Ultra processed formula. Any alternatives?

[Cornflakes44]

I'm breastfeeding and going back to work in two months. The plan was to switch to formula for two months until she can have cow milk. But I'm now having a freak out about formula being ultra processed and all the news stories about how bad this can be. Has anyone found any formula that isn't UP? I know I could express but I'm not sure I can build up enough to cover until she can have cows milk in the time I have.

They are allowed cow’s milk, you just mustn’t reduce breastfeeding and give cow’s milk instead. When they are away from you during the day, they compensate by feeding more in the morning, at pick up and evening.

The number of hours per week they'll be in nursery is a small proportion. I'd send in some expressed milk if you can, but not worry too much if you can't. At 10 months they'll be well established on food and drinking water hopefully. Babies are so clever that they'll make up for lost time with big morning and evening feeds around the nursery days.

I totally understand the concern regarding formula being an UPF.

This is exactly why black and white messaging about food is unhelpful.

You need to look at what's the best option out of the available options (expressed breast milk, whole cow's milk, non dairy milk, formula, water, literally any other liquid, nothing) not blanket write off things based on a category.

It's helpful to be aware of the distinction between more processed and less processed foods because it's helpful to compare available options. But making blanket judgements is less helpful.

This is what I was aiming for. To understand if there was a formula that was less UP than others, so more of a grey area. Im not saying formula, even if it’s ultra processed, isn’t a good option for loads of people. But I’m exploring what I can do if I am generally trying to cut down on UPF. I am getting worried about some of the research that is coming out about them, and I do think our understanding of what they are doing to our bodies will only grow. The government don’t seem to be fussed about regulating it so I think it’s up to consumers to be aware of what is in our food.

The agonies I put myself through to breastfeed. And now my kids are teens they live almost exclusively off greggs and Costa Frappuccino’s and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it. Honestly don’t stress. In the course of a lifetime some formula, highly researched and regulated, is not going to have any quantifiable disbenefit.

Here's the crack.

Formula is less than ideal. But it's also a lifesaver. You can offset any negative effects when they start weaning.

Of course we don't actually know if or what the negative effects are because it's almost impossible to study in to adulthood. But we know seed oils are bad, for example, and cause chronic inflammation. But it is reversible. And the fact is that formula will feed and nourish your baby in other ways.

Kendamil Organic uses whole organic milk, and doesn't have the emulsifiers and stabilisers that other formulas have. Only the powdered one though, the ready to feed bottles obviously need stabilisers to increase shelf life.

It also has a mix of 3 oils, one of which is coconut oil so I suppose you could argue it has a third less seed oils than other formula.

I fed DC1 exclusively on kendamil - as BFing didn't work out and he's a strapping young lad.

DC2 is on breast milk and I supplement with formula because even though I was desperate to BF and I'm pretty crunchy in most ways - I actually hate breastfeeding!

I really wouldn't worry, you've laid the groundwork with breastmilk and little one will be absolutely fine!

This is really helpful. Thanks

Unless you are providing packed lunches, the food she eats at nursery will contain UPFs. Bread, cereals, wraps, sauces etc. Nurseries will boast their food is ‘cooked fresh’. They buy it in and it’s heated in the nursery kitchen. Most settings don’t employ a dedicated chef any more as it’s an extra cost.

Very good point!

Even if they do have a cook and prepare fresh food, the yoghurts, bread products, cereals, crackers/biscuits etc will all be UPF and any fishfingers or sausages will be cheap and processed.

"Formula is less than ideal. But it's also a lifesaver. You can offset any negative effects when they start weaning."

@luckbealadytonight is spot on. Plus 10 months of breastfeeding will more than outweigh any negative effects of 2 months of formula, @Cornflakes44.

If your main feed is BM she'll be fine with the odd cup of cows milk as a snack. They just can't have it as their main milk drink due to the lack of vitamins and high sodium.

If you're BFing the rest of the time, it will be fine. It's what I did with my two.

'Less than ideal' fuck sake you're talking utter shit

I don't think it's a very controversial statement, it isn't the best in comparison to breast milk - think that's fair to say? Every formula states on it that breast milk is optimal.

I think the ingredients in formula could be improved too.

But just because it's not 'ideal' doesn't mean it doesn't have value.