Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Baby Formula Bonanza

I explored the baby food aisle to compare products to those I issue through the WIC program. WIC provides jarred baby foods; Emart did not carry them. I think many Korean parents make baby food by themselves. I know that they serve mashed rice to their babies at six months.
Formula was plentiful and expensive. Emart uses security devices on its formulas:
I had never seen locked formulas before, though I had heard of such security measures in low-income areas.
WIC provides cow's milk- or soy-based formula. Emart carried goat's milk formula:
Goat's milk formula is supposedly more easily digestible and less allergenic. Allergic babies should only take goat's milk formula if approved by a doctor. It would be very difficult, if not impossible, to find in the United States. Parents use soy or special hypoallergenic formulas
for babies with milk allergy. Another unique product was colostrum:
A mother produces colostrum the first week or so after giving birth. It contains more protein, salt, and antibodies than regular breastmilk. It also has less fat and fewer calories. Colostrum is one benefit of breastfeeding; bottle-fed babies don't receive it, at least not in the United States. I've seen colostrum at supplement stores (body builder's milk) but never in the baby aisle.
A mixed vegetable powdered "formula":

I was tempted to buy this one for myself. Why not? My friend bought the colostrum for herself!

6 comments:

Trvlgyrl said...

I remember seeing a few American baby formulas there - and they were much more expensive than the Korean formulas. It is my understanding that parents (that can afford it) like to give their babies American formulas thinking that it might make their babies grow tall - like American babies. Anyway, what was the source of colustrum - not sure if there are any benefits consuming it as an adult.

Roboseyo said...

Hey there. I can't find any way to contact you on your blog, but I'd like to invite you to eat a strong contender for the best food in Korea, over in Andong, on the weekend of February 28-March 1. I'm trying to get a decent group together, and Andong Jjimdalk is really something you must try, in Andong.

If this sounds fun, send me a message at roboseyo[at]gmail[dot]com or send a message to roboseyo on facebook.

Unknown said...

How much do those containers of formula cost?

MandyKat said...

Hi Mom - I didn't look at the prices! I have noticed that Similac and Enfamil are significantly more expensive on the Korean economy. They must cost at least $25 per can. (The cost is about $12/can in the commissary.)

Rachel Hadley said...

Hi MandyKat, I found your blog as I was researching Dietitian jobs in Korea. You have very good information. I have worked for WIC in America, and work like to work for WIC in Korea. I have applied but have not heard anything back. I was wondering if you knew of any other jobs an American Dietitian could do in Korea. Anything you could provide me would be helpful. My email is rlhdaley@purdue.edu thanks so much

Rachel Hadley said...

So sorry i typed my email wrong I should have proofread my post. lol My email is rlhadley@purdue.edu