>     I believe it has been banned in New Zealand, remember reading the
> article 2 or 3 years ago.

Hi.  No its not banned but since several warnings came out from the Ministry
of Health its been a lot less popular.  I'll paste below the handout that's
given to parents - and the link below will take you to the more detailed
scientific (referenced) type information directed at health professionals.

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/7004be0c19a98f8a4c25692e007bf833/093b521b4e06
58dc4c2567ad000dc08b?OpenDocument

**********************************
Sheryl Wright
Student Midwife & Homebirthing Mum of 3
Huntly, New Zealand
www.birth.net.nz
**********************************

Soy Based Infant Formula - Information for Parents

Breastmilk is the best food for young babies. Dairy-based infant formula is
the next best choice. However, under the advice of a health professional, a
soy-based or other infant formula is an alternative for a baby who cannot
tolerate dairy-based formula.

Many plants, including soybeans, contain substances called phytoestrogens
(phyto = plant, oestrogen = female hormone). Phytoestrogens are like a very
weak form of the female hormone, oestrogen. Soybeans are a rich source of
phytoestrogens; so is soy-based infant formula.

The long-term effects of phytoestrogens in soy-based formula as an infant's
main food source are not known. However, there is ongoing international
research under way in this area.

Some of this research suggests that, in rare circumstances, the
phytoestrogens in soy infant formula may affect the function of the thyroid
gland.

If your baby is under a year old and your doctor or health professional has
specifically recommended that you use soy-based infant formula, you should
continue to do so. If your baby is not breastfed, and cannot tolerate a
dairy-based formula, ask your doctor or health professional about
alternatives.

If your baby is over one year of age, and you have been using a soy-based
formula, you could ask your doctor of health professional about giving your
baby cow's milk to drink. Infants often grow out of cows' milk intolerance.

Many weaning foods for infants contain small amounts of soy, which would
usually be only a small part of a young child's total food intake. Soy-based
products may be a useful and nutritious part of your household's mixed food
intake.

Any alternative to breastfeeding or dairy-based formula should be discussed
with your health professional.

For more NUTRITION INFORMATION

talk to your

Plunket, Public Health, or Practice nurse
Hospital Community dietitian or Public Health dietitian
Doctor (GP)
Midwife
Specialist Paediatrician

or contact your local public health service resource provider for leaflets,
eg, Healthy Eating for Babies and Toddlers, Code 6004, Eating for Healthy
Breasfeeding Women, Code 6003.

It is recommended that you breastfeed your baby for the first 4-6 months of
life.

Breast milk is specially made for your baby:

it's the perfect food for baby
it changes with your baby's needs
it helps protect your baby against infection
it lowers the risk of allergies
it's cheap, safe, environmentally friendly and ready to use!

Professional advice should be followed before using an infant formula. (It
is possible to go back to breasfeeding after stopping, but it's difficult.)
Part bottle/part breastfeeding can slow or stop the production of breast
milk.

Infant formula should be used only as directed, as proper use is important
for baby's health. Social and financial implications should be considered
when choosing a method of feeding. Good nutrition is important for a mother
who is breastfeeding.

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