Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 10/1/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi. Not sure where to start getting the right answers to my questions about baby formula, but I am starting with you! We are planning to adopt a child and I am concerned about finding the right baby formula.  I have found some make your own formula recipes, but the cost seems to vary greatly and there is not alot of good info about the safety of that.  Do you know where I can find a good healthy baby formula recipe??  The store bought stuff can be fine, but there seem to be so many kids with reflux that I am concerned about finding alternatives if there is a problem.

Thank You

Mary

ANSWER: Hi Mary,
Thanks for your question.  It's a good concern, that will have an impact on your child's future health.  One thing you might want to check out is the possibility of a milk bank near you.  That is the ideal "formula", especially in the first 6 months of life.  Many women are generously donating to the milk banks for others who adopt or can't produce their own milk or need to supplement.  There are some better alternatives out there for formula, as well.  As you have found, there are some recipes out there for homemade formula, & I have recommended include the Real Milk website ones among others.  Be warned though that these may seem a bit strange because the philosophy behind them is different, based on Weston Price's nutritional work.  They do take some work to make these but they are well tolerated and parents get accustomed to making them.  There is also one out there called the Wright-Loffler Formula that is slightly easier but does contain soy as the base.  Some people prefer to avoid soy so substitutes can be made.  Finally, although packaged formula is less desirable, there is one called Baby's Only Organic that does seem to be a good version for a packaged formula, in that is does contain better oils, no trans-fats, natural sweeteners, etc.  
You might also consider counsulting a naturopathic doctor or nutritionist in your area if you find your child has more specific needs or challenges.  
In health,
Dr Conner

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi.  One follow up question.  I know that mothers milk can pass specific antibodies to the infant, which is the beauty of it, but if the infant is not related to the mom, is there any problem with the immunity passing (if you will).  Also do the qualities of breast milk change as the infant develops?  If the mom was nursing a two year old, would the milk be OK for a newborn??
Thank You so much, this is such a fascinating topic for me!!

Answer
I agree it's very interesting.  yes, the milk will produce antibodies, it's more specific for her own child ( for example, if she has antibodies to a specific allergan her child might need that too) but not a problem for another child.  And yes, the quality of the breast milk changes on the mom's side depending on long she's been breast feeding.  The changes are not huge though but there would be variation, I am not sure if the milk banks account for that. The quality is reflective of what mom eats, is exposed to, etc, but our biological adaptation allows it to stay fairly consistent so that the infant gets what it needs regardless of mom's dietary changes.