dear tracy and all,

i decided to post this and not just respond privately, because it is a topic
that has come up before and warrants a reminder to those who have not seen the
previous posts, to please go to the archives and see them all. although there
is strong feeling among some people that goats milk is more similar to human
milk than cow's milk, this is just not true. also, there is no justification
for using home-made formula, as it makes commercial varieties look just
terrific in comparison. also, not twenty-five miles down the road from your
location, tracy, is a milk bank bursting with human (you know, species-
specific) milk. you would be doing these parents a favor by recommending
either a commercial formula, or donor milk. they can talk to the milk bank
about their situation, and the women there can help these parents decide if it
is the best route to take.

also, i don't believe it is in the purview of anyone in la leche league or
serious lactation work to advocate using a home-made formula. there are
liability issues as well as ethics issues involved here. although i do know
that in your area, there are some strong beliefs about this, we need to work
towards a science-based practice (thanks, barbara) or an evidence-based
practice, both of which attitudes would preclude using goat's milk.

yeah, i know, jay, but it is the "babies survive anyway" story sometimes.

carol brussel IBCLC