Comparing formulas?

[cristeen]

I'll start by stating the obvious... I'm not thrilled that I have to feed my LO formula to begin with. Add in the highly processed and synthetic ingredients contained in all formulas, and I'm even less happy. We follow an organic whole foods diet for ourselves, and it's really hard on me that I'm having to go against those particular sensibilities to nourish my LO. (Yes, I'm looking for a BM donor, but in the meantime...)

So, all formulas are not the same. That much I know. What I don't know is how they compare nutritionally. My MW started us out on Earth's Best Organic (dairy), and on recommendation from a doula friend, we picked up a can of Baby's Only Organic Lactose Free (dairy). I'm not crazy about the fact that the BO's first ingredient is Brown Rice Syrup (sugar), or that it contains soy oil, but it does contain Coconut Oil, which is an essential fat. The EB also contains soy oil for that matter.

So I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has more info on the different formulas, and how they compare... I'm trying to avoid soy because I'm sensitive to it and I know it's genetic, yet even the milk based formulas seem to contain it. And I'm not sure milk based is the best idea either, because he's congested after almost every feeding (milk congests me also)... but do I have any options other than cow's milk or soy based?

Is making my own really my only other option? I've looked at the recipes on the WAPF website, but I'm a little trepidatious that they're balanced enough, or that they'd ultimately be better than store-bought for my little guy...

<sigh> This isn't easy, trying to find all this info while dealing with a NB, and trying to avoid PPD.

[alegna]

If I had to use formula for a young infant I would try my hardest to use milk based and organic (cow's milk being closer to human milk than soy)

good luck!

-Angela

[haydn'smommy]

Have you looked at any other brands? Similac and Parent's Choice (Walmart) both make organic formulas. Another is Bright Beginnings. I'd start with milk based formula. For the most part they will all be the same in terms of calories and fat and vitamins, so nutritionally they are fairly similar. It's really more the quality of the components. I'd try to at least look at a couple of other cans and see what their source of fat, etc is and then make the best choice to use until you get donor milk.

[aleatha5]

First off, I'm in your DDC and I saw this earlier, and my heart goes out to you.

Have you looked into making your own "formula"? When my mom was born my grandmother couldn't bf, no supply, so she made a formula for my mom. It involved cow's milk and she lived on a farm. But, I've heard goat's milk is better in terms of allergies and it is closer to mama's milk. Maybe you could start with that add a sugar and then add the infant dropper vitamins?

I'm not sure, but it's worth looking into. Good luck.

[Blueone]

We use Similac Sensitive because that's the only one he does good on. The others caused a lot of tummy problems. I was also afraid to use soy formula because of my allergy and also because it tended to cause constipation for babies on it. There is a little bit of soy in the other formulas, but not as much.

If he's not doing good on dairy or a sensitive formula there is Nutrimigen or Alimentum. They are allergy free and to my knowledge contain no soy or dairy I think. But they stink.

It's hard to choose one or decide to make one. Good luck!