Hello everyone,

2 years ago, at the National Association of WIC Directors conference, I
attended
a session about choosing infant formulas. The speaker, Cathy Breedon, MS, RD,
CS, CNS, PhD (c) (whew!), gave us a hand-out that makes the following points:

1. Soy is incomplete protein so methionine is added to improve the quality of
the protein. In addition, soy formulas have an increased amount of protein
to make up for the somewhat decreased digestability and absorption.

2. There is better absorption of calcium and certain other nutrients from cow
milk
formula. It is best not to keep a baby on soy if it can be switched back to a
cow milk formula.

3. Soy is not the formula of choice for a baby genetically at risk of serious
allergy problems, because soy is the second most common allergen in
infants, right after cow milk protein. Products with "hydrolyzed protein"
would be more appropriate.

4. When there is concern about a baby's ability to handle protein waste
products (such as in renal & hepatic disease), there is more urea to excrete
with soy formula because of the lower biological value of vegetable protein.
Soy formula is not appropriate for preterm babies.

Okay, having said that, can someone please explain why our area hospitals
routinely give out samples of soy formula to postpartum moms who say they're
going to breastfeed. The Ross hospital gift pack, a diaper bag that includes
Isomil, even has a tag that states "Isomil soy formula. For the breastfeeding
mother."
In WIC clinic, I'm always coming across babies who are on soy formula for no
other reason than mom said she was going to breastfeed (usually she gave it
up the first day). These babies are never switched back to a cow milk formula
and no one ever questions this. There must be some logical rationale for this
practice but no one here seems to know what it is. Please help!

TIA,
Diana Dietz, RN, BSN