Babies do best when raised on breast milk. Studies show that infants who receive mother's milk (for at least the first six months) are less prone to disease throughout life and have stronger immune systems. It is also cheap and easy!

But sometimes due to insufficient milk production, illness, emotional upset, chemical toxicity or medications some babies are given milk based or soy based formulas.

The best way of supplementing an infants diet when breast milk is not available (either directly from the mother or through pumping breast milk) is a wet nurse, which is another woman who can provide breast milk. The second best option is organic goat's milk. The last option is highest quality milk replacement formula.

If you are finding that you do not have enough milk for your child there are a few things that you can do to increase production. First stay away from alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, sodas and any medications.

Secondly increase your consumption of foods like apricots, asparagus, green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, pecans, all leafy greens, aduki beans, black sesame seeds, meats like carp, chicken and lamb, and soybeans. These foods are considered helpful in increasing and sustaining lactation. Teas such as raspberry, nettle, alfalfa or red clover also encourage a plentiful supply and a relaxed mother. Fennel and barley water are also an age-old remedy.

Nursing mothers should also get as much rest as they can, plenty of liquids and a good whole foods diet with enough nutrients. In addition millet and rice and their products are used traditionally when weaning, therefore these foods should be omitted while trying to increase lactation.

La Lecher League of Canada can also answer many breastfeeding questions.
They offer support groups and local meetings. Their web site is: www.lllc.ca.

Formulas should be used as a last resort. Milk based formulas are highly allergenic. Soy based formulas especially contain corn syrup, additives, and artificial sweeteners. Not only are they detrimental to your babies health for these reasons and more but they also get your child's palate acustomed to eating artificially flavoured and enhanced foods.

Again, breast feeding is the healthiest way of feeding an infant. When this is not possible however, organic goat's milk, which is used in many traditional cultures and is rich in many nutrients and minerals and is far more digestable than cow's milk, can be an alternative in many cases.