Making your own formula

readyforround2 · August 2014

I know it's super early for me to be thinking about this but I've never liked the smell of baby formula. In the event that I can't produce enough breast milk after my baby is born (even after trying all of the lactation tricks) I want to have a back up that I am comfortable with. My mom made her own formula for my siblings and I and we never had any stomach problems or issues with colic. She gave me the recipe this weekend to try and it tastes great! I have an appointment next Thursday with my OB and I'm curious to see what they think about it.
I know there are a lot of STMs here so I was wondering if any of you have made your own formula?
If you did I'd love the recipe!

AlfiesMOM · August 2014

I have never heard of this before! I would be curious what your OB says!

readyforround2 · August 2014

My husband is big on making our own baby food too. I want to as well but I'd really love to do our formula. My moms recipe took me 10 minutes to make. She said I could pre-measure everything to cut down on the time. The longest wait was the water boiling.

id012 · August 2014

Do u mind sharing the recipe? Also do you need to make the formula for every bottle?

Mrs_Bennett · August 2014

I've never used formula, but if I needed to do so, I would probably make my own. That being said, there are a lot of homemade formula recipes out there, and you should research them to make sure that your LO is getting all of the proper nutrients. Talking to your pediatrician about it is a better idea than your OB.

motherboy · August 2014

Mrs_Bennett said:
Talking to your pediatrician about it is a better idea than your OB.

This. There is an incredible amount of nutrients that formula/breast milk provides, I would be surprised if there is a homemade version that provides everything.

readyforround2 · August 2014

Keep in mind this is a recipe from the 80's. Which is why I want to talk to my OB about it.

This is what my mom emailed me:

Cook a handful of oatmeal (you can use water or homemade chicken or beef stock) it's up to you. The stocks have more nutrients from the veggies you put in them. DON'T get store bought broth!
Strain and add a teaspoon or so of Karo syrup
Let cool.
You can add vitamins that your doctor suggests at the same time you add the syrup. When my precious new grand baby gets older u can also leave the oatmeal in. You loved the oatmeal!

I know your doc may have a problem with this but it worked wonders for you, your brother and your sister. You were never under weight, never had problems with colic and NEVER had any stomach issues. I know you are going to do what you want but at least talk to them with an open mind about it. You can call that pediatrician you and Kevin were oogling over too. He might be a better source than your OB right now. Let me know how it turns out. Love you!
--------------------------------

For now I want to get my OBs opinion. I have seen a lot of recipes online and they all have strange ingredients. My husband and I did find a pediatrician that we both love (as stated in my moms email) but we can't meet with him until I'm 26 weeks. When we do I'm definitely going to ask him about it.

Maebb · August 2014

I personally wouldn't make my own. There are a lot of vitamins and nutrients in regular formula, and I don't think I'd be able to get all that into a homemade version. Also I didn't give DS solid food (veggies, baby oatmeal, etc.) until around 5-6 months, and I would be hesitant to give that to an infant.

readyforround2 · August 2014

I know it isn't common to make your own formula and I'm hoping I can supply enough milk so that I don't have to resort to formula but I'm not unrealistic. Not every woman can produce enough milk. I was hoping there might be someone here who has done it. That way I don't just have my moms words to go on.

Pips09 · August 2014

Sorry, but this seems like a terrible idea. Formula is highly regulated and very specifically formulated to meet an infant's nutritional needs.

Latham12 · August 2014

No. Please don't use that formula recipe. There are safe and healthy recipes out there but this isn't it...

Try the Weston A Price recipe: https://www.breastfeedingplace.com/homemade-infant-formula-weston-price-foundation-recipe/

LuckyPenny1231 · August 2014

Personally I wouldn't use homemade formula. Commercial formula is formulated to give the proper amount of nutrition and calories and is heavily regulated. I feel like that's important when formula is 100% of baby's intake the first 6 months.

Latham12 · August 2014

Also the FB group Raising Natural Children has a few more recipes in the albums.

readyforround2 · August 2014

Latham12 said:
Also the FB group Raising Natural Children has a few more recipes in the albums.

I will check them out. Thanks

Cbeanz · August 2014

Side note: just because the FDA regulates a food (like commercial formula or McDonald's chicken nuggets, for example) does not mean it's healthy. It's just regulated.

ETA: I'm a chemist employed by a company that manufactures food regulated by the FDA.

Latham12 · August 2014

Hopefully breastfeeding will go great, that you can get a great LC and you never have to worry about this. I would make my own using that recipe if I had to. The first ingredient in store bought formula is corn syrup...

Stargirlb · August 2014

Yep, just because something is "regulated" does not mean it's healthy. I'm not saying manufactured formula isn't healthy, but it's sure not impossible to follow similar guidelines and make your own. The weston a. price recipe(s) would be my starting point, and then talk to your ped to see if they have valid objections to it (something other than "that sounds scary!" or "that idea offends my sensibilities!") and join some groups where others are doing the same thing and sharing their experiences. There was even a kickstarter or indiegogo type campaign a couple years ago by a scientist wanting to design a better baby formula that is more comparable to human breast milk than current commercial formulas are. I am trying to find the link....

Anyway, the science of baby formula is still advancing. Now they are realizing that adding probiotics to infant formulas would help allow formula fed babies develop similar healthy gut flora to breastfed babies, which is currently not possible with traditional formulas: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120229155540.htm

People who make their own formulas have known this for years. It takes a heck of a lot of time for the manufacturers to catch up.

Stargirlb · August 2014

Also put as much time and effort in seeking out breastfeeding support. Do you have physical conditions that you know will be a barrier to lactation? The majority of women CAN produce enough milk to sustain their babies, (just as you are able to produce what your baby needs IN you womb,) you will just need the proper support to ensure you are set up for success and can mentally weather the hurdles that will come up in the first couple months.

Stargirlb · August 2014

Oh, and I would just toss your mom's recipe in the garbage and use the weston a. price one as a starting point instead. Boiling oats, adding random broth, and some nondescript "vitamins?" not sufficient. You are lucky you turned out ok

Compare to the weston a price ingredients list:

2 cups whole raw grass-fed cow’s milk
1/4 cup homemade liquid whey made from yoghurt, kefir or separated raw milk
4 tablespoons lactose
1/4 teaspoon bifidobacterium infantis (find it here)
2 or more tablespoons good quality cream
1/2 teaspoon high-vitamin fermented cod liver oil
1/4 teaspoon high-vitamin butter oil (optional)
1 teaspoon expeller-expressed sunflower oil
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons coconut oil
2 teaspoons Frontier brand nutritional yeast flakes
2 teaspoons Great Lakes gelatin (find it here)
1-7/8 cups filtered water
1/4 teaspoon acerola powder

Latham12 · August 2014

And if you supplement from the beginning your body will not produce what it's suppose to. It's supply and demand. So just nurse nurse nurse!

readyforround2 · August 2014

@Stargirlb‌ not any that I am aware of. I had the possibility of anemia during early pregnancy (don't know if that would effect my milk supply) but all tests so far have been good. I started getting crusty stuff in my nipples a few weeks ago that my doctor said looked like the beginnings of breast milk. Some days it's more noticeable then others. I know that is a good sign but I don't want to set myself up for disappointment. I know a lot of moms that had trouble producing enough milk (even with lactation help). So I'd rather prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

dancingdays · August 2014

I kindof love this idea! My milk supply dropped dramatically when my daughter started eating solids at 6 months and I hated buying formula... I think this would be a great substitute. That being said I don't think I'd trust it on a baby much younger than 6 months. Babies just seem like they have such delicate little systems

MNgirl326 · August 2014

Prepare for breastfeeding like you would prepare for labor and parenting. Read books, seek out information. Learn how it works. Ask for help if you are struggling.

the biggest mistakes i made were not realizing how much of a supply demand issue it really was and not seeking help when i needed it. I had some other extenuating circumstances that kept my supply from increasing, but i do think I would have had a lot better luck if I had taken the time to learn about it before baby came and asked for help when i had trouble.

As far as homemade formula- Stargib gave some good info. Get into some support groups and start talking to people. Get rid of the 80's formula recipe- oatmeal, broth and kayo syrup? Gross. There are a lot of things parents did before us that are just fine staying in the past. Just as our kids will learn from our mistakes.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

readyforround2 · August 2014

@stargirlb like I said it's an old recipe. She got it from a doctor in the 70s (not 80s, my bad) when my brother was born. The broth isn't random it's homemade so she always knew what was going into it. She added coconut and cod oil as well as vitamins recommended by our pediatrician. I understand the concern though. It's very unorthodox.
I'd like to think I turned out ok lol. The down side with never being sick as a kid was that I always had to go to school. Now I'm a teacher and go to school willingly...it's funny how things work out.
How much does that recipe make? Can I make a batch and refrigerate it for future use?

BookitBoo · August 2014

Just adding my two cents:

I've never considered making my own formula, mostly because I never planned on formula feeding. I had no formula in my house.

My supply did not come in, and After 4 days, I had to rely on the bottles of premade formula they sent home. I had fully intended to donate them.

Study up on breastfeeding. Find local support. But if you feel more comfortable making your own formula (and your Ped ok's it) then you should also be prepared for the eventuality that you will have to supplement or FF exclusively.

I plan on breastfeeding but will definitely have formula on hand after my previous experience.

Beauxbaton · August 2014

I'm pretty sure back in ye olden days (like the 30's and 40's, maybe later?) people made their own formula with powdered milk And other stuff.

I probably wont be making my own. I planned on making baby food for my son. Then he hated purees until he was 8 months old. And he is the sensitive similac because he has a slight sensitivity to dairy. He also cant do yogurt. If I were to make my own formula it would be after trying all the normal manufactured formals to see if they are like my son and need a formula with no lactose and broken down milk proteins.

That being said, Talk to your ped.

Stargirlb · August 2014

I know the whole "I don't want to get too set on bf'ing because it might not work out..." mentality is popular around here, but that mindset alone will set you up for failure.

There are hurdles. There were nights with my first baby, when she was screaming and ex-dh would plant seeds of doubt in my mind like "do you think she is still hungry? Do you think we should just TRY a bottle?" when I was already exhausted and mentally/physically DRAINED and if there was formula in the house I probably would have given it, and then again the next night, etc, until my supply would eventually dwindle away. I have a mental will of STEEL thank god and refused to even let a can into the house because I KNEW what would happen. It's hard. But if you press through those times, it is SO SO SO worth it. I never once gave her formula, I pressed on with 'boob or bust' and she nursed until she was 5. And my second baby was a dream, with not a single issue! I feel that the ardor of the journey requires a mental tenacity against all the forces around you that will say "you are both suffering! Come on, just one bottle..." but the payoff is so freaking huge and lurking just around the corner.

This is not meant to come across as 'looking down' on FF'ers, or insinuating that it's the easy way out. Not at all. As a feminist I believe it's your complete choice to feed your baby however you like. I do not believe your child is entitled to your breasts. My point is that for those who want to breastfeed and want to make it work, it's entirely physically possible for the majority of women, and I believe in the payoffs. You need the right support, and you need a mind of steel that is going to press on even when your baby has dropped nearly 10 percent of her birth weight on day 3 and your milk hasn't come in yet. Those are the sorts of moments when you might doubt yourself, or others might doubt you. You need to be ready for that, and prepared to be strong in those moments, prepared to press on, because it's easy to let fear/emotion make the call rather than a rational risk analysis based on the evidence at hand.

NatureLovers · August 2014

This is a terrible idea. Please don't do this. You can seriously harm your infant. Formula is not poison.

BookitBoo · August 2014

I suppose I'm in the rare minority but 'breast or bust' would have literally starved my son to death. The doctor told us before we were released from
The hospital we needed to come back for a check up 2 days later, and if DS had not gained weight, he would have to be admitted into the NICU. I have no doubt that the doctor would have called CPS if that has happened. After 3 months of pumping and breast feeding like a mad woman and all the tricks in the book...it still didn't come in. That's not a willpower issue, that's a risk analysis.

All I'm saying (which these ladies have also mentioned) is that supply issues are very real. and maybe they seem rare until they happen to you. You can't mentally force your body into doing something that isn't going to happen, and being unprepared is certainly not going to force your body into breast feeding successfully.

My mothers entire family has a history
Of being unable to breastfeed and my doctor, along with the breast feeding sources in my area, told me that supply issues were rare. They looked at my Boobs and scoffed when I brought up my concerns. I don't know if you have a history of being unable to breast feed but I don't think it is silly of you to want to figure out a formula recipe if you want to make your own formula. Just please talk to your pediatrician about it first.

I think you're on the right path to being prepared for any eventuality but I really hope that breast feeding works for you.

4littlebears · August 2014

kmfreema said:

@Stargirlb‌ not any that I am aware of. I had the possibility of anemia during early pregnancy (don't know if that would effect my milk supply) but all tests so far have been good. I started getting crusty stuff in my nipples a few weeks ago that my doctor said looked like the beginnings of breast milk. Some days it's more noticeable then others. I know that is a good sign but I don't want to set myself up for disappointment. I know a lot of moms that had trouble producing enough milk (even with lactation help). So I'd rather prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

I do get it, the idea of preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. I'm a very practical person. But keep in mind that breastfeeding is difficult for 99% of first time moms early on. And even with 2nd and 3rd children it's not so easy starting out. I breastfed my first and second until they were 13 months and my 3rd until 19 months, and let me tell you it was hell starting out with my first. Painful. I almost quit but I'm so glad I didn't. Also know this, that baby's stomach only holds about a teaspoon when they are first born. Just enough for the colostrum your body produces. There are some nurses and doctors that push to have your milk come in right away, but that doesn't always happen and you can't control that. Baby needs that colostrum very much. Also, all my children lost weight that first week. Some doctors and nurses don't want you to know that this is normal. What I'm saying, is that if this is something you really want and it turns out your hospital staff are not very supportive of breastfeeding (it happens quite often, even if they say they are) still don't give up. Know what you want and stick to it as long as you aren't having any real issues (yes I do know that does happen). Get in touch with a lactation specialist early, hospitals offer classes, and research. Le Leche League is another resource. There is another one, but I forget it's name sorry. I wish you success!

MNgirl326 · August 2014

I am not one of the Breast of Bust people either. I had formula on hand- it wasn't intentional, i got some from my OB and stashed it in the babies closet.

I 100% agree with that supply issues are real. Very real. And very devastating. It is something that unless you have been through it, you just can't understand. And I think it is easy to just say, nurse, nurse, nurse and NO formula. But unless you have been in some of these situations, you just don't get it. It isn't always about just being tired or at your "end" Sometimes it is a very real issue.

I had many factors that contributed to my supply issues. Some were out of my control and some were in my control. For the ones that were in my control- had i done some research, any research, before the baby was born, i may not have had those issues.

OP - i think its fine to look into making your own formula and its fine to have a plan for that as a back up. But really if you intend to be successful at all at BFing, spend the bulk of your time learning how to do that first and let the formula issue be second.

amiej1227 · August 2014

I didn't think you were supposed to use cows milk until after the first year? Or is this out of date thinking?

I'm not in the mentality of breast or bust because if my baby isn't getting enough from me I'm not okay with it starving. I've never thought about making my own though and might look into as an alternative but raw milk and cows milk make me wonder if that's okay?

LuckyPenny1231 · August 2014

I do think breastfeeding is best and you need to be prepared for the hurdles. It's hard in the beginning. Really really hard. But after a few weeks it does get easier and I'm glad I pushed forward and didn't quit.

That being said, I don't think having a small amount of formula on hand is setting you up for failure. When my daughter was 2 days old she would not stop crying. We were nursing constantly but my milk hadn't come in yet. In my gut I knew she was hungry. Even though "they" all say colostrum is enough, I needed to follow my instincts. She ate 1 oz of formula. That one little ounce was enough to calm her down. It didn't stop her from nursing, it was just enough to get something in her tummy long enough to relax.

And again when she was going through a growth spurt and nursing literally for hours at a time, AND I got mastitis, I gave her some formula one night when I couldn't nurse anymore. It was one bottle and was enough to give my poor nipples a tiny break.

My point is, I had instances where I was incredibly thankful to have formula on hand and I think it actually helped me continue to breastfeed! Having formula on hand doesn't set you up for failure if you're prepared. And I still consider my daughter a breastfed baby even though she did get a few bottles of formula scattered in there.

I'm pro breastfeeding but I also can't stand the formula hate.

Beauxbaton · August 2014

I'm just gonna point out that most formula's main ingredient is cows milk. So unless you are getting a formula that is soy, hypoallergenic, or a sensitive formula you are basically feeding it cows milk with extra vitamins. So I don't think the fact that the homemade formulas are bad simply because of the cows milk.

amiej1227 · August 2014

CuppyCakes721 said:
I'm just gonna point out that most formula's main ingredient is cows milk. So unless you are getting a formula that is soy, hypoallergenic, or a sensitive formula you are basically feeding it cows milk with extra vitamins. So I don't think the fact that the homemade formulas are bad simply because of the cows milk.

Well I learned something new. I had no idea formula was made from cows milk, not that I have an issue with that I just thought you couldn't for some reason.

So is raw milk okay then?

Mrs_Bennett · August 2014

amiej1227 said:

CuppyCakes721 said:
I'm just gonna point out that most formula's main ingredient is cows milk. So unless you are getting a formula that is soy, hypoallergenic, or a sensitive formula you are basically feeding it cows milk with extra vitamins. So I don't think the fact that the homemade formulas are bad simply because of the cows milk.
Well I learned something new. I had no idea formula was made from cows milk, not that I have an issue with that I just thought you couldn't for some reason.

So is raw milk okay then?

It is illegal to sell raw milk in many states for a few reasons. If you're planning to go that route, you need to do some thorough research and decide what is best for your family.

LegallyMom · August 2014

BookitBoo said:

I suppose I'm in the rare minority but 'breast or bust' would have literally starved my son to death. The doctor told us before we were released from The hospital we needed to come back for a check up 2 days later, and if DS had not gained weight, he would have to be admitted into the NICU. I have no doubt that the doctor would have called CPS if that has happened. After 3 months of pumping and breast feeding like a mad woman and all the tricks in the book...it still didn't come in. That's not a willpower issue, that's a risk analysis. All I'm saying (which these ladies have also mentioned) is that supply issues are very real. and maybe they seem rare until they happen to you. You can't mentally force your body into doing something that isn't going to happen, and being unprepared is certainly not going to force your body into breast feeding successfully. My mothers entire family has a history Of being unable to breastfeed and my doctor, along with the breast feeding sources in my area, told me that supply issues were rare. They looked at my Boobs and scoffed when I brought up my concerns. I don't know if you have a history of being unable to breast feed but I don't think it is silly of you to want to figure out a formula recipe if you want to make your own formula. Just please talk to your pediatrician about it first. I think you're on the right path to being prepared for any eventuality but I really hope that breast feeding works for you.

I could have written this. My family also has a history of not being able to breastfeed successfully, but being the Type A person I am, I was certain I could make it happen. I tried everything, and shed more tears than breastmilk before TWO lactation consultants, the pediatrician, my OB, and my entire family finally convinced me to give it up.

I totally understand that breastfeeding is hard and women shouldn't let themselves give up to early, but I also think it's ok to go in with your eyes open that it doesn't work for everyone, even those of us who try really really hard, and we shouldn't waste those precious few first months with our babies crying over our useless boobs.

That said, I agree that this formula recipe does not look appropriate for a new born. There are some great organic formulas out there that have made leaps and bounds improvements over the old nasty smelling stuff, and your pediatrician should be able to help you find a recipe if you want to make your own (I looked into it and decided it was not worth it, but I did make all my own baby food).

misslizzy82 · August 2014

This is a great read: https://foodbabe.com/2013/05/28/how-to-find-the-safest-organic-infant-formula/

amiej1227 · August 2014

ICarriedAWatermelon said:

Also, again (see link I posted above) - giving cow's milk based formula =/= giving cow's milk. VERY DIFFERENT.

So it isn't the same it is just based off cows milk. Okay

And the raw milk made me question making homemade formula because it doesn't seem safe.

Thanks for the info

Beauxbaton · August 2014

I'm not even sure you can find unpasteurized milk around here. I suppose you could go get it straight from a dairy?

readyforround2 · August 2014

Thank you ladies for all of the advice. I understand why some of you believe that my interest in making my own formula may set me up for breastfeeding failure. I respect your opinions, but politely disagree. I don't think it will hinder my ability. Especially since it will take me longer to make my own formula then it would if I was using store bought formula.

I have talked to many of my friends who have had babies within the last year and as I do agree that breastfeeding takes a bit of strong will, it also takes a lot of cooperation from your body.

To answer some of your questions. I have done reading on breastfeeding. The homemade formula was just at the front of my mind because of my moms visit last week. The hospital I will be delivering at offers a lot of pre-birth classes on breastfeeding that I am already signed up for. My husband and I also opted for me to have my own lactation nurse that will focus on me and maybe one or two other new moms (depends on how many babies are born but the max will be 3 for 1 nurse).

I have a lot of friends who told me to make small goals for breastfeeding (1 week, 3 weeks) and once I reach that goal, make another for the same time or longer. It helped most of them breastfeed for many months.
I also know a lot of women who breastfed while in the hospital and that's it. I fully understand the importance of it but I think it is just as important to find an alternative I am comfortable with, if by some chance, I can't make any or enough.

I think someone asked if my family had any lactation issues and the answer to that is no. My mother didn't start giving me her formula until after I was 6 or 7 months. She worked 3 days a week when I was a baby so when my dad or grandma ran out of the milk she pumped they made me the formula. My mom was able to become a SAHM after my sister was born so she didn't get the home made formula until much later (never asked her exactly when and I was too young to remember or care lol).

I am aware of my local le Leche league. My OBs gave me information on my them during my second ultrasound. So I will be contacting them at some point.

The reasoning behind me asking my OB about making my own formula is because two of them are very holistic (within medical reasoning) and I am almost positive that the one I will be seeing next Thursday has made her own formula. At no point will I not express my concerns or questions about home made formula with a pediatrician. As I mentioned earlier my husband and I found one that we really like but our appointment with him isn't until I am 26 weeks (I just hit 16 today!).

I have bookmarked the sites that I hadn't know about and I greatly appreciate those suggestions!

If I missed your question for me I apologize. I'm on my phone and it's a pain to scroll through everything sometimes. I also apologize for any spelling errors. I tried to proof but it's not very easy on this damn phone.

Want a personalized experience?

Making your own formula

Re: Making your own formula

Choose Another Board

Search Boards