We all want the very best for our babies - and that includes the best nutrition from the very beginning. Throughout history, human breast milk has been tailored to most effectively meet the baby's needs. Not only does it contain all the nutrients your baby needs, but it is also a rich source of maternal antibodies that will shield him/her from certain diseases in his/her first three months. However, some mothers cannot breastfeed for various reasons - and luckily, there are healthy alternatives.
Reasons you might need to find an alternative for breastfeeding:
• Premature baby
• Adopted baby
• Non-gestational parent
• Milk supply issues
• Relactation
• Health reasons
• Breast or nipple surgery
• Latching or sucking issues
• Milk supply issues
• And many more
Alternatives for breastfeeding
Milk Donors - Breastfeeding mothers with an excess milk supply donate it for free. Although the act is commendable, several steps must be taken before feeding your baby's donor milk. To be on the safe side, have the donor undergo a screening. Some diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, can be transmitted through breast milk. Tests should also be performed to determine whether the milk contains drugs and other undesirable elements.
Cross Nursing - Cross nursing is somewhat similar to surrogacy. The nursing mother, a wet nurse, breastfeeds your child if you cannot do so yourself. There are some concerns, just as there are with surrogacy. It is extremely important that the wet nurse follows a healthy diet, avoids harmful drugs, and lives a healthy lifestyle. Although the first screening might clear her of any infection, there is no guarantee she will not contract other diseases during lactation.
Homemade Formula - Making homemade baby formula is not as difficult as it may seem. Moreover, you get to choose the ingredients your baby will consume. There are two main ingredients in these formulas - broth and milk. Homemade formulas are usually made with chicken broth, lactose, coconut oil, raw milk, extra virgin olive oil, cod liver oil, egg yolk, expeller-pressed sunflower oil, water, and cream. Homemade formulas contain probiotics, vitamin E, and proteins.
Organic Formula - While skeptics condemn the use of formulas, they present more positives than negatives. Unlike inorganic formulas, they do not contain chemicals, and the sweeteners used are not contaminated with pesticides. Organic baby formula is made from natural healthy ingredients, which makes it highly beneficial for the growth and development of the baby.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to breastfeeding. Breastmilk contains almost every nutrient your baby needs – except vitamin D. Both mother and child will find it to be a very satisfying procedure and it will strengthen their bond.
Breastfeeding, however, may not be an option for some mothers. Luckily, several healthy alternatives exist.
Choosing how to feed your baby is a personal decision. But if you need additional guidance or advice, lactation specialists are available to assist you. You can also contact your local doctor/pediatrician for a recommendation.
