Twenty-five years ago I was only able to breastfeed my son for six months. Four and half of those was full time breastfeeding and the other six weeks was supplemented with formula. There were many factors involved in why I didn’t make enough breastmilk but essentially, I wasn’t eating enough food in general, I wasn’t drinking enough of any liquid especially water; the nurse said I was dehydrated at my 6-week checkup; and I was very stressed out. I was a single mother living with my father who was very unhappy that I had a baby out of wedlock.

When I had my daughter by C-section I wanted to breastfeed her as long as possible but wasn’t really sure I could because of my history with my son. I have been able to breastfeed for eighteen months and because she is over a year old one would think that we are out of the woods nutrition wise. Maybe if she could drink dairy, ate veggies better, or didn’t have so many allergies I would feel ok about stopping breastfeeding. We’ll see what happens.

I do talk so much about breastfeeding but if I had to do the formula over again with my son or if I had to do something different with my daughter I would supplement the formula with probiotics, cod liver oil, and vitamin C if needed. I do give my daughter probiotics with food and also give her vitamin C and cod liver oil when I can.
I also looked into making my own formula in case I needed to because my daughter is currently sensitive to dairy. I read in the book Super Nutrition for babies by Katherine Erlich, M.D and Kelly Genzlinger, C.N.C., C.M.T.A. about a liver based formula that I would consider if I still need to or if I have to stop breastfeeding any time soon. I have SIBO and I’m not quite sure how I will be able to get that treated while I am still breastfeeding. I have been taking DE diatomaceous earth but will find out from a new doctor this week if that ok. I muscle tested fine for it.

Price-Pottenger foundation at price-pottenger.org they have many resources for homemade formulas as far as I know. The Healthy Home Economist on YouTube gives instructions for a homemade formula. I think she does talk about dairy or whey based but I am sure you can find substitutes. I think I might try goats milk powder. It may be less mucous forming (which is part of what makes it so bad for my daughter).

 

Just wanted to give you some hope and resources real quick if you feel stuck and don’t want to give your baby formula. Please share what you have done to supplement your baby’s formula or if you have made your own. It just might help save a life.