Soya formula...good or bad? Advice please.

[Faybells]

My son is 10 months old and has a milk allergy. He has been ebf but I am now struggling with very sore boobs and have to return to work imminently so am trying to find a suitable formula to wean him off the boob with. He refuses all the prescribed dairy free formulas although we are trying to persevere with these.

But he is not allergic to soya and I am wondering if this would be a good alternative. However, I have read research indicating soya is bad for boys due to its components mimicking oestrogen.

Does anyone know much about this? Is anyone feeding with soya formula? Any advice appreciated. :)

In the UK, soya formula/soya milk is not recommended for babies and children because of the high sugar content - the sugar has to be in it to make it palatable, and the concern is that it will cause serious tooth decay. So it's a question of benefits versus risks, really. You could reduce the risk by giving him cups rather than bottles, and not letting him swig it between meals.

There are also concerns related to the high aluminium content.

If you google, you can find out more.

Hi Faybells, I've seen you around on the allergy boards.

Tiktok is right about the sugar, and as you know there are also concerns about phyto-oestrogens. However, the biggest worry for children with milk allergy is that a significant number also go on to develop problems with soya (the proteins are quite similar).

I know that the hypoallergenic formula tastes vile, and that many older babies do refuse it at first. However, it would be better to keep on trying to persevere with it. Lots of mums on the allergy boards have had to deal with this issue, so if you ask there you are likely to get some good advice.

How do you feel about giving up breastfeeding? Going back to work doesn't necessarily have to mean the end of breastfeeding - there are ways around it without having to express - but obviously this is entirely up to you. Sore boobs can be a nightmare but maybe a breastfeeding counsellor could give you a few pointers to relieve the pain?

Good luck with going back to work