Ask Dr: Marcel: How to Make Your Own Breastmilk Replacement Formula

Reprinted with permission from “Pediatric Nutrition and Natural Health Protocols,” by Dr. Marcel Hernandez, ND

Nothing can really replace mother’s milk. However, situations may arise when a mother cannot naturally meet her baby’s needs, as in cases of insufficient production or severe mastitis. Store-bought formulas are high in various forms of sugar and contain chemicals and high antigen foods that may compromise a child’s immune system.

The formulas listed below were developed by Dr. William Mitchell of Seattle. Dr. Mitchell, one of the co-founders of Bastyr University, has been a mentor and role model to many naturopathic physicians. These formulas will supply a baby’s nutritional needs until he/she is ready to start on solid foods.

Formula #1: Goat Milk Base

• 1 quart goat’s milk (buy at a health food store)
• 200 micrograms folic acid (drops)
• 1-2 milligrams B complex (if you can’t get drops, dissolve a 50mg tablet in a 1 ounce dropper bottle and use 1 dropperful each day in formula)
• 1/4 teaspoon flaxseed oil
• 1 drop vitamin E
• 1 drop mixed carotenes
• 1/2 teaspoon bifidus factor
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)

Formula #2: Soy milk base

This formula may be made with either goat or soy milk, or a mixture of both. If using only goat milk, add folic acid, as indicated above.

• 1 quart of soy milk
• 1 cup carrot juice
• 1/4 teaspoon barley green
• 1/4 teaspoon nutritional yeast
• 200 IU Vitamin D
• 100 mg VItamin C
• 1 teaspoon flaxseed oil
• 1/2 teaspoon bifidus powder
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)

Most of the ingredients may be purchased in a good health food store. Formula can be made in larger volumes. Stores up to 3 days in refrigerator.

================================================================

For other posts by Dr. Marcel, please see:

1. Dr. Marcel’s Suggested Sample Lunch Ideas
2. Dr. Marcel’s Strategies for Packing Healthy Lunches for Kids
3. A Holistic Mama’s Vacillations & Dr. Marcel’s Calcium Content of Foods Chart
4. 19 Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids, from Dr. Marcel Hernandez
5. Ask Dr. Marcel: How Do I Substitute Healthy for Unhealthy Snacks for My Child?
6. Ask Dr. Marcel: When and What Solid Foods Do I Introduce to My Baby?
7. Ask Dr. Marcel: Help! My Baby is Sensitive to Something I’m Eating!
8. Ask Dr. Marcel: How to Increase Breastmilk Supply FAST…
9. Ask Dr. Marcel: Natural Jet Lag Remedies for Babies
10. Advice from Dr. Marcel: How to Support Your Child’s Immune System