Gay couple, don't want to use formula

Posted by dusk551 @dusk551, Feb 5, 2023

Hello.

Me and my partner are about to adopt a less than 4 month old baby and we want to know are there any alternatives that involve real milk and not formula? Thank you.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the About Kids & Teens Support Group.

@dusk551
Congratulations! So wonderful to hear the good news of a baby joining the two of you!
Also- Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
Unfortunately, real milk is not safe for infants. Here is an explanation from Healthy Children’s website:

Cow's milk contains high concentrations of protein and minerals, which can stress a newborn's immature kidneys and cause severe illness at times of heat stress, fever, or diarrhea. In addition, cow's milk lacks the proper amounts of iron, vitamin C, and other nutrients that infants need. It may even cause iron-deficiency anemia in some babies, since cow's milk protein can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestine, leading to loss of blood in the stools. Cow's milk also does not contain the healthiest types of fat for growing babies. For these reasons, your baby should not receive any cow's milk (or other non-human milk or milk substitute) until they are about 12 months of age unless no alternative is available.
If your baby already is on an infant formula, it may be safest to continue with the specific brand to avoid a tolerance change.
Have you found a pediatrician for your baby? The pediatrician will guide you through feeding recommendations up to age one and after the first birthday.
Again, Congratulations and Best Wishes!

REPLY

@dusk551
I honestly do not know if you are eligible to get milk through a breast milk bank. Here is a link for North America https://www.hmbana.org/ for you to check out.

Another factor is what formula has the baby been on? Will it accept breast milk or reject it? Will it accept a new formula of any kind? You do not want to cause stomach distress. So might be best to talk with the baby's pediatrician.

Congratulations and best wishes,
ZeeGee

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.