breast milk alternatives?

[wils1sar]

I am exclusively breastfeeding my 5 1/2 month old but have to return to work when he is 7 months old.  I teach elementary school and have little prep time.  I have asked to have one prep time set aside specifically for pumping, but need my other times to work.  I am concerned that I will not be able to provide enough pumped milk to sustain the little guy for 8 hours while I'm gone.  I don't want to use formula and heard somewhere that goat milk with carrot and spinach juices can be used to supplement breastmilk.  I have been searching for more information on this and haven't had any luck.  Anyone have more information or ideas on this subject?

[TiredX2]

Teachers have it hard when it comes to pumping time.  That's great that you can get one session in a day.

I don't know about goat's milk formula, but you might want to do a search of the forums because I know that some people do make their own.

That said--- does your little one sleep through the night?  Many children can go 4-8 hours once during a 24 hour time period by the time they are 7 months old.  If you can only get one bottle of bmilk and then solids, there is a good chance he will be fine as long as he can nurse the rest of the time.

Personally, even though I dislike the idea of using formula, I do agree with the AAP that it really is the best option if breastmilk is not an option. 

[wishin'&hopin']

Goat's milk can cause anemia...I am with tiredx2 that formula is the BEST option if breast milk is unavailable.  Others may beg to differ, but I would personally much rather feed my child an organic formula that is at least trying to mimic breast milk than the milk of another species or plant.  

[Mulvah]

Originally Posted by wishin'&hopin' 

Goat's milk can cause anemia...I am with tiredx2 that formula is the BEST option if breast milk is unavailable.  Others may beg to differ, but I would personally much rather feed my child an organic formula that is at least trying to mimic breast milk than the milk of another species or plant.  

Probably not what you were looking for, but I agree with the two above me.  There are some organic, all-natural options out there that may be more palatable to you.

[Aleida Gomez]

Read this article: http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/2010/09/video-homemade-milk-based-baby-formula/

[countrygirl28]

nak

not sure if this is an option for you, but i pump in my car on the way home from work.  i use my hands free bra and throw a cover over everything.  my drive is about 15 min and it works well for me.  i have a decent supply, so i'm still able to nurse dd when i get home.  just throwing that out there as an option.

[wp135]

I'm in the exact same situation as you except that I'm a substitute teacher so i never know when I'll be able to pump.  Here's my game plan and it's working so far.

Each night I nurse on one side all night.  In the morning I pump the other side and get 3-4oz.

Each night I pump at 10:30 (DS has his last nursing session at 6:30 and doesn't eat again until 1AM).  It took a little while to get my body used to producing milk at this time, but after about a week I can get 4-6oz. 

My freezer supply is building up nicely so I'm hoping that between the freezer and pumping at work I'll have enough to last until he's one.