In a message dated 3/30/99 4:35:13 AM !!!First Boot!!!,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< I have a question that some of you may be able to help me with.  We have =
 a 7 month old daughter who is breastfeed.  I'm thinking about weaning =
 her, but all the formula is milk-based.  I really don't want her to have =
 milk-based formula, and I know that soy is not much better.  Does anyone =
 have suggestions?
  >>
Amy, I have a very good suggestion for you: why not keep on breastfeeding?
This solution has worked for me, and many of my friends. I have a 20 month old
who still noshes at the breast. He is very big for his age, healthy, and never
had an ear infection or stuffy nose. The world average age for weaning is
actually 3.5 years (!) a fact we rarely hear about. We are so much more
familiar with formula products and advertising. The truth is that the only
truly appropriate milk for your baby is the milk you make yourself -
breastmilk. It is designed specifically for your daughter's needs and will
change in composition as she grows and her needs change.

Why not continue breastfeeding until she is at least a year old, at which
point you could start giving her fortified rice or soy milk (regular, not
infant formula). Any possible negative effects would not be as pronounced as
they might be at this particular time.

If you are interested in considering this option, there is *a lot* of
information out there on so-called "extended breastfeeding" and the many
health benefits that go along with it for both mother and child. I would be
happy to provide you with more info -- write me anytime :)
Cathy Tressider