What do you think or soy formula? I fed my firstborn it and she never got sick/no ear ache, etc.?

Question

I have heard and read different things and my child didn't have a high fever until she was 5. Why do some people say conflicting things about this forumula?

cow's milk isn't necessarly the best for babies, nor humans. Cows have three stomachs, for gosh sake!

Regarding EMT's comments-I have read that estrogen-soy milk formula subject on the internet. And what you wrote is completely false. There is a minute strain of estrogen in soymilk, as well as there is estrogen in breast milk. It is not the equivalant of "5 birth control pills". I think some anti-soy web pages are written from supporters of cow farms. They claim boys will have this effect, girls who have been fed soy forumula will have thier periods at three years of age, etc. My daughter is now six and she has the body of a six year old. And one more note-I did breastfeed for 3 months. I had to put my babies on formula because I need to take medication. My nephews who have been breastfed have extensive, dangerous allergies to milk, eggs and peanuts and have been sick many, many times. My daughters are the most healthy kids you would know. Maybe breast feeding isn't always the best option. Mothers eat many foods with perservatives and crap that stays in breast milk.

My children are not allergic to cow's milk. It was hard on their tummies as babies.

Regarding EMT's further comments-I have read on the interenet all of these extrodinary stories of 3 year olds getting pubic hair, etc. who drank soy and its just a bunch of baloney. All people can state is the hormone issue, when breastmilk has estrogen in it as well. The reason I began feeding my babies soy is because two nurses suggested it when my first born was screaming in pain because the cow's milk didn't settle in her tummy. (she is not allerigic to milk, either). My second born's doctor was shocked that I never even heard of the perscription for ear infections, knowing I have a six year old as well. . People can have their opinions all they want. The fact that my children are considerably more healthy than any other children I know is proof enough for me. I think I am going to ask another question regarding soy to see how everyone's babie's health is who have been fed soy formula. That would be interesting to see.

Answer 1

I have three children who were all on soy milk (Two were sensitive to the milk-based formula and one was allergic.) They were all very healthy. It is very safe...I don't know where all the negaitiveness about soy is comming from. It is known that soy is very good for the heart. I think that it is better for children than cow milk based. My older daughter still is drinking soy and she is eight...she has a severe milk allergy. She is very healthy besides her allergy.

Answer 2

Soy has estrogen hormones in it. A baby drinking soy formula gets the estrogen equivalent of 5 birth control pills. Look it up.

Even places like WIC are strongly against the use of soy formula because of the health effects of it. But if your baby is severely allergic to cows milk, then I guess they will have to drink it or starve. Too bad babies like that can't just be breastfed......

*Actually, that info was given to me by the WIC office and my pediatrician. My baby was having problems spitting up a lot, and some people told me I should try soy formula instead. When I asked WIC for some checks for soy formula, they said they can't give to to anyone without a doctors prescription, because soy should only be used as a last resort in special situations, and that they didn't support its use. So I went to my pediatrician to get a prescription for it, she told me the thing about the hormones in it. She said a little bit of soy is good for you (like 1 glass a day) but if you get to much it may be harmful. She told me that my baby had refulx, and formula wouldn't help at all, that breastmilk was the best thing for her. She said it would have been a lot worse if I hadn't breastfed her. She grew out of it in a few months btw.
She also said that if a baby is allergic to cows milk, she will actually write a prescription for breastmilk from a milk bank (you have to have a prescription for insurance to pay for it, as it is expensive) rather than give soy formula (unless the mother objects to banked milk of coarse) because of the high hormones.
I didn't know that there was any such thing as "anti-soy groups" or anything like that. No need to get defensive anyone, I didn't know it was a controversial issue, or that there were "internet groups" or anything like that.

Answer 3

It's still a "new" product and not all are made equally. From what I hear, some a good, some are horrid. Personally if an adult chooses not to drink milk, great, they shouldn't its unnatural, but I have to wonder why people deny non-lactose intolerant babies milk, (with the expect of those who can't breast feed.) That is the reason milk exists. Not saying this is you - just my own curiosity. Perhaps I should post it as a question.

Some people have good luck with Soy formula, but a friend of mine tried one from a health food store and her daughter lost weight so quickly it was a health issue.

Answer 4

Don't worry about what people have to say, so many opinions you will get worried and confused, everyone is different, and all formulas are safe! You just give him his vitamins as told by the doctor, fluoride, and what ever comes natural as a parent to give your child to keep him/her healthy. My nephew was nursed with soy milk and he is healthy, he's four and full of energy and normal. You talk to your doctor or a nutritionist. Read more about it, do some research on the Internet.

Answer 5

I started out breastfeeding my daughter for 6 months and since I ended up not making enough, my pediatrician told me to put her on Similac soy formula to make sure she was getting enough nutrients. She transfered quite nicely and I didn't have any problems with spitting up, vomiting, etc. It was like she was a still a breastfed baby. I don't know what all the fuss is about soy. I think it's wonderful, especially for babies who are lactose intolerant.

Answer 6

I choose not to breast feed and my daughter started out on formula, Similac. Very early on, she started spitting up, a lot! At her well baby visit, I told the doctor about it and he put her on a soy based formula. It helped her a lot. Found that she was a bit sensitive to regular formula and the soy based stuff helped her stomach and she did not spit up so much. She is a healthy, smart 22 year old going to college and doing well, so I have no complaints.

Answer 7

My daughter had to be on soy formula because the regular formula made her spit up too much. Breast milk is the best, I just never had any. I tried breastfeeding for over 2 months.

Answer 8

That's weird,now that you mention it,my first was on regular Simalc w/ Iron,and my second on soy based and my oldest catches every cold,stomach virus and has had a few ear infections.And my second child rarely catches anything.So maybe you have a point?!

Answer 9

My daughter was on soy forumla because I am lactose intolerant and they felt my daughter would be as well. When she got older we tried regular milk and she is lactose intolerant. (remember the "pea soup scene" from the Exsorsist?) As adults her and I drink soy milk...

Answer 10

cows actually have 4 stomachs: large rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum.