Informed, Safe, and Shame-Free: Your Guide to Formula Feeding

Real Talk About Infant Feeding

Yes, I’m a lactation consultant. No, that doesn’t mean I’m here to shame you if you use formula or aren’t breastfeeding. No blame. Just facts, safety, and support. Supporting your baby means supporting your choices.

That whole “breast is best” pressure? I’m not about that life. I’m here for you, your baby, and your choices — as long as they are safe and rooted in real info, not TikTok trends or shady marketing.

There’s this idea that IBCLCs are only down for breastfeeding families. That we’re pushing one path. But in my work, I support parents across the whole spectrum — breastfeeding, combo-feeding, formula feeding, relactating, weaning, exclusive pumping, donor milk, you name it. If you're nourishing a baby, you deserve support. Period.

Safety First, Always

Let me be clear: I do not co-sign homemade formula or recipes floating around the internet made from coconut water and hemp seeds (yes, that’s a real one). These are not safe for babies, and they can be extremely dangerous. So if you’ve seen those videos, or even tried it, don’t beat yourself up. But also — don’t go it alone.

My goal is to make sure you’ve got real, evidence-based info so you can make the right decision for your family. That doesn’t always mean breastfeeding. And that’s okay.

Formula Support? Yep, I Do That Too

I regularly help parents figure out formula options, pumping routines, when to wean, starting solids, inducing lactation, and more. You don’t need to be on some perfectly "crunchy" path to deserve support. I meet families exactly where they’re at — no judgment.

To help with that, I pulled together some basics below to help you navigate the formula aisle with less stress and more confidence. Because let’s be honest: choosing a formula shouldn’t feel like decoding a foreign language.

But First — Let’s Talk About the Formula Industry

Whew. The formula industry is a whole mess. What a lot of folks don’t realize is that formula marketing is predatory, unethical, and (according to the World Health Organization) even illegal in how it's done.

Ever wonder how formula samples just show up at your door? The second you sign up for a baby registry or tell your OB you're pregnant, that info can be sold. Suddenly, you're getting “free” samples, glossy ads, and influencer posts talking about how formula is "just easier." And Black families? We're targeted the hardest — 9x more likely to be offered formula than white families. That’s not by accident. That’s a system trying to take away our power.

If you don’t believe me, go read Skimmed or look up the story of the Fultz quads — four Black babies exploited by the formula industry to push sales.

And let's not forget brands like Bobbie who use Black celebrities and influencers to market directly to us. That's not representation — that's manipulation.

So What Can I Recommend?

Due to ethics rules (yep, IBCLCs have a code), I can’t publicly recommend specific brands. But if you want help finding a formula that fits your baby’s needs, we can definitely talk in a one-on-one consult. Book Here

Now, on to the guide...

Let’s Break Down Formula Basics

All formulas sold in the U.S. meet FDA standards. There’s no one “best” brand — the best formula is the one your baby tolerates, that fits your values, your budget, and your feeding goals.

Here’s what to look at when choosing:

Types of Protein

Standard Formulas

Made from full-size cow’s milk proteins
Look for ingredients like “milk protein isolate” or “whey protein”
Might be harder for some babies to digest

Partially Hydrolyzed

Proteins are partially broken down
Gentler on the tummy
Look for “partially hydrolyzed” on the label

Examples:

Gentlease
GentlePro / SoothePro
Pro-Total Comfort

Great for babies with fussiness, gassiness, or mild discomfort.

Fully Hydrolyzed / Hypoallergenic (HA)

Proteins are fully broken down — aka tiny
For babies with true milk protein allergies or serious digestive issues
Use only with your pediatrician’s OK

Examples:

Alimentum
Nutramigen
Extensive HA

If You’re Seeing These Things…

🍼 Eczema:Partially hydrolyzed formulas may help.

🍼 Reflux:Try high-whey or thickened formulas. Whey empties from the stomach faster.

🍼 Constipation:Avoid formulas with palm oil. Look for formulas using glucose sugars over lactose if needed.

Carbs in Formula

Breast milk = mostly lactose. But formulas may also use:

Glucose syrup solids
Corn syrup solids
Maltodextrin
Brown rice syrup

None of these are “bad” — but it’s good to know what your baby is getting.

Other Notes:

Formula will never be the same as breast milk, no matter what the label says.
Don’t let “just like breast milk” marketing trick you.
DHA, HMOs, MFGM, etc.? Nice extras, but mostly marketing.
All formulas include the basics: protein, fat, carbs, vitamins, minerals.
Generic brands? Be careful — some use a mix of full-size and hydrolyzed proteins which can confuse the gut.

A Few Final Tips

🧠 If your baby’s poop turns white, red, or black — call your pediatrician.🧠 HA formulas can smell and taste different — your baby may need time to adjust.🧠 These formulas are expensive — check if insurance can cover it under DME.

Wanna geek out with the research? babyformulaexpert.com is a solid resource.

And remember — you deserve support no matter how you feed your baby. You’re doing great.

If you want personalized help figuring out what works for your little one, I got you. Book a consult with me and let’s talk.

—With love, milk, & truth

, No Strings Attached!