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Bringing a new baby home is both joyous and terrifying.
I remember being released from the hospital with my first baby and thinking…can’t we stay just one more night? What are we supposed to do with this little bundle? The stresses began pouring in one by one, my milk didn’t come in right away, she started losing weight, the doctors wanted to see her almost everyday to keep an eye on her. I was scared, but as I held my little girl, I promised her I would figure it out. I promised her I would be the best mom I could be! I promised her she would thrive! That same little girl is now 8 years old and the oldest of our 4 beautiful kids!
I am not sure why, but one of the toughest decisions to make in those early days was deciding to supplement my supply with formula. It felt like giving up. I was able to feed and care for her for 10 months while I was pregnant, and now all of a sudden I felt like I wasn’t enough. If this is where you are right now, I promise you momma, you are enough! Choosing formula is not giving up, and picking a formula that will nourish your baby shows love and perseverance. It proves that you are a wonderful momma willing to do what it takes to help your baby thrive!
As I started to look into formula, I didn’t know how to choose. My prior employer had made formula for their baby from locally sourced raw goats milk and a few other ingredients. This knowledge convinced me that I didn’t have to choose a commercial formula with corn syrup as the first ingredient. After a lot of research, I found the book “Super Nutrition for Babies” by Katherine Erlich, MD and Kelly Genzlinger, MS, CNC, CMTA. This book changed my views about health, introduced me to Weston A Price Foundation and contained a homemade formula recipe!
When the ingredients first arrived from Radiant Life Catalog, I sat on the floor looking at all of it in tears. I had never heard of many of these ingredients. This is embarrassing, but to be totally honest, I thought the Acerola Powder was areola something or other! I didn’t know, I had heard of people buying colostrum …so it didn’t seem too far fetched!
Long story long… I went ahead with making the formula, and it turned out great! My baby took to it and was happy! My husband and I were filled with relief and for the first time since we brought her home, the feeling that everything was going to be ok. We have since used the same formula to supplement with all 4 of our kids.
We used the Raw Milk Formula from Super Nutrition for Babies, which was originally published by the Weston A Price Foundation. I felt confident in this recipe because it was recommended by Pediatrician Dr. Katherine Erlich (author) and its nutritional profile aligned with breast milk better than most commercial formulas.
Raw Cows Milk Baby Formula
Step 1:
In a small sauce pan add;
- 2 cups less 2 tablespoons of water
- 4 tablespoons lactose
- 2 teaspoons gelatin
Mix until gelatin is dissolved, remove from heat and add 2 teaspoons virgin coconut oil and 1/4 teaspoon high vitamin butter oil (if using).
Step 2:
In a glass pitcher (or blender) add;
- 2 cups whole raw cows milk
- 1/4 teaspoon probiotic powder (Bifdobacterium)
- 1 teaspoon cod liver oil
- 1 teaspoon expeller sunflower oil
- 1 teaspoon organic, extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Frontier nutritional yeast flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon acerola powder
Pour warm water mixture into the pitcher (or blender), and blend for 3 seconds with immersion blender.
Step 3:
Add the following ingredients to the mixture;
- 1/4 cup liquid whey
- 2 tablespoons high quality
Stir and pour into bottles.
To use:
Store in refrigerator for use with 24-48 hours.
Warm in a bottle warmer or hot water bath.
Store in freezer for use with in 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator and add a pinch of probiotic powder to each bottle before warming.
Note: I have made slight adaptions to the process. I have not changed any of the ingredients.
I have made these adaptions after making the formula many times and having talked to other women who have also been making the formula for several years. One women I spoke with has been making this for moms in her Amish community for 18 years!
You can find links and research supporting this formula here.
Making formula can seem overwhelming!
I understand that making this formula can seem overwhelming! There are a lot of ingredients and a lot of steps! I want to support you in the process the best I can. I have created a free printable recipe that you can download here.
I promise that as you get started making this formula it will get easier and after a few times you may not even have to look at the recipe. To make this easier, I have also created free printable address labels that I affixed to all the ingredient bottles. (If you want me to mail you a physical copy of these, please reach out to me.)
Additionally, if you are located in the San Diego area, working as a private chef, I would be willing to help you get started, again just reach out to me.
Kitchen Tools you need to make Homemade Formula
Immersion Blender
Small Pot
Glass Pitcher
Measuring Glass
Measuring Spoons
