Homemade baby formula is NOT safe or recommended

[867-5309.]

"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises against making formula and says consuming homemade formula can result in adverse health effects for infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics also strongly advises against homemade formulas, saying they are not safe and do not meet babies’ nutritional needs."

https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2022/may/13/facebook-posts/no-making-your-own-homemade-baby-formula-not-safe-/

Don't fall for posts online with recipes and suggesting it's fine. It is not.

[ret5hd]

1. I'm surprised we didn't die as a species sometime before/shortly-after my birth.

[867-5309.]

9. Would you say the same about seat belts and lead free paint?

"The species survived, so it doesn't matter"

[Demsrule86]

117. Formula isn't even good for you . Both recall this year and there are more.

1If you use powdered infant formula, be aware certain Similac, Alimentum and EleCare products have been recalled and should not be used.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating consumer complaints of bacterial infections in four infants who consumed powdered infant formula produced in Abbott Nutrition’s facility in Sturgis, Michigan. All four infants had to be hospitalized and the bacterial infection may have contributed to death in two patients.

2The FDA has published a full list of recalled brands. Recalled products should no longer be available for sale. But if you have these products in your home, check the lot code on the bottom of the package to determine if they are included in the recall

If you want to check if your powdered formula is part of the recall, you can enter the product lot code on the bottom of your package on the company’s websiteExternal Link Disclaimer.

If you have questions or need information about the recall, you can Submit Questions/Get Assistance.

If your infant is experiencing symptoms related to Cronobacter infection, such as poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, or abnormal body movements; contact your health care provider to report their symptoms and receive immediate care.

[LeftInTX]

120. I worked in neonatal...We fed commercial formulas to premies..many of these infants are tube fed

Generally we fed them Similac. Do you recommend that hospitals make formulas from evaporated milk and put it in premie's feeding tubes?

What do you recommend that premies receive?

[drray23]

2. sure it's safer to let the baby starve.nt.

[hlthe2b]

6. Do you really think that was an appropriate response to a sincere warning from the OP?

[867-5309.]

11. Thank you

We're the party of science and progress. The reaction to this here is very surprising to me.

[drray23]

13. What the FDA and APP is suggesting amounts to that.

their recommendation is completely useless and is basically the same as telling people they are on their own.

Reports are that shortages could last until the end of the year. Yet they lecture people on the fact that using anything other than formula may not be optimal for nutrition.

They do not provide any reasonable alternative other than saying look for it harder or phone your pediatrician since maybe they have samples..

[hlthe2b]

26. I have repeatedly provided some response to this in the thead. I can't make you read

quite obviously what I and others have tried to offer nor to cease lashing out at those who are fully empathetic and merely trying to help.

[drray23]

29. what you wrote is what I summarized.

call your pediatrician, look for it harder. it's not very useful especially for poor mothers who may not even have a regular pediatrician.
At the point the best we can hope for is that the administration quickly overrides the ban on imports from Canada and solve it that way. Meanwhile , the situation is going to be dire and this is something that has to be addressed , not just ignored. So guidance would be very useful, not blanket statements .

[hlthe2b]

33. That is most certainly NOT what I said.

I am done with you so attack someone else.


For any who question whether the poster is being honest in their assessment or what I posted (see for yourself):
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=16694235

[Demsrule86]

57. Some said order on Amazon from Canada...they have plenty...just the corporations

grifting once again if you ask me.

[867-5309.]

66. People may have to use it as an emergency stop gap

But that's different than thinking it's all the same. If they believe that, they may not go back to forumla to save money, etc.

[drray23]

68. I agree with this 100 %.

My issue with the statement is that it's not proactive enough.

Given that it is going to take a few months to resolve they should provide guidance for emergency situations , not just say call your pediatrician. Many poor mothers may not have easy access to a pediatrician.

[alphafemale]

34. No one has a divine right to not be contradicted.

No matter how sincere they believe themselves to be.

Contaminated formula from the supposed trusted corporate suppliers is what led to this in the first place.

[hlthe2b]

38. No. but on DU they have a right to civil discourse, not attacks for presenting health safety info

Has this become the equivalent of Fox COVID-19 anti-science day? It sure seems like it. Accusing the OP of wanting babies to starve (and your apparent defending of that poster's doing so) is really off base.

[BlackSkimmer]

82. This. nt

[Sympthsical]

3. Abe Simpson hardest hit

[hlthe2b]

4. Nor is watering down canned formula to make it "stretch..." The latter is deadly

causing a dramatic blood electrolyte imbalance that if not corrected immediately can kill a baby. I saw a cluster of such cases years ago among well-meaning families experiencing severe financial hardships... Terribly sad...

Powdered formula is largely still available in many states. Otherwise, parents need to check with their pediatrician before making dramatic changes in view of current shortages.

[Fullduplexxx]

5. It's a surprise we made it at all before the salvation of corporate america's baby formula

[TeamProg]

7. +1 !!!

[hlthe2b]

10. Of course breast feeding is superior, but it is not an answer for women NOW who are no longer

lactating, just as it has always been an obstacle for working poor who can not afford breast pumps nor work in jobs that accommodate these women. Men are frequently so clueless about it, that the thought of allowing a worker to pump at intervals during a shift is considered both unnecessary and often "an excuse to malinger."

But allowing consolidation in the industry among two major (and one slightly less of a player) corporations/manufacturers has made this all but inevitable.

[vanlassie]

25. Actually, in many cases a mother can relactate.

I’m a retired lactation consultant of 40 years. This is highlighting well known “misunderstandings” about lactation that would be great to get corrected in the population. It’s only the reason we exist as a species after all. Ignore my snark. It’s been a long week.

[hlthe2b]

30. If soon after ceasing and with medical intervention, yes.

[vanlassie]

32. Nope and not necessarily at all.

[hlthe2b]

39. Yes. It requires hormonal influence so you aren't going to cause a woman to lactate

months later to feed her young toddler unless she has intervention.

[vanlassie]

51. You are incorrect. It may or may not be necessary or helpful.

In my career I have helped a number of adoptive women induce lactation.

[hlthe2b]

63. under hormonal influence, yes, whether natural or medical supplied.

[vanlassie]

72. Stimulation the the breasts creates the hormonal response.

As I mentioned adoptive ie: women who have never been pregnant can and do induce milk. It’s case by case. Some have produced a full supply and some next to nothing. It is not predictable in advance.

[hlthe2b]

76. Pituitary-Prolactin loop only works in those who have had a hormonal influence, not in men

no matter how much you stimulate, unless they have a pituitary tumor. Hormonal influence is necessary for that pituitary prolactin loop to be effectuated. The occasional post-menopausal woman who successfully does so, had hormonal influence during the development of this vital brain loop from the pituitary to nerve endings and back which cause prolactin to be released. Some of these women likewise have non-ovarian sources of hormones still circulating, albeit at lower levels.

[vanlassie]

79. Here is the protocol used by the lactation community.

It is the one I recommend. It is no hearts and flowers- no lactation consultants or LLL leader would say so. You will see that use of hormones is not “necessarily” required. I have worked with mothers who could not find any medical support, especially 30-40 years ago. At that time an adoptive mother would not dare to say she wanted to breastfeed for fear of being denied the adoption.

[hlthe2b]

81. I never said USE of hormones is necessary. Honestly, you don't to follow what others here

say to any degree. I respect your efforts, but you seem to be misinterpreting what is said. I hope that is not the case with your patients, but I'll leave it there. Hormonal influence does not equate to exogenous hormonal support. I should think you would understand that. If you are conflating my use of the term "medical intervention" as such, I was referring to YOU as the medical intervention, the instruction that can allow a female body in many (not all) cases to lactate we'll beyond their first attempt post-pregnancy, but that only occurs due to the hormonal influence that causes that pituitary-prolactin feedback loop to develop in the first place. Thus we don't see it in men, except for the rare male with a pituitary tumor.

[vanlassie]

86. You said:

30. If soon after ceasing and with medical intervention.

(Soon is not necessary in induced lactation.)


39. Yes. It requires hormonal influence so you aren't going to cause a woman to lactate
months later to feed her young toddler unless she has intervention.

(Medical intervention would be a conversation? You specifically linked it to “hormonal influence.” The term intervention- in the standard discussions on this subject (which maybe you didn’t know) would mean a prescription of some kind. Usually hormonal support.)

[hlthe2b]

88. I have repeatedly stated facts. You chose to ignore them and try to redefine what I am saying

I find that dishonest at this point. Good day.

But for any you manage to convince that you are not being disingenuous nor attempting to redefine what I have said, I posted the following in multiple posts on this thread. My decades of medical practice and research are consistent with science, not mere belief.

Pituitary-Prolactin loop only works in those who have had a hormonal influence, not in men

no matter how much you stimulate, unless they have a pituitary tumor. Hormonal influence is necessary for that pituitary prolactin loop to be effectuated. The occasional post-menopausal woman who successfully does so, had hormonal influence during the development of this vital brain loop from the pituitary to nerve endings and back which cause prolactin to be released. Some of these women likewise have non-ovarian sources of hormones still circulating, albeit at lower levels.

Hormonal influence does not equate to exogenous hormonal support. I should think you would understand that. If you are conflating my use of the term "medical intervention" as such, I was referring to YOU as the medical intervention, the instruction that can allow a female body in many (not all) cases to lactate we'll beyond their first attempt post-pregnancy, but that only occurs due to the hormonal influence that causes that pituitary-prolactin feedback loop to develop in the first place. Thus we don't see it in men, except for the rare male with a pituitary tumor.

Women must be under hormonal influence. Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland in response to nipple stimulation. By itself, prolactin can trigger milk-producing structures in the breast to develop and milk to be produced. But, to suggest that naturally occurring hormonal influence is not necessary for the pituitary-prolactin feedback loop is not true, despite some claiming that men (sans a pituitary tumor) can be induced to lactate. Oncologists have seen it, but this is exceedingly rare. Sorry, no.

It requires hormonal influence so you aren't going to cause a woman to lactate months later to feed her young toddler unless she has intervention. YOU TEACHING HER TO STIMULATE HER BREASTS IS THAT INTERVENTION!

[Lettuce Be]

124. I have a pituitary tumor and can confirm this is true. I could have been a wet nurse

Had milk, weird. Told the doc, and the tumor was discovered. I ended up taking some medication to reduce my prolactin levels.

[Mariana]

75. What percentage of the time was that successful?

And how long did it take?

[vanlassie]

89. It can take a number of weeks. There are people currently

in the process of defining “successful.”
Many adoptive mothers believe that getting their adoptive baby to take comfort suckling at the breast (which then can stimulate milk) is a success even if the baby continues to feed on close to 100% formula. I guess you can imagine why! Statistics are not available to give you. In places where there have been disasters, such as the Haiti earthquake, mothers often were able to manage to decrease the need for formula which was vital at the time. And we know of mothers who have been able to produce close to full supplies. Some mothers are able to donate liters of extra milk to milk banks and some barely make enough (sometimes because of mismanagement unfortunately). It varies. There are legitimate reasons some mothers can’t produce milk. It’s thought to be less than 5%.

[LeftInTX]

46. Easier said than done

It requires lots of work. Moms are gonna worry that their infant isn't getting enough while waiting for their milk to get in. It's even a bit of a challenge with a newborn. My daughter is a pediatric occupational therapist and I'm a former newborn nursery nurse who did the La Leche thing with all three of my kids. I nursed them for several years. So, even before she considered becoming an OT, she was quite familiar with breastfeeding.

She had her first baby in March. She had a C-Section. (He was a healthy 8 lbs 5 ounces) It was a challenge and I did not want to "hover" over her because she is the type "Mom don't interfere". She did a lot of pumping. (Now I rarely pumped, but I did not have an electric pump) But still she pumped and pumped and fed him a combo of pumped milk and nursing. I didn't say anything because it's "her business". She also had a stock of purchased breastmilk. She even thought her son had "tongue tie", so she whisked him off to a specialist.

Yes, she's a "Type A", with a doctorate degree. However, concerns that her son was not "getting enough milk" overrode common wisdom. I believe he is successfully breastfeeding now.

I also had a rough time with my first one. I was ready to "throw in the towel". I had raw sore, cracked nipples for a few weeks. I also had a high forceps delivery and was cut "hole to hole" with the world's worst hemorrhoids' and could not sit for about five weeks. (Ugh)
My oldest has ADHD and was symptomatic pretty much at birth. (I know weird..right?...He showed no interest in anything soothing other than me and my boobs..while other 4 weeks old infants were looking at their mobiles, mine only wanted boob) Ironically, his ADHD may be one of the reasons why I was eventually successful.

[vanlassie]

54. If a mother is wanting and getting accurate advice

which, as is painfully obvious, is NOT easily available, although many will give THEIR version… then nearly all problems can be overcome, or even better never occur in the first place.
But my comment above was addressing just one misbelief, which was to imply that relactation can’t work if too much time has elapsed, and then, that it requires medication and medical assistance. It doesn’t, necessarily. When people make black and white warnings they discourage mothers from trying. Hard? Of course it is. Then again, hormones stimulated during inducing are calming to the mother.

[hlthe2b]

67. You are being too simplistic or disingenuous about what I and others have said.

Women must be under hormonal influence. Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland in response to nipple stimulation. By itself, prolactin can trigger milk-producing structures in the breast to develop and milk to be produced. But, to suggest that naturally occurring hormonal influence is not necessary for the pituitary-prolactin feedback loop is not true, despite some claiming that men (sans a pituitary tumor) can be induced to lactate. Oncologists have seen it, but this is exceedingly rare. Sorry, no.

[hlthe2b]

69. Yes. I've worked and observed a lot of good laction nurses and they are marvelous, but those

Last edited Mon May 16, 2022, 03:55 PM - Edit history (1)

who insist (with considerable guilt) that EVERY woman can be adequately lactating sufficient to the needs of their child and imply that those who "fail" were just not trying hard enough are ... not.. in my book. I' have seen some who insist even with women who have developed the most severe purulent mastitis in both breasts until a physician, fortunately, stepped in. In those instances--with MRSA infection and post abscess drainage-- even the use of vancomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or doxycycline (Pregnancy Class D drugs excreted in breast milk and thus a BIG "no no" for infants to continue breastfeeding) did not deter this adamant, well-meaning (yet very wrong) group from continuing to advise women to nurse. Most are not like that, fortunately, and perform an important service to many women seeking to breastfeed.

[vanlassie]

90. Ah.

[ARPad95]

52. Actually, human milk is not superior. It's the evolutionary norm and where the bar for comparison

needs to be set. It's formula and all other human milk substitutes that are inferior, some vastly inferior. Human babies should receive human milk if at all possible.

[hlthe2b]

61. You might want to edit your very contradictory statement...

just a hint...

[ARPad95]

85. You got it!

[vanlassie]

100. 😉😉😉😎

[2naSalit]

12. It's a mystery for sure.

[Hoyt]

8. CNN keeps having these pediatricians on who give these warnings. OK, what does one do

if they can't find approved formula? Howsabout some solutions or least harmful thing to do while someone searches for an answer.

[2naSalit]

14. You'd think someone might think of that by now.

How many days has it been since this shortage became a thing? And all those formula dependent babies are supposed to feed on, what?

[hlthe2b]

17. Powdered formula is available in some of these areas. For babies older than twelve months,

toddler formulations may be an option after discussing with the pediatrician. For those (granted those with financial means), the purchase of certified breast milk is an option and I've seen quite a few hospitals with large obstetric and pediatric coverage offering outreach for those to match need with currently lactating (and infectious disease-screened) women, who may receive some grant remuneration to encourage help to the more impoverished.

Parents in dire need should be checking first with their pediatrician and hospital and then local health and social services agencies in their county which are scrambling to get these programs together to fill gaps until imported (emergency FDA-approved) formula from overseas and Mexico can begin. There is little reason for Canadian formula to not already be on the way except for the fact that Trump's damned NAFTA provisions disallow its import. Biden admin is trying to find a legal override.

[Hoyt]

27. Unfortunately, trade is one of the issues that caused enough Democrats not to support Clinton,

giving us trump.

I doubt that Canada has sufficient excess of Formula to offset much of the shortage in USA, but every little bit helps.

[hlthe2b]

28. No. Canada has already offered. They DO have surplus because this is not a worldwide issue

but the impact of Abbott's production line at at least one plant being taken off due to safety violations during FDA inspection in the US (only).

[LeftInTX]

59. I wonder if they can't find their "preferred brand"?

Switching brands can be a big issue and sometimes babies refuse. So, if you make your own, it's tempting to add more Karo than recommended so that the baby will take it.

Who knows..

[hlthe2b]

71. Hospitals have long been subject to lobbying efforts by manufacturers to use their product

exclusively, thereby "hooking' nervous parents on the brand. So, I suspect that may be an issue for some, but clearly with Abbott's major manufacturing facility down, there are significant supply issues. That said, I just returned from King Sooper's and saw row after row after row of powdered formula with the aisle lined with crates more-- with infant (and older through toddler stages) formulations available. So, for some, a switch to powder may be an immediate option.

[XanaDUer2]

15. Poor parents nt

[ripcord]

16. That's nice

How about telling parents what does work because this shortage isn't going away any time soon.

[hlthe2b]

20. Maybe read the thread instead of throwing out your ire at the OP who is merely trying to help

[Arkansas Granny]

18. How does this account for the millions of babies who thrived

on formulas based on evaporated milk? Prepared pediatric formulas haven't always been on the grocery shelf.

I'm not advocating any brand or recipe of baby formula. I'm just wondering why babies who were fed homemade formula in the past weren't dying en masse.

[hlthe2b]

24. Breast feeding was 90% in 20th century and initially formula was used only

to supplement. Prior to commercial formulations, a lot of babies suffered life-threatening anemia from simple cow's milk or evaporated milk formulations that provided little iron. Could they survive on that? Probably especially short term. Thrive? no.

[Arkansas Granny]

36. Breastfeeding might have been 90% in early 20th century, but when my babies were born,

I knew very few women who breastfed their infants. My pediatrician gave handout sheets with an evaporated milk formula recipe and methods of preparation and sterilization. He also prescribed vitamin drops for babies on homemade formulas and breastfed babies.

[hlthe2b]

37. " He also prescribed vitamin drops for babies on homemade formulas and breastfed babies."

YES> This is what we are saying. You need to consult with a physician because otherwise, your suggestion of just grabbing a can of evaporated milk carries risks. Anemia from iron deficiency being one of the most serious.

And, as the stats show, When the first commercial formula was first introduced in mid-1920s it was used to supplement not supplant breast milk. By the late 50s- 60s that had begun to change.

[brush]

44. This is what you need to post instead of just saying

do not feed your baby with home made formula. A home made temporary solution with vitamin drops that's easily accessible to mothers.

Just the blanket "do not use home made" leaves mother no alternative.

[hlthe2b]

84. You should direct your comment to whomever actually said that. I did not.

I advise those using homemade substitutes to run it by their pediatrician first. I've actually seen and treated babies dying from a diluted formula with hyponatremia and conversely, those who read somewhere to use "so-called enhanced water" to dilute it, causing a life-threatening alkalosis. And for decades some of those babies our grandmothers fed nothing but condensed milk failed to thrive or suffered from the anemia associated with lack of iron.

"First, do no harm" does not just apply to physicians. It should apply to all those offering information without substantial facts. That matters, even (or especially) when dealing with understandably worried or even frantic parents.

[brush]

91. Pls, spare us the stories of diluted formula, enhance waters and such,...

what do you advise mothers who can't find formula to feed their babies with that quick and easily accessible?

That is needed.

[hlthe2b]

96. I have posted throughout this thread had you bothered to read.

Spare me your attacks. Why are some DUers attacking physicians here (and others) who merely don't want frantic parents to end up making a fatal mistake? I get that there is a lot of emotion and frantic concern. Of course, there is. However, my very first post cited that powder formula for all stages appears widely available in nearly all states as I can confirm in at least several local stores in Colorado. Those older than 12 months may well be ok with toddler formula. Certified pathogen-free breast milk programs are underway at most larger hospitals across the country and I have heard that more informal, yet screened breast milk programs are being set up in various locales by midwives in collaboration with local public health. To advise that any or all possible solutions should be considered in consultation with their pediatrician is not spewing platitudes, it is good sound medical practice given no one on an anonymous political forum can possibly know the specific medical needs of someone's child like their treating physician or at least the hospital that delivered him/her. Can homemade products possibly substitute under certain short-term conditions? Quite likely, but how foolish not to think they should run the formulation/recipe by their pediatrician. And your ugly comment toward children I've treated or seen die from unfortunate and unintended mistakes on this score (diluted formula) are beyond the pale.

Will we be joining the RW in fighting for non-science-supported alternatives like hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin for COVID-19 now, too? That's what it has begun to sound like by some.

[brush]

97. Re-state it pls. Just the simple advice as to what to feed the babies...

if formula can't be found.

[hlthe2b]

99. One-size fits all is risky. Their own pediatrician needs to be consulted

for what is best on the short and long term for their infant.

That said, in most cases powdered formula prepared per label instructions can be readily substituted at the same stage for their regular liquid infant formula and that is certainly where I'd try to start. If the powdered infant formulation can not be located (though it appears it is available), for those over 12 months, toddler powdered formula may be okay for the short term. For those who are at more risk from past or ongoing medical issues or genetic metabolic conditions, breast milk programs may be a better solution. The only way to know for sure is to run it by a pediatrician, Pediatric PA or whoever has been seeing their child, including the delivering OB (if necessary) on the short term. Major hospitals are trying to respond so in many areas they may be developing outreach programs--especially for their breast milk programs. Worth a call.. but no, I can not advise parents to go into this based on internet search results for some homemade formulation without that added consult to ensure it is the best or at least most complete option available.

My grandmother managed to raise 7 kids and countless grandkids with all kinds of passed down "sage" advice, some of which would be lauded today. But some (like the bourbon-filled hot toddies and saturated pacifiers for childhood fussiness, not so much). If I were on a desert island I'm sure I could be more positive about some of the more unproven last resort options, but I'd certainly try the more obvious ones first and take the best scientific and individualized advice where and when it is available.

[Arkansas Granny]

102. Nice of you to twist my words. I never advocated that anyone "grab a can

of evaporated milk ". I just happen to know that my pediatrician made available a certain recipe for infant feeding that was based on evaporated milk and supplemented by vitamins. I don't imagine he would have done so if those formulas were dangerous.

[hlthe2b]

104. Your words:

" How does this account for the millions of babies who thrived on formulas based on evaporated milk?"

No, they did not thrive on evaporated milk only-- which contains so little iron as to render a baby severely iron-anemic in a relatively short period of time.

[BlackSkimmer]

107. The poster said "based on."

As you’ve repeatedly stated to others, it’s important to read carefully. Hmm?

[hlthe2b]

111. Words do matter. The poster with whom I was conversing should have clarified after I and others

pointed out the deficiency of mere evaporated milk. I (and other medical people here) are intent on not letting some of the very bad advice being dispensed (here and elsewhere) be allowed to hurt infants and children no matter how well-meaning.

If you want to buck up harmful advice, so be it. We see that with COVID-19 on RW sites all the time. But, I did think DU would remain more science-based and wary of the harm that comes from repeating all the internet speculation and anonymously-promoted treatments.

Attacking-- as some are here-- those who are trying to warn and educate worried parents is abysmal. I'd hope for better from you.

[dalton99a]

19. Yep. Notice most people born before 1925 are dead

because they were not formula-fed




(Abbott Laboratories)

[drray23]

21. I wonder when it actually started being used widely

your infografic says it was invented in 1925. Many babies in the 60's were still not on it I bet. I wonder when it actually became the norm.

[LeftInTX]

47. I'm pretty sure my younger brother was fed Similac.

He was born in 1961.
I was old enough to have noticed if my mom was putting Karo syrup in his milk.

We lived in Japan at the time. I was a military brat.

I don't know if Similac came in "ready to use", back then, but that would have alleviated concerns about "Japanese water issues". We lived off base when he was born.

I had other siblings who were born in 1958 and 59. I was born in 1956. I have no idea what type of formula they were fed. I know we were all bottle fed. I was a breast feeding flunky.

According to wikipedia:

By the early 1960s, commercial formulas were more commonly used than evaporated milk formulas in the United States, which all but vanished in the 1970s. By the early 1970s, over 75% of American babies were fed on formulas, almost entirely commercially produced.[4]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant_formula

[ProfessorGAC]

93. My Sister Definitely Was

I was 11 when she was born, so my memory is pretty clear on that.
She is, however, 6 years younger than your brother.

[Mariana]

77. Some of them are dead.

In my area, in the old death records, the cause of death was listed as "inanition" when a baby died of starvation. It wasn't that uncommon.

[sinkingfeeling]

22. Funny, I was raised on homemade formula, as was my son.

[Zeitghost]

23. It's also not safe or recommended

To drive without a seatbelt, but if that's the only way to the hospital in an emergency, it's better than walking.

[vanlassie]

31. Many of the parents panicking about this are

looking only for the EXACT brand they have been led to believe is special. That the others will make their child ill. That’s a win for the industry. They ALSO believe breastfeeding is nearly impossible. It’s not at all. Another win for big formula. I’m not here to debate breastfeeding. I would love if people could rethink some of their marketing induced beliefs.

[JCMach1]

74. Not precisely true... Here in the Dallas area according to a mom of

A 4 month old I know there is nothing on the shelves left but a few of $100+ types.

I sent my friend a link to powdered goats milk if nothing changes soon...

[Timewas]

35. Absolute

Idiocy

[Historic NY]

40. What happened to Carnation Evaporated / Condensed Milk

it was always safer than whole milk and raw milk. Growing up it was a constant in the pantry, my father used it for his coffee. It was always great with fresh strawberries. He picked up using from being overseas in WWII.

[Ms. Toad]

41. While it may not be safe or recommended,

If you aren't already breastfeeding, and cannot find formula, there may be no alternative.

[Demsrule86]

58. It is perfectly safe and their are recipes online...the formula comanies have been gouging for

years.

[867-5309.]

64. The FDA and American Academy of Pediatrics disagree n/t

[brush]

94. So advise what to feed babies with if formula is not to be found.

That's what's needed more than what not to do.

[BlackSkimmer]

83. Thank you.

Amazing how many are trying to protect corporate America here. Kind of surprising.

[Ms. Toad]

95. I wouldn't switch without consulting with my child's doctor

About the specific recipe to see thinking about using, or for what they recommend - especially with a child under a year.

My point was really that, even if it isn't ideal, some people may have no choice - do it isn't particularly helpful to say DON'T, without suggesting an alternative.

[Sgent]

119. Especially for infants under 6 months

please do not use anything but infant formula or breast milk unless under a pediatrician's or pediatric registered dietician's guidance.

[former9thward]

42. If it is not safe why aren't the people born in the 1950s and 1960s all dead?

Please explain.

[brush]

45. Exactly. The inflexibility of these posters saying...

"do not use home made formula" but giving no alternative is so rigid that it's unhelpful. Mothers will not let babies starve and what the millions of adults walking around who were raised on light kero syrup, evaporated milk and vitamin drops should IMO be shared as a temporary alternative.

[dpibel]

48. If seat belts work

why isn't everyone born before the mid-60s dead?

If guns are deadly, why isn't everyone in the US dead?

If COVID-19 can kill you, why isn't everyone who was alive in 2020 dead?

This is fun!

[former9thward]

49. Its fun because your use of math is not your strong point.

You are actually comparing the use of home based formula with being shot with a gun, Covid and deadly auto accidents? Wow.... If that were remotely true then scores of millions of babies should have died because of its use. Please point to one...

[dpibel]

80. Beam, meet mote

As opposed to your mathematically precise question why those born in the 50s and 60s are not "all dead."

You do know the meaning of "all," don't you?

[former9thward]

92. Please point to one dead.

As I said and got nothing in response. I am not holding my breath.

[dpibel]

98. You do realize that's patently silly, of course.

I can no more prove it did happen than you can demonstrate that it didn't. A lot more infants (on a percentage basis, of course) died in the 1950s and 60s than have died subsequently. Your claim, apparently, is that absolutely none of that infant mortality was related to homemade formula, whether via contamination or because of lack of nutrients.

This exchange, please note, started with your cutting irony that, if there were anything at all dangerous about homemade infant formula, then everyone born in the 50s and 60s should be dead. That was a foolish statement on your part, and I pointed that out.

You apparently believe that shifting the goalposts constitutes a win.

Congrats!

[former9thward]

105. How about seriously ill?

Since you are punting on dead. Why were there no health concerns raised? Why did all the doctors and health professionals just ignore this? Why wait until commercial formula which makes big profits came along and then suddenly home based is declared "unsafe"? Were people bought off in the 40s, 50s and 60s? Everyone? Not one person raising an alarm?

[dpibel]

110. Hmmm... FDA? Am. Acad. of Pediatricians

You're now doing an ouroboros.

Your original "all the people should be dead" post was offered in rebuttal of the OP, which cites the FDA and the American Academy of Pediatricians as raising an alarm about homemade baby formula.

So you are saying that both of those sources are bought off by Big Forma?

And you are denying the information cited elsewhere in this thread that, even back in the purer days of the 50s and 60s, there were, in fact, alarms raised about feeding babies an unsupplemented Carnation/Karo mix.

You've got yourself all twisted up here.

I look forward to your next dodge.

[former9thward]

112. No dead?

No seriously ill? How about a stomach ache? Anything to back up your claims? I guess you are ignoring all the other posters with similar views. I know, they are twisted up too.

[dpibel]

113. Again: the FDA is just lying?

It's your position that the FDA and the pediatricians would warn against the use of homemade formula with no basis whatsoever?

That's pretty far out there.

Or, put another way: You disbelieve the FDA, but it would change your mind if I could cite a specific case?

You really are just being silly at this point.

But you know that.

[former9thward]

114. I notice you are not linking to any specific claim by the FDA.

Why? What is exactly their "warning"? Do they give specific evidence?

[dpibel]

115. Read the OP

That can help you sometimes.

Sometimes, though, you may have to follow links and stuff.

It can be harder than just typing.

[LeftInTX]

53. Gosh, what about all the people born before 1940? How did they survive infancy without antibiotics?

Well, infant mortality was through the roof!

My grandmother survived a ruptured appendix without antibiotics...
But it was a survival of the fittest thing and she attributed her robust immune system to a bout of "scarlet fever" she had as an infant. "If you can survive scarlet fever, you can survive anything"

And sure enough when she had a "death wish" after she broke her hip, it took her three years to finally develop the pneumonia, which she was hoping would "do her in". She sat in bed for three years and would not participate in therapy, because she wanted to develop pneumonia and go out.

[former9thward]

70. Let's see.

You are comparing the use of commercial formula with the invention of antibiotics. Wow. Before antibiotics there was massive amounts of death due to infection. Before commercial formula there was not a massive amounts of infant deaths because they were using home based formula. Commercial formula came along as a labor saving device for mothers and a profit making device for the companies producing it. There were no health concerns seen or alleged with home based formula which led to the introduction of commercial formula.

[vanlassie]

101. I bet your grandma was breastfed. Accounting for her

robust immune system?

[LeftInTX]

118. I have no idea. She was born in 1911 in South Carolina

The family moved alot.
By 1920 they were in a boarding house way out near Kerrville, Texas. (I have no idea what they were doing there. No relatives or anything from there)

By 1929, the family had relocated to Florida.
My great grandmother is listed as the owner of a barbershop in 1930

I know my grandmother bottle fed my mother who was born in 1932

She said her mother was a former teacher. Her father was a barber

I know my great grandfather was a womanizer. I never met him

Just the way the family "got around", I would not be surprised if she was bottle fed. I know there was not much nurturing going on in that family. They were rednecks, so I don't know how rednecks fed their infants back then...Coca-cola in a bottle? Just joking

[vanlassie]

122. 1911? Breastfed. I would bet money.

[BannonsLiver]

43. Epic thread. Vintage DU. It has everything.

10/10

[BannonsLiver]

50. I've heard chili is a good substitute

https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/f15b7b91-8c75-4830-891e-304b032bba8e

[Mosby]

55. Here is a formula if anyone is interested.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=16693050

[867-5309.]

60. "I wouldn't recommend using this for more than a couple days as an emergency stopgap"

Using it temporarily because you have nothing else is different than thinking it's all the same.

I applaud your including that caution.

[Demsrule86]

56. That is ridiculous...and there is all sorts of crap in commercial baby formula. Baby boomers

were raised on homemade formula. The formula is and has been super expensive for quite a while now. I breastfed and think that is the best choice. But if I couldn't, I would do my research and make formula...save money and without the shit the baby food companies put in the formula.

[LeftInTX]

62. My brother was born in 1961, pretty sure he received commercial formula

I don't know what I was raised on because I don't remember. I was born in 1956.

By the early 1960s, commercial formulas were more commonly used than evaporated milk formulas in the United States, which all but vanished in the 1970s. By the early 1970s, over 75% of American babies were fed on formulas, almost entirely commercially produced.[4]

[867-5309.]

73. So why is the Biden administration working to resolve the shortage? n/t

[tblue37]

65. My sister, who produced a LOT of milk while nursing her kids, used to donate to a

breast milk provider that provided breast milk to women who were unable to nurse. I wonder if they still have those.

[Trailrider1951]

78. Well, I was born in late 1951 to a mother who could not breastfeed

I thrived on the evaporated milk/karo syrup formula. So did my sisters and brother. The only difference was that the homemade formula was supplemented by vitamin drops prescribed by the doctor. I suppose that in a pinch, where commercial formula is not available, the homemade formula can work for the infant if supplemented with vitamins like these:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=infant+vitamin+drops&crid=3HSHAUPCCSW0X&sprefix=infant+vi%2Caps%2C157&ref=nb_sb_ss_retrain-deeppltr_5_9

They're not cheap, but are readily available and will contain nutrients (like iron) that baby needs.

Also, if you make your own formula, remember that STERILIZATION of all water, bottles, nipples, utensils etc. used in the making is a MUST.

[gulliver]

87. Trump shouldn't have included baby formula in his Republican trade war

Huge mistake. We should be calling Republicans out on their support for the trade war. It's behind inflation too, imo. Republicans screw things up. They just do. They're emotional, so charlatans and jerks just have an easy time taking over.

[scarletlib]

103. My son born in 1972 could not drink the commercial formulas.

My Doctor put him on the evaporated milk with Karo syrup formula. He did just fine. Of course, I followed preparation directions to the letter: sterilizing the bottles, boiling the water etc.

[Kali]

106. too bad we are all conviced we are not qualified to do anything

other than purchase corporate manufactured goods. to include building shelter, making/growing food, feeding babies.

[BlackSkimmer]

108. Well said. nt

[Kali]

109. mind you, the opposite can be bad too

lotsa morans who think they are epidemiologists or climate scientists

[Demsrule86]

116. I agree and if I had been forced to bottlefeed, I would have made my own formula. I made my

own baby food in the blender.

[XanaDUer2]

123. Yes

[treestar]

121. hard to figure out why not

it must be made out of something and that something used to make it on your own. Just like anything else. Add vitamins. It sounds like they are talking about an ideal, which you can't have when there's nothing to substitute for the perfect.

Babies were able to survive before formula. There were those "raised by hand" not nursed (David Copperfield) - maybe old fashioned and not good enough for these days, but if in these days, there is nothing else, then the old way could be a stopgap.