Mt. Capra Goat Milk Formula

why choose a goat milk formula?

From medical situations to poor latching to low milk supply, some moms are not able to breastfeed as they’d hoped and need a healthy baby formula that’s as close to breast milk as possible.

After sifting through hours of scientific data and research studies (my credentials here), we chose to use the Homemade Goat Milk Formula from Mt. Capra. Homemade?! Yes, but keep reading! This is a different kind of homemade formula because it doesn’t use raw milk or 13-15 ingredients like other well-known homemade baby formulas. It uses powdered goat milk and lactose and other ingredients in their purest forms. (No processing = no additives, emulsifiers, stabilizers, or artificial sugars.) It is nutritionally backed by science, compliant with the Infant Formula Act, and comes complete with all necessary ingredients and recipe instructions. (For baby formula comparisons of all types, see this post.)

Note: I am not a medical expert and do not offer medical advice. This information does not replace medical advice shared by trusted pediatricians or holistic health care providers. Please go to Mt. Capra’s website to review the science-based evidence for this formula. This article is the culmination of conscientious research, testimonies from other parents, and personal experience.

If you’re a nitty-gritty details person like me, here’s the full story:

From the time my baby was born he faced significant feeding challenges. His latch was restrictive and his lips didn’t form a good seal for breastfeeding effectively. At 2 weeks old, a lactation specialist identified a tongue tie and a lip tie, and my son had a procedure called a frenotomy to “clip” his ties. (Laser surgery for tongue tie and lip tie is now recommended). At 3 weeks old, he was diagnosed with moderate to severe GER (acid reflux), which caused excessive spit-up, back arching, and squirming in discomfort, among other reflux symptoms. His condition was further irritated by supplementing with cow milk formula when I didn’t produce enough breast milk.

I was determined to breastfeed my baby, but between poor latching, low milk supply, and acid reflux, we couldn’t make it work after 4 months of full-time effort. I wanted the next best nutrition for him, but what formula could be close to my breast milk? We didn’t want to buy donor milk and my son wasn’t tolerating regular baby formulas well.

Then, I learned about the benefits and advantages of goat milk and how it’s quickly growing in popularity as a healthy dairy alternative. Because goat milk has smaller fat molecules, a different protein structure, and less lactose than cow milk, it is easier to digest as well as less allergenic than cow milk. (Think about the size difference between cows and goats. From birth to adulthood, goats are much more similar in size to humans. Cows also have 4 stomachs for digestion!)

I started looking specifically for a goat milk formula and found that, with the exception of one sold in the U.S. (which still uses cow milk lactose), they need to be ordered from Europe or Germany. Goat milk formula is also more expensive - generally about $70 per container plus international shipping. (One container lasts about 5-7 days.) I can’t put a price on my baby’s health, but at the same time, how did I know these goat milk formulas would be worth it?

What’s the deal with homemade formula?

Eager for a formula that was as close to breast milk as possible, I scoured the internet for a healthy baby formula that I couldn’t seem to find on store shelves. The medical community warns against homemade baby formula, and I conceded because I understand the risks associated with raw, unpasteurized milk and some ingredients typically found in homemade baby formula recipes. However, many commercial baby formulas contain too much sugar as well as additives to make the formula shelf-stable. Lactose is the most natural sugar, but when replaced or supplemented with sugar in the forms of corn syrup solids, brown rice syrup, maltodextrin, sucrose, etc. it’s less healthy for our babies. Early exposure to sugar (particularly sugars commonly used in baby formulas) wire the brain for sugar addiction. (More explanation here.)

The benefit to homemade formula is that it doesn’t need emulsifiers, stabilizers, or other additives because the ingredients are natural, unprocessed, whole foods - making it more similar to mom’s milk than packaged baby formulas. But homemade formula is still intimidating because of ingredients like raw, unpasteurized milk, cod liver oil, acerola powder, and so on. You also don’t want to just borrow your neighbor’s recipe. You want a recipe that has been developed safely and effectively following the requirements of The Infant Formula Act (which is what the FDA uses to regulate baby formulas developed by companies).

In my searching, I had a providential conversation with a friend who recommended the Homemade Goat Milk Formula from Mt. Capra after using it with both of her children. After reading every page of information and seeing that the science backs up the recipe (see my health and nutrition background), I decided it was worth a try. What I love about this formula is that it doesn’t use raw, unpasteurized milk or other ingredients like cod liver oil and acerola powder. It uses pure goat milk powder and pure goat milk lactose powder which have been gently dried through refractance window drying. There are 6 ingredients in the mixing process + 4 once-a-day ingredients.

Hypoallergenic, Elemental, and Sensitive Baby Formula

In some cases, the best formula for your baby is one that is hypoallergenic, elemental, or sensitive…meaning factory-processed commercial baby formula made with cow milk and/or amino acids. This kind of baby formula can better meet the nutritional needs of severely allergic babies, premature infants, or babies with medical conditions (like the inability to digest normal fats). While it is the most natural route next to breastfeeding, homemade formula may not be complex enough for babies with special medical needs. This is for you and your pediatrician or holistic health care provider to determine.

I’m an advocate for every parent choosing which formula is best to meet their baby’s individual needs. In our case, the more natural ingredients in the Mt. Capra goat milk formula actually helped relieve my son’s reflux symptoms and gave me peace that while I couldn’t produce enough breast milk for him, a wholesome alternative was available. Moreover, I could not have chosen this option had Mt. Capra not shown at length how the goat milk formula meets all the nutrient requirements that other baby formulas are required to meet by the FDA. Providing this information to our trusted pediatrician, he also supported this homemade formula alternative.

What to expect:

1) The idea of mixing ingredients intimidated me, but it was much easier to make than I expected. It uses 6 ingredients + 4 once-a-day ingredients compared to 13 or more ingredients in other homemade baby formulas - and at least 30 ingredients in packaged baby formulas. To start, you can order a starter kit that comes with a recipe card and all ingredients needed. I made 64 ounces of formula every other night, which took about 10-15 minutes. A batch of formula stays fresh for up to 3 days, but we used it within 2 days to be safe.

2) I came to appreciate the health benefits of a natural formula made with whole food ingredients. And while some parents pivot away from the word “homemade” (just like I did at first), this formula hit the sweet spot between homemade baby formula and commercial baby formula since it uses pure goat milk powder, gently processed by refractance window drying technology, rather than raw, unpasteurized milk. (However, raw milk can be substituted for committed granola moms). And this goat milk formula is modeled after breast milk, from every macro to micro-nutrient.

3) My son adjusted so well and loved this goat milk formula - like actually preferred it to the few ounces of breast milk I was pumping then feeding to him. (And how ironic because pumping breast milk is so much work!) It resolved gassy issues and lessened uncomfortable reflux symptoms, along with a natural cell salt called Nat. Phos. 6X, which organically reduces acidity in the stomach.

How do you prepare this formula?

100% goat milk powder, 100% goat milk lactose, 100% goat milk ghee, high oleic sunflower oil, expeller pressed grapeseed oil, and blackstrap molasses are mixed together (preferably with a whisk) in hot water and can be refrigerated for 2 days. The vitamins, DHA, colostrum, and probiotic supplements are added once a day. The formula can be made in various size batches, depending on your baby’s needs. The recipe card gives measurements for making 8oz, 1 pint, 1 quart, and 1 gallon. A starter kit is available or you can order ingredients individually. Check out this post for tips on preparing and storing the formula!

Are you a salesperson?

Nope! I share this formula with you because I really believe in it. We had a wonderful experience, and my son (now a toddler) is one healthy little guy. Mt. Capra does not pay me to advertise or pitch their formula. And it’s a good thing because I probably couldn’t sell nuts to a squirrel.

Do you earn any commission?

Yes! I earn a small commission on any purchase via my referral. The funds help me keep this website up and running and fund a weekly lunch date with my buddy. YOU also earn points on each purchase made through the link above (or by clicking the photo), which can be applied to future purchases to save money. (For example, 200 points equals $20 off your order.)

i would like to know more.

I love this company’s commitment to clean, nutritious products and excellent customer service. Turning to this option when we couldn’t breastfeed made the whole process of giving infant formula to my baby a more peaceful experience. To learn more, start with this article on the reasons why we chose this formula over traditional homemade formula or commercial formula.

Questions? Feel free to email Jenn at momswithoutmilk@gmail.com anytime! You can also click on the email icon below.