Dear Goats,

Thank you for keeping my baby alive. And happy for the first time in months.

While Eliza isn't necessarily allergic to breastmilk,our lactation specialist (and I) believe she is unable to break down the milk protein in breastmilk or any formulas that contain milk. Our pediatrician suggested Similiac Alimentum and while it was a blessing in so many ways, it was not the answer. Once we introduced the Alimentum, Eliza's colic stopped. We continued to breastfeed her partially, but every time she drank even the smallest amount of breastmilk, there was a noticeable difference in her demeanor- she was fussy, irritable, and unhappier overall. Alimentum set us in the right direction, but after seeing how Eliza digested the formula, I felt sick to my stomach. She wasn't colicky, but she was in pain.

Then, we came across the idea of goat's milk. Two of Nathan's brothers had colic and would not nurse. Nathan's mother searched for a solution and then gave them goat's milk, which seemed to help. We were so desperate that we would try anything. I was wary of giving Eliza unpasteurized milk, but after some research (and a half gallon of pasteurized goat's milk from Good Earth), we decided to find a farm with unpasteurized goat's milk. Finally we found Drake Family Farms in South Jordan. It is a small family farm (and forty minutes away), but it is definitely worth the trip. Eliza has been so happy lately! She loves the milk and it has been incredibly good for her digestion. Biologically, goat's milk is the closest substitute for breastmilk. I can confirm this is true!

I have tried to put aside feelings of failing Eliza in some way by depriving her of nursing because I know goat's milk is the best thing for her. I'd recommend it to any parents in a similar situation (and in fact, I have!). Two babies are a lot happier thanks to these goats!