Breast milk is the absolute best thing for babies. Even the makers of infant formula will say that their formula can’t compare. However, breastfeeding isn’t always as easy as you think it will be and what happens when you’re unable to breastfeed your child for the full year or so they need it? Well, there are several options available to you:

• You can get breast milk from donor mothers
• You can buy infant formula
• You can make your own formula

I’ve already talked about breast milk donors and the dangers of infant formula in the past, but recently I’ve found that it’s possible to actually make your own formula. This method is probably one of the most expensive breastfeeding alternatives. However, if you have the means and you’re totally unwilling to feed your child store bought formula, why not give it a try?

First of all, consult your doctor before attempting to make baby formula. They will give you some helpful tips, or direct you to a professional that can give you the info you need. The Weston A. Price foundation has some excellent information about infant formula and they even have some recipes.

Before trying a recipe, there are some things you need to know. The ingredients can be expensive, but you should never substitute the ingredients for cheaper ones. The measurements aren’t always the same for off brand products and you could be getting the recipe wrong without even realizing it.

Also, you should invest in some glass baby bottles unless you’re absolutely 100% sure they don’t contain BPA. Using organic homemade baby formula in bottles that may leach BPA into the mixture would sort of defeat the purpose of using homemade organic formula. 

After you make the formula, check to see if your baby handles it well. Weight them often to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need. Also, check to make sure they’re passing enough urine and aren’t dehydrated. A good way to tell if your child likes the formula is to watch for signs of contentment after feeding. Do they fall asleep after feeding and seem to digest the formula well? Or are they fussy even after burping?

Making formula isn’t as hard as you may think, through gathering the ingredients can be quite the process. The recipe for raw milk infant formula from the Weston A. Price Foundation’s website includes things like:

• Bifidobacterium infantis
• Expeller-expressed sunflower oil
• Unflavored high-vitamin or high-vitamin fermented cod liver oil

Thankfully they have a catalogue, so you don’t have to run all around town trying to find places that sell these ingredients. If you think making your own baby formula would be the best option for your baby then give it a try. After making it once you’ll have a better idea of the process and feasibility of feeding your infant homemade formula until they’re ready for solid foods.


Source:

1. Weston A. Price Foundation. (2001, December 31). Formula making tips. The Weston A. Price Foundation.
2. How to Make Homemade Baby Formula. (n.d.). wikiHow.