Healthiest Breastmilk Alternative

[eavansmom]

MY DD is only 11 months old and despite my best efforts my body is shutting down milk production far sooner than I'd like.

I am nursing and pumping as much as possible, however I think my poor body is petering out. I am working on increasing my supply however I can, however in the meantime, I need to make sure my baby is getting what she needs. Poor thing has fallen off the growth chart long ago (not that I am really concerned about those things), she's still developing wonderfully and she's really active so I know that explains part of it. BUT ranting aside, I know she is needing more than what I am currently able to give her.

So, my question is this...what options are available as far as supplementing? Up until last week she had never had formula, but I picked up some Organic formula which she will take when mixed with BM. But I really HATE the whole idea of formula and just don't trust it (call me a conspiracy theorist).

I've heard good things about coconut milk, although I am having a hard time finding reliable info on that. What about goat's milk or organic whole milk? I would rather stay away from cow's milk if possible.

Also, donor milk isn't an option for me. Oh, and I live in Canada, so it can be a little difficult to find some things here.

Thanks for your suggestions!

[FullMetalMom]

Raw milk. Is there a reason you want to stay away from cow's milk?

[MRJmama]

Most babies that have had nothing but breastmilk up to the point of solids can tolerate cow's milk at that age with no problems. I remember reading a study done on gut flora and why this is true, but for the life of me I don't remember where it was

[eavansmom]

Originally Posted by FullMetalMom

Raw milk. Is there a reason you want to stay away from cow's milk?

Yes, a few months ago my naturopath suggested he thought DD had a sensitivity to dairy. That's my main reason to try stay away from cow's milk. I don't know how severe a sensitivity she has, but I guess I could always try and see how it affects her.

[MRJmama]

Originally Posted by eavansmom

Yes, a few months ago my naturopath suggested he thought DD had a sensitivity to dairy. That's my main reason to try stay away from cow's milk. I don't know how severe a sensitivity she has, but I guess I could always try and see how it affects her.

If the sensitivity is bad formula is going to effect her too, unless you buy a soy based one. You could also try soy milk or some of the different nut milks.....but don't let anyone know I called them milk

[Carley]

Originally Posted by eavansmom

Yes, a few months ago my naturopath suggested he thought DD had a sensitivity to dairy. That's my main reason to try stay away from cow's milk. I don't know how severe a sensitivity she has, but I guess I could always try and see how it affects her.

Did he test her or is he just speculating? I had a naturopath I "loved" when DD was little, but all of his speculations ended up being b.s. Apparently he was a total quack. Total waste of time/money.

Anyway! If you trust him why not ask his opinion on what to feed your daughter?

[Carley]

Originally Posted by MRJmama

You could also try soy milk or some of the different nut milks.....but don't let anyone know I called them milk

[RomanCarmelMom]

Why not try raw milk first to see how she handles it before you look for alternatives? Could you try yogurt or kefir or other cultured forms of dairy? Many people who can't normally tolerate lactose or intact milk proteins can tolerate those. You could also try goat's milk.

I think it's pointless to give rice "milk" or nut "milk" to children. They have no nutritional value and aren't much better than juice. If you give an alternative beverage at least consider hemp milk since it has some healthy fats in it.