Alternatives to breastfeeding
Families who cannot afford formula
have tried some other ways to feed their
babies. These ways are not possible for
every mother, but may be for some.
• A relative or friend who does not have
HIV can breastfeed the child.
• Animal milks can be fed to a baby.
Animal milks have more fat and less
sugar than human milk, so they must
be mixed with water and sugar to be
Someone else
may be able to
breastfeed the
baby.
fed to a baby. People do not agree on
one recipe that will make animal milk most healthy for a baby. Here are 2
ways to make it, depending on the kind of animal milk you have.
To feed a baby with animal milk
from cow milk, goat milk, or camel milk:
• mix 100 ml fresh milk with 50 ml clean water and 10 g (2 tsp) sugar
from sheep milk or buffalo milk:
• mix 50 ml fresh milk with 50 ml clean water and 5 g (1 tsp) sugar
Bring the formula to a boil and then remove it from the heat. Let it cool and then
feed immediately.
Animal milks do not have all the vitamins a growing baby needs — so the baby
should be given a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and other foods starting at
about 6 months of age.
When a family gives formula or
animal milk they must keep everything
very clean. The cup, spoon, bottle,
rubber nipples, and any containers
used for milk or formula should be
washed thoroughly and boiled for
20 minutes before each use.
Prepared formula, tinned milk that has been opened, and
animal milks should never be left at room temperature for
more than 2 hours. They will spoil and could make the baby
very sick. Formula can sit in a cold refrigerator for up to
12 hours.
295
A Book for Midwives (2010)