No Baby Formula? Now What?
Ok, let me tell you about what the last few years have uncovered for me in this journey called motherhood. Between COVID and the most recent formula shortage, I have been T-I-R-E-D! We all are.
The sleepless nights, unending tears, the diarrhea, and eczema – every single day it became more obvious that I had to make serious changes to my baby's diet. I talked to several medical professionals, other mothers, and (obviously) my cat about this and no one seemed to have a definitive answer.
I did some retrospection and realized that the first symptom showed up when I began struggling to produce enough breast milk to feed my little one and started using baby formula to supplement. After nearly 2 weeks of diarrhea, I switched brands. Then new symptoms began showing up, eczema, which brought forth the nights filled with non stop crying– my goodness. After five different brands over the course of 2.5 months, I realized that I just had to stop giving my baby formula. But if there is no baby formula, then what? What would I feed my baby?
I began looking for natural alternatives to baby formula and doing serious research. I had to take into consideration alternatives that are okay for babies with lactose intolerance. My baby was 4-5 months old when I introduced these alternatives so my recommendations are catered to babies that are at least 3 months of age and older.
Some amazing natural and holistic alternatives that worked from me include,
Coconut milk
Hemp milk
Donor milk
Corn meal
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a great choice for babies with dairy allergies. It is high in lauric acid which is the major fatty acid found in breast milk. Lauric acid is extremely important to babies' growth because it strengthens the immune system– protecting the body from viruses, fungus, and bacteria.
Keep in mind that coconut milk lacks calcium and protein which is important for babies. So if you intend on feeding your baby coconut milk, it would be wise to include liquid calcium along with vitamin and mineral supplements. This way you can ensure your baby is properly nourished.
Here is an amazing recipe that gives your baby the best nutrition with coconut milk. The ingredients for this recipe are:
4 cups Coconut Milk
2-4 tbsp Brown Rice Protein (start with 2 tbsp first. If no constipation you can go up by 1tsp each week until you get to 4 tbsp)
2 tsp Pediatrivite
4 Scoops Infant Probiotic
1 tbsp Molasses
1-2 tbsp Flax seed oil
400 Iu Vitamin D
Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is also another easy-to-make and organic alternative to baby formula. You make hemp milk by blending the seeds of the hemp plant. This milk is super nutritious and healthy. It is packed with Omega-6s, 3s, and 9s, fiber, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, amino acids, zinc, and much more. Hemp milk is also free of sugar, cholesterol, gluten, and soy.
I know you may feel skeptical because marijuana is also made from the hemp plant. You have nothing to worry about though, because Hemp milk doesn't contain the THC available in marijuana. So it is safe for your little one.
To make hemp milk at home all you need is:
A blender
3 cups of water
1 cup of hemp seeds (soaked overnight)
1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey
A pinch of salt (if needed)
Donor Milk
If you would prefer to feed your baby breast milk but are unable to breastfeed for whatever reason. You can try to get breast milk from a donor.
You can inquire at any hospital in your area, as some hospitals have milk banks. Or they can recommend other donor banks to get trusted and healthy breast milk. A great organization that provides donor milk for mothers worldwide is Humans Milk 4 Human Babies.
This organization provides a space where families in need of breast milk can connect with women who have milk to share via social media.
Do not hesitate to search for local breast milk donor banks and also ask for their screening and storage policies.
Corn Meal
Also known as pap or akamu, corn meal is one of my favorite baby formula alternatives. It's very easy to get, especially in West Africa. There are two kinds of corn meal; brown and white.
The brown corn meal is the best choice you can make for your baby. It is made from corn, millet, and guinea corn, making it an excellent source of carbohydrates, protein, minerals, and vitamins. If you desire, you may also add drum millet to the corn meal.
Although the brown corn meal may be nutritious, your little one still requires more nutrients. So when making your corn meal, an addition of dry fish, crayfish, or liver should be made if your baby is older.
You can decide to make your corn meal yourself, or you can buy it already made. Personally, I would recommend buying it already made from a trusted vendor.
If you decide to prepare it yourself, here's what you will need:
3 cups dry yellow or white corn
4 cups guinea corn (white or red)
2 cups millet
Water
Chiffon cloth/ large scarf/ strainer
Thick cotton bag or salt bag (it shouldn't have salt).
Big bowl or bucket
You may decide to add Ginger, Cloves or Cinnamon Stick but these aren't necessary. Check out your local African market for ingredients!
Finding an alternative for baby formula that still provides the needed nutrition for your baby isn't easy. You may have to try several options before you finally find one which works for you. Do keep in mind that you don't have to feed your baby only one type of milk. I found that rotating between different kinds of milk is also great as long as your baby isn't allergic to any of them.
Remember that breast milk is the best milk for every baby, especially for babies under 6 months. So even if you give them other milk alternatives, if you can, still feed your baby breast milk.
Always remember to speak to your doctor before giving your baby any new milk. Baby formula in the form we see now, was not popular until the 1960’s and 1970’s so alternatives have been used in the past and even present day. I hope this blog will be of tremendous help to you and your bundle of joy, just as it was to mine.
With Gratitude,
The Bia Healing Team
Ready to begin your healing journey? Check us out at www.biahealing.com