Remember when I told you that Oliver's eczema was out of control and he had the worst digestive issues? Well, after many diet changes and tons of guilt and tears, I gave up breastfeeding! I really had to take a step back and ask myself why I wasn't changing Oliver's diet. It came down to the fact that I just didn't want to let go. I detest store-bought formula and I know that breast is best (for my family at least since you know that I don't judge. To your face anyway) I remember Jason's sister telling me about making formula out of goats milk for her youngest who also, like Oliver, had a host of problems. I did lots of research and read many articles by pediatricians such as Dr. Sears and I decided to try this goat's milk formula recipe.
This recipe is adapted from Dr. Mary Enig & Sally Fallon's Milk-Based Formula recipe in Nourishing Traditions:
Raw Goat Milk Formula
36 ounces:
*2 cups raw goat milk
*2 cups filtered water
*1/4 cup liquid whey from goat yogurt or kefir (contains lots of good probiotics and is very nourishing; making it more like breast milk. To get whey simply strain goat milk yogurt or fil mjolk from Cultures for Health.
*1 -2 tsp organic blackstrap molassas (start with less, add more if needed. This provides B-vitamins, iron, trace minerals, and helped relieve constipation.)
*2 tsp raw agave nectar (adds carbs, necessary for brain growth. Organic Brown Rice Syrup is also an option as I switch between the two. Obviously honey is out.)
*1/4 tsp of bifodobacterium infantis (I use Nature's Way Premidophilus for Infants and for digestive health have increased it to 1/2 tsp daily)
*1/2 teaspoon high-vitamin cod liver oil (I use the Twin Labs Cod Liver Oil from Swansons Vitamins)
*1 tsp unrefined sunflower oil (I bought this from Swansons too)
*1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
*2 tsp virgin coconut oil (this is very important, as it contains lauric acid which is a medium-chain fatty acid. It's an important antiviral, antifungal that's found in breast milk) I got mine for review from Tropical Traditions
*2 tsp nutritional yeast (this is also very important as it contains the B vitamins. I don't use this anymore because these types of yeast are grown on dairy and I am pretty sure that is one of Ollie's triggers)
*1/4 teaspoon amla or NOW acerola powder (I use amla which I bought online at Swansons I break open one capsule per batch as it is roughly 1/4 tsp.)
Blend all ingredients together in a blender. Pour into individual glass bottles or one large. To warm, place in a pan of simmering water. Never use a microwave. This formula is best made daily to preserve freshness and to optimize nutrition.
I figured that I would buy the ingredients and jump in feet first. I also figured that once I bought the oils, vitamins etc that it would also be cheaper to make this formula versus the nasty canned stuff. February 17th was the last day I breastfed Oliver (although I am still pumping to ensure that what I have done will work because it would be nearly impossible to go back). Less than 2 weeks later I am pleased to announce that baby Ollie has a clear face, clear skin and a nearly perfect digestive system. He is doing so well! I make one batch of formula a day (with raw milk that I get from a friend's farm) and thats that! There is now no looking back. I am so happy with the results and I am here to tell anyone that making homemade formula really isn't all that bad.
Please please let me know if you have any questions or comments about this process. I am not wanting to debate anyone about the formula industry and such as the above measures that I am taking are what I deem best for my family.
