Parenting Tips with Melanie Wilson

Melanie Wilson is vegan mom to Kalli MacKenzie. She is the owner and editor of Vegetarian Baby and Child Magazine (www.vegetarianbaby.com), a writer, educator, and researcher. She is currently working on her first book on vegetarian parenting. Her articles have been published on iParenting.com, MomsOnline.com, and will soon appear at VegDining.com. She is also an accredited La Leche League Leader.

Question:

What would be a suitable homemade recipe of soy-based infant formula that I could use when I can't breastfeed my child? (commercial formulas include corn syrup as second ingredient!

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Answer:

In short, there is no acceptable homemade infant formula, and it would absolutely dangerous to try and meet a baby's needs with something cooked up in the kitchen. It sounds as if you do plan to breastfeed some of the time--congratulations! As an informed parent you are making the very best health decision for your new child. Breastfeeding is just that: a health decision, not a parenting choice. Even commercially prepared formulas, which are made as closely as possible to resemble breastmilk, have light years to go in duplicating this amazing substance. I strongly suggest that you consider pumping and storing breastmilk for those times when you must be away from your baby. Your local La Leche League leader or lactation consultant can help you learn how to become a pump expert and advise you on the type of pump you should buy or rent for your needs.

As you mentioned, there is no entirely vegan formula. In addition to corn syrup, soy-based formulas contain vitamin D derived from lanolin. Others may contain animal-derived fats. Furthermore, in the U.S. there is no formula available with DHA, a substance that is added to formula in other countries. DHA is thought to have very important properties for the brain development of infants. Naturally, breastmilk contains DHA. If you absolutely must rely on infant formula, choose a commercially-prepared soy-based formula, provided that your infant doesn't have a soy allergy. It will at least be balanced in the majority of nutrients that your growing child needs.

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