Although we encourage mamas to breastfeed for up to 6 months and combine with foods for up to two years, we 100% support those who choose to formula feed when breastfeeding is not possible.
Emotionally, having a new baby already can be the biggest challenge ever, with each of our experiences and circumstances being very different. Some mamas will choose to formula feed due to the physical pain, discomfort or inability to produce. For others there may be financial, family and social pressures which means formula feeding is the way to keep mama mentally and emotionally happy, healthy and even sane!
We have to remember that postpartum is also a time where the mother needs to be cared for too. Both mama and baby are precious and vulnerable!
So! If formula milk is the best option for you mama, we want you to consider using goats milk as we highly recommend a less processed goat's milk over cow's milk formulas.
Here is why we love a quality goats milk formula:
The composition of goat's milk is naturally much closer to human breastmilk when compared to cow's milk which means it is gentler on your wee one's tummy and beneficial for their immunity and overall health. How is that so? Read on!
Your newborns digestive system and function is not fully mature at birth which means the decision of what you feed your baby at this time is very important, not only to help with the ease of digestion, but to help with the development of the digestive system. Fats in cow's milk naturally clump up while the fats in goat's milk are easier to digest and break down so your baby is less likely to experience regurgitation. (Even if you have accepted baby refluxing all over you as part of the package!)
On goats milk formula, bubba is also less likely to experience lactose intolerance symptoms, such as bloating, gas and diarrhoea. This is because goats milk has less lactose compared to cows' milk. This can be advantageous for babies who have trouble with breaking down lactose, such as our delicate preterm babies who are lactase deficient. Lactase is an enzyme that is required for the breakdown of lactose.
Goats milk is similar to humans' milk in the way that it has naturally higher amounts of a carbohydrate called oligosaccharides. This is a component of your babies milk that you don't want them to miss out on! Oligosaccharides are supportive for bubbas' gut and immune system. They are a source of prebiotic which helps to feed the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibit the growth of the unwanted pathogenic bacteria. Oligosaccharides can also directly help fight against pathogens by binding to them and stopping these nasties from attaching to your babys' cells. All of this, not only strengthens immunity but helps with the development, tone and health of your babies gut.
Cows milk allergy is when the body does not recognise the protein in the milk consumed and this triggers an immune response where substances are released into the blood and cause a chain of reactions which lead to symptoms like hives, inflammation, itchiness, colic, wheeziness. Not something mamas want to see their wee one go through. As a result of healthier gut development from consuming milks that are higher in oligosaccharides, there is a reduced risk of your baby experiencing allergies! In addition to that, goats milk naturally contains lower amounts of casein (like human milk) compared with cows milk; and naturally contain A2 casein protein. This makes goats milk less allergenic for some individuals. What this means is that babies who have an allergy to cows' milk may do well with goats milk - something that is worth trying out!
We also want to consider the composition of fats which differ in goats milk from cows milk. Like human milk (although dependant on mums' diet), goats milk is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid. These fats are essential for the healthy development of bubbas' nervous system, brain, vision and motor function. During pregnancy, babies brain accumulates arachidonic acid, particularly in the third trimester and this accumulation continues post-birth. Can you see the importance of giving bubba these essential fats?
Goat's milk is also naturally higher than cow's milk in certain nutrients like calcium, selenium, some B vitamins and vitamin A. These are all essential for your baby's growth, helping them hit them milestones! Calcium is important for healthy bones as I am sure you are aware of. Selenium is important for heart health and immunity. B vitamins are essential for the developing brain and nervous system, and red blood cell formation. Adequate vitamin A status in new borns reduce illnesses and help to fight infections, and is an essential nutrient for retina health.
So, in summary:
- Goat's milk is closer to human milk in comparison to cow's milk
- Has less allergenic protein than cows milk; naturally contains A2 casein
- Smaller amounts of lactose, beneficial for lactose intolerance
- Fats in goat's milk are easier to digest and break down
- Is gentler on baby's digestive system, reducing the risk of regurgitation
- Goat's milk has more essential fatty acids to support babies development
- Is a higher source of prebiotics - beneficial for gut health and immunity
- Higher in nutrients like calcium, selenium, some B vitamins and vitamin A
Hopefully this has been informative and can help you decide on what's best for your little one.
With wellness,
Jacki
