Challenging the Maligning of Homemade Human Milk Substitutes During a Shortage of Commercial Formula

Abstract

Infant formula (human milk substitutes) has been commercialized and capitalized in such a way that during times of shortages, families unable to offer human milk struggle to provide for their infant’s needs. A thoughtfully designed and safely prepared homemade recipe may meet the needs of families struggling to access commercial products. Analysis of a simple recipe indicates that it appears to be of greater nutritional value than the emergency formula suggested by the World Health Organization. Naturopathic doctors play a key role in empowering parents to provide safe and reliable nutrition for infants. As a profession, we have a great responsibility to advocate for the decommodification of food in order to promote food security and sovereignty, ensuring that people of all ages, including infants, have access to the most appropriate food for their health.