Infant formulas
I will always advocate for breastfeeding first (then expressing breastmilk, using donor breast milk or doing a combination of breastfeeding and formula) before formula alone due to the very important benefits of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding supports the development of the infant gut microbiome, it trains their immune function and it can help set them up for better future metabolic health (reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes).
If my clients are having issues with breastfeeding, I always recommend them to seek support from an experienced lactation consultant. The Australian Breastfeeding Association is a great place to start with free support and resources.
I do however recognise that breastfeeding may not always be possible for the mother and baby, and will always support mothers who choose to use formula.
When choosing formula, you must read the ingredient label to ensure that your little one is not being exposed to inflammatory additives, preservatives and sweeteners.
Even though all infant formulas sold in Australia need to meet strict guidelines (especially to meet the correct infant nutritional requirements), many additives make their way into mainstream formulas.
When reading an ingredient label on infants formulas, look for these things:
Organic (if possible)
Avoid palm oil and corn syrup
A2 cow’s milk (A2 protein is often better tolerated and less inflammatory compared to A1)
As little preservatives, flavourings, colours, numbers and long chemical names as possible
Avoid soy based formulas if possible - most soy is genetically modified unless stated (“GMO free”)
Avoid maltodextrin - a sweetener with no nutritional value
Further considerations:
Even the best formulas unfortunately have vegetable oils like sunflower oil, due to these oils providing fat as an essential nutrient and to mimic the fatty acids found in breastmilk as closely as possible.
Whether the formula contains DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) and vitamin D - many of the better formulas will have both nutrients as they are very beneficial to infant health and development.
The prebiotics and probiotics naturally occurring in breastmilk cannot be replicated in formula, especially due to formula processing resulting in many of the probiotics not surviving either the high heat treatment or the extended shelf life. Adding in prebiotics or probiotics to infant formula is an option to enhance the quality of it.
My recommended formulas in Australia are:
Holle Organic
Little Oak
Sprout organic
Mumamoo
Bellamy’s Organic
Book in for a consult if you are looking for support on your breastfeeding or formula journey.
Written by Madeleine Gates..