used in pediatric units for premature babies. We used it with huge success to battle PANDAS, an autoimmune disease that attacks the brain. In china it is used for the elderly, and in Greece it was used for whooping cough until the 1970’s. It’s also been used for asthma.

Reply
Nicole b

May 24, 2015

I used this recipe to top up since I had low supply. It worked super well for us and I noticed a difference in my baby. Commercial formula gave her little rashes and if I’m being honest made her poo smell terrible. What got me looking for another option was the low fat milk and corn syrup. No baby needs corn syrup…

Reply
Saundra

May 24, 2015

I’m surprised that you didn’t mention Donkey Milk as the best substitute for Human Breast Milk. It’s the closest to human breast milk, and has incredible immunological benefits. In Europe it is used in pediatric hospitals for premature babies. It’s also being used for babies allergic to cow dairy and soy with great success. It only needs a fat added to it to make it the perfect breast milk substitute, since it’s lower in fat than human breast milk.
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-13208989

Reply
michelle

May 22, 2015

For most regions in Canada it is not easy to obtain unpasturized milk. I spent years searching before I could find a company that I could trust and who delivered to the city. I now spend half my time in Quebec City as well and am back to the drawing board on that subject. Luckily I breastfed and continue to breastfeed my 2 year old daughter but have many friends who didn’t have the right support or knowledge to do so. In fact in Quebec it is frowned upon to breastfeed past 6 months. Additionally, I have been asked for solutions for formula that can be purchased (lets face it, the average person is not going to do what you and I do making everything from scratch.) I call it the “convenience syndrome”. Although they know its best for their child to make it themselves from scratch, they feel they do not have time (or energy) to do it and prefer to buy something that is almost ok to give their children. I get it. Life is busy and everything has become “convenience” oriented (thus the microwave era- yuck). I have heard about Baby’s Only formula but it also contains Soy (and most likely non fermented). Any suggestions on anything preprepared that is available for moms?

Thanks
M

Reply
lynn hall

May 21, 2015

Great news for many Moms! I wish it had been around when I needed it. It looks like many folks will benefit from this! Thanks!

Reply
Lana

May 20, 2015

So glad to see more support for this formula. My husband and I adopted our son at 2.5 days old and started him immediately on this formula. For his first 15 months he was on half breast milk from a very good friend and half this formula. He did great!!! Grew like a weed, so happy and content, excellent sleeper. Today he is 18 months and super healthy. Will use it again with the next one. It was such a blessing for families like us who adopt and need to use formula. The thought of giving him store bought formula would make me cry literally. So thankful!!

Reply
yaneka

May 19, 2015

I have recently done a huge amount of research on this issue and I came to the exact same conclusions you have, which makes me happy! I have a 16 month old who is bf and we are adopting our second child very soon. I am planning on using the WaP recipe as my back up in case he can’t bf (or if I can’t handle tandem feeding!!).
I would be very interested to hear your opinion on cows vs goats milk as the base of the recipe, do you think having a cows milk formula will be harder to digest and increase risk of allergies? My mother keeps telling me that but I have yet to find research that really answers the question to my satisfaction.

Thanks for the great article!!

Reply
Fran

May 19, 2015

If i had more than 1 kid i wouldnt be feedhappy either. Its ok just as long as you bind snd do give them ur milk because they will develop healthproblems if they dont get ur breastmilk.

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Barb Tocci

May 19, 2015

Katie,
Although I can not in any way relate to “not liking” Bfding I feel your anguish. When my first child was born 32 yrs ago Bfding was something that mostly Bohemian/hippies did. I was neither. But I took to it like a baby bird…it had to learn how to fly, but it came natural to me. And talk about CONVENIENT!!?? 7 children later I miss it.
As a former goat farmer yrs ago (milk goats) I researched the properties of goats milk, as I had heard that they are exceptional. Well, by jove they are! In fact, goat milk HAS THE SAME COMPOSITION AS HUMAN MILK. The only difference being the vit A and selenium. Sooooo all this is to tell your readers that you can supplement goats milk (clean practice/raw) for human milk. Supplementing the missing ingredients. When I was running my herd I had several moms who for one reason or another couldn’t BF.
Their BABIES THRIVED!
COWS MILK HAS SOMETHING LIKE 10+/- PROTEINS meant to be digested by a animal (calf) with 4 STOMACHS!! NOT SO WITH GOATS MILK. GM is identical to human milk.

Appreciate this topic being addressed. Great blog!

Reply
1. Natalie
  
  May 20, 2015
  
  Cattle have one four-chambered stomach, as do goats. It’s not relevant to the amount of protein.
  I’ve actually heard the camel milk is the most similar to human milk. They have one three-chambered stomach. In each species, only one chamber is actually like a true stomach.
  
  Reply
2. Casey
  
  March 18, 2020
  
  I don’t know where you got this, but GOAT’S MILK IS NOT IDENTICAL TO HUMAN MILK.
  
  Reply
Ellen

May 19, 2015

How do you deal with the high protein content in the home made formula recipes? I’ve always understood that this can cause major issues with a baby’s kidneys.

Reply
1. Barb Tocci
  
  May 19, 2015
  
  Do goats milk .Goat milk HAS THE SAME COMPOSITION AS HUMAN MILK. The only difference being the vit A and selenium. Sooooo all this is to tell your readers that you can supplement goats milk (clean practice/raw) for human milk. Supplementing the missing ingredients. When I was running my herd I had several moms who for one reason or another couldn’t BF.
  Their BABIES THRIVED!
  COWS MILK HAS SOMETHING LIKE 10+/- PROTEINS meant to be digested by a animal (calf) with 4 STOMACHS!! NOT SO WITH GOATS MILK. GM is identical to human milk.
  
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  1. ellen
    
    May 19, 2015
    
    Goat’s milk is still too high in protein according to the WaP home made formula. It’s nowhere near human milk!
    
    Reply
    1. Barb Tocci
      
      May 19, 2015
      
      My experience/research tells me differently. Human milk, cow and goat milk all contain alpha-lactoalbumin, but with slightly different structures. The protein difference is negligible .
      Cows milk is a protein problem the molecular structure makes it difficult for humans ie: infants that have not 4 stomachs ,….but just one little ,tiny, cute one. Goat milk, the molecular structure makes it digestible for ie: infants. If you look on different web sites the typical AMA warns against any variation from the breast /formula mandate. Or should I say FORMULA/ breast, in that order.( When I was researching this 30+ yrs ago there was no such ready info available. )
      
      Bottom line?? We all take responsibility for our own lives & our children that have been “gifted ” to us, and pray, trust that God leads. My experience has proven without a shadow of doubt (in my mind) that when there’s need, goat milk is the “go to “choice.
      blessings ladies,
      
      Per 8 ounces
      Goat Breast
      Calories 163.3 165.6
      Carbohydrates 17.5 17.5
      Fat 9 9.3
      Protein 4 3.3
      
      Reply
      1. Saundra
        
        May 24, 2015
        
        Actually, Donkey Milk is the closest to human breast milk in composition, and is used in Europe in Pediatric units, and for babies allergic to cow dairy and soy.
        
        From Wikipedia
        
        “Donkey milk, along with mare’s milk, is the closest to breast milk,[3] with notably low lipid ratios and high lactose ratios.[4]
        
        Composition of donkey’s, mare’s, human and cow’s milk (g/100 g)[4]
        composition donkey mare human cow
        pH 7.0 – 7.2 7.18 7.0 – 7.5 6.6 – 6.8
        Protein g/100g 1.5 – 1.8 1.5 – 2.8 0.9 – 1.7 3.1 – 3.8
        Fat g/100g 0.3 – 1.8 0.5 – 2.0 3.5 – 4.0 3.5 – 3.9
        Lactose g/100g 5.8 – 7.4 5.8 – 7.0 6.3 – 7.0 4.4 – 4.9
        Total Solids (TS) g/100 g 8.8-11.7 9.3-11.6 11.7-12.9 12.5-13.0
        Casein Nitrogen (CN) g/100 g 0.64-1.03 0.94-1.2 0.32-0.42 2.46-2.80
        Whey protein g/100 g 0.49-0.80 0.74-0.91 0.68-0.83 0.55-0.70
        NPN g/100 g 0.18-0.41 0.17-0.35 0.26-0.32 0.1-0.19
        Casein Nitrogen (CN) % 47.28 50 26.06 77.23
        Whey protein % 36.96 38.79 53.52 17.54
        NPN % 15.76 11.21 20.42 5.23
        Donkey milk is similar to mare milk and human breast milk in that it is relatively poor in protein and fat but rich in lactose. The casein to whey protein ratio is intermediate between human breast milk and cow milk. Gross composition of milk differs by the mother’s lactation stage, with ash and protein content showing a declining trend, but pH, percentage of whey protein, and amino acid content remaining the same.[5]”
2. Rayna Hawley
  
  December 13, 2015
  
  According to WAP, the high protein content is why both the cow and goat milk formulas have added water.
  
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Elise

May 18, 2015

Thank you so much for writing this article! I have a 3.5 yr old boy and a 17 month old girl. My son has a tongue tie that I only just learned about 3 months ago, and though I nursed him until 2 nursing was uncomfortable, I felt like I never had enough milk, and he was hungry often. I had less than 15 nights of sleeping through the night in those 2 years! Now I understand it was a lip tie issue! My daughter was born with a big appetite and I was determined to have lots of milk so was so careful with my diet, used herbal teas, essential oils to support lactation, etc. Things were awesome for 2 weeks and then declined rapidly. It got to where I would pump for 5 minutes to get 1 tsp of milk and she was so fussy and hungry! I had pumped a ton in the 1st couple weeks and frozen all the milk so I used that as I could. I was so confused and angry with myself for doing something wrong, but didn’t know what! I had had huge supply at first but how did it trickle to nothing?! It was a Hard Hard couple months. We managed to pull through and keep her fed until at 4 months I started her on the liver formula and later the milk formula from the WPF. I used that as a supplement until she was nearly a year and eating more food. It felt like hanging on by a thread and holding my breath 24/7, but she did well and though is smaller than average is super healthy, happy, and smart as a whip. When she wasn’t drinking as much formula I gave her loads of bone broth, FCLO, etc. 3 months ago I learned about Lip Ties and Tongue Ties. I cried for a week – literally! It was so Painful to realize that the heartache of the year could have been prevented by that knowledge, yet indescribably freeing to know I WAS doing a good job and the best I could with what I had to work with!! We got her lip tie lasered 2 months ago, and she is nursing again strong at 17 months!!!!!! I am SO thankful we persevered so we could reach this point of experiencing a bit of what “it should have been”. I am still picking up the pieces emotionally, as the year and a half of EXTREME exhaustion brought me to a place of severe adrenal fatigue (the Adrenal Reset Book you promoted was an answered prayer!!) and deep depression this past winter, where, had it not been for my husband, my beautiful babies, and reassurance through scripture from my Savior, I probably would have taken my life. I know that sounds extreme, and I don’t mean to be graphic, but this is honestly where I got too, and I know I am not the only mom who has experienced this. I now tell every mom I meet about lip ties and tongue ties, and am SO THANKFUL for a formula supplement that I could be confident in in our time of need!! Sorry to be so long winded, but I just needed to share this! Thank you, Katie, for what you do!! God bless you, and your husband and children for supporting you in sharing information, and supporting so many thousands of people!

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1. Jacynda
  
  January 3, 2016
  
  I felt like your heart pouring needed a response of some sort. I am not a mom yet but am hoping to be in a couple of years. I’m so thankful to those of you who have gone through those terrible struggles and are willing to put them out there for the rest of us to learn by. I don’t know if it makes you feel any better about your emotional distress, but you are reaching and teaching people about this issue of tongue ties and making a difference. I hope your next pregnancy will be smooth sailing and that you’ve recovered from the emotional trauma. Thank you for sharing!
  
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2. Heather
  
  February 20, 2016
  
  Elise, I feel your pain I hAd terrible supply issues with my first and had to supplement. I had zero support and only lasted 9 months breastfeeding. I was working full time and couldn’t maintain the meager supply I had.
  Now I just had a baby in november and things went great for two weeks and suddenly she went from birth weight and dropped half a pound. I realized in early January that a supplement my midwife had given me to help with digestion had peppermint in it. I stopped taking it and my supply increased and she started gaining. Than the gaining started slowing down and a lactation consultant checked and indeed she has a lip and tongue tie.
  To make matters worse I hate breastfeeding. I hate that it interrupts everything that my 4 year old feels neglected. That nobody in my life understands this struggle and can’t see why I don’t just use formula. I even had a friend say this week that she thinks my supply is more important to me than my baby because I don’t just supplement. I am trying to do What is best for my little girl but feel like everything is set up against me. Thank God for prayer and encouragement from moms who have been there.
  
  Reply
  1. Anna
    
    March 15, 2016
    
    Heather, I am in exactly the same place. I also have a four year old and had a baby in Nov. I also hate breastfeeding and all the stress, effort and time I have to put into it. Just like yours my son feels neglected and takes it out on me but I won’t give up because with my son I got no support at all and eventually caved to all the pressure to supplement just before he turned four months. I knew nothing back then and just gave him standard baby formula along with breast milk. He now has eczema, a severe dietary nickel allergy and although usually a very sweet child can be so highly strung that he frequently resorts to violent aggressive behaviour. I have him on the GAPS diet and it is helping but he is in school and often gets things to eat from his school friends and other parents – it is so frustrating.
    I was more prepared this time around and started with herbal galactogogues which really helped. My daughter started fantastically and for the first two months put on weight at a fantastic rate but now that has tapered off completely and the nurse at the developmental clinic where I live wants me to supplement. I am not ready to give in yet but I’m so relieved that this time I have the knowledge and resources (thanks Katie!) to ensure that I don’t damage her gut and immune system the way my son’s were damaged. Don’t listen to anyone that tells you you are not putting your children first, it is so destructive.
    
    Reply
Monica

May 18, 2015

My baby had a tongue tie and we had to supplement. My doctor recommended this formula that many of her patients had used successfully. I just replaced the DHA with fermented cod liver oil. https://mtcapra.com/product/homemade-goat-milk-formula-kit/

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Elena P.

May 18, 2015

I thank the Lord for this baby formula recipe! At my daughters 4 month baby check up, the doctor said my baby was underweight and I need to supplement with formula. I just couldn’t produce more breast milk. I hated the idea of commercial formula, I felt like it was straight up poison. I did my research and through Radiant Life I found the Weston A. Price baby formula kit. She gained weight rapidly and I was so thankful. My daughter weaned herself from the breast and the bottle at 10 months and that stressed me out because she’s still a baby and she needs all that fat. But then I realized I can incorporate all those ingredients in the formula into her food. For example, FCLO and the gelatin goes into her bone broth I feed her daily and oils and other powders go into her solids. I’m just so thankful for this alternative baby formula and thank you Katie for posting the recipe to help out other stressed out mom’s who don’t want to go the commercial way.

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1. Janice Morales
  
  March 13, 2020
  
  Did you use raw cows milk or goat milk?
  
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Holly

May 18, 2015

Thank you so much for posting this. I still struggle with the guilt of no being able breast feed my daughter. That if I would have just tried harder, or supplement X that it would have worked. In the end I just have insufficient tissue to meet her nutritional requirements compounded with sever reflux and lip and younger ties.

We have been using the WAP formula for the last four months and my little one is transformed. She went from jaundice and under weight to thriving. Thank you for spreading the word to other Mom’s that are struggling with their own breastfeeding issues and offering a tool to help them find peace when it comes feeding their little one.

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1. Trish
  
  June 26, 2015
  
  The recipe asks for 2 C cows milk but the instructions call for 2C filtered water. Is that a typo?
  
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  1. Katie – Wellness Mama
    
    June 26, 2015
    
    Nope, the recipe calls for both, 2 c of cows milk and 1 7/8 cup of filtered water. The water is used to dissolve the dry ingredients, and the milk is added under this step “Meanwhile, place remaining ingredients into a blender”
    
    Reply
    1. Dana
      
      July 23, 2015
      
      Hello Katie,
      
      I was searching your blog to see if you have any recommendations on safe breastmilk storage solutions for freezing. Do you have any suggestions?
      
      Any help would be appreciated as I am due in October (first time mom).
      
      THANK YOU!
      
      Reply
      1. Katie – Wellness Mama
        
        July 24, 2015
        
        I know that there are BPA free storage bags, but I always felt more comfortable using freezer safe glass jars.
    2. Susan mcfarlane
      
      February 10, 2016
      
      What do you think about Holle Lebenswert stage 1 from Germany formula. I realize breast is best but if a mother can’t breast feed or find raw milk is this the next best ?
      
      Reply
      1. Toni
        
        April 11, 2016
        
        I would like to know as well.
      2. Susan mcfarlane
        
        April 12, 2016
        
        I’m very concerned about the added vitamins. I think they are synthetic and folic acid (fake) is damaging to everyone especially if your baby is MTHfR … I contacted the company three times and have not heard anything.
        I am now looking at mt.capra (goat farm) where they produce powdered goats milk and have a recipe for baby formula. Google and it will come up. Wonderful website
      3. Brian
        
        April 18, 2016
        
        I am a wellness papa, but we had our baby in Germany and learned about the level of regulations they have in place to make the purest organic baby formula. In regards to your concerns, I wish I had exact answers but I will say, when working with our doctor in Germany, we had many questions regarding the quality, and she expressed the seriousness of regulations that are put in place for the countries production of baby formula. It was even subsidized by their government! Can you imagine that level of care in the US? Anyway, we have been very happy with using the product while living there with our daughter who is now two. Anyway, that is my two cents of experience and we are feeling happy and confident.