It’s a history lesson on the heritage of Similac! I’m honored to be a Similac Strong Moms Ambassador, a sponsored blog partner, this year.
I’m not much of a history buff, but when it comes to knowing where your baby’s food is coming from, I like to be as educated as possible. That’s why I’m excited to share with you a little bit of history on Similac. You see, it all started on a ship in the 1920s by a doctor who wanted to create a feeding solution for mothers to give their children. Similac then went on to produce the first formula with iron to solve the common problem of anemia in babies who were exclusively formula-fed. And as time progressed, they created specialized formulas for infants with special feeding needs, including low-birth-weight and premature needs. And that is all since 1978!
Probably my favorite part about Similac is the fact that Abbott (the parent company) has a long history of providing breastfeeding education materials to mothers and healthcare professionals. The company has also partnered with organizations to help develop and promote breastfeeding programs. The company supports breastfeeding education, while also supporting mom’s right to choose infant feeding that is most appropriate for her family. Perfect balance, if you ask me!
Here’s a pretty interesting timeline of how it all came to be:
- 1925: Similac introduces its first milk-based infant formula
- 1951: Similac introduces concentrated liquid infant formula in the U.S., the first infant formula available in a form other than powder in the U.S.
- 1959: Similac introduces the first iron-fortified formula in the U.S.
- 1978: Similac introduces the first iron-fortified formula for premature and low-birth-weight infants
- 1994: Similac introduces the first formula in the U.S. specially designed for premature babies after hospital discharge
- 2006: Similac introduces the first certified USDA organic infant formula by a major formula brand
- 2008: Similac introduces the first formula that included a blend of prebiotics, nucleotides and carotenoids found in breast milk
- 2013: Similac introduces its first formula with partially broken-down protein for easy digestion in babies with feeding issues
- 2013: Similac introduces the first infant formula designed for breastfeeding moms who choose to supplement
Here’s a visual, too:
I ended up supplementing with Liam because he was spitting up so much of my breastmilk. I couldn’t keep up with him and having that extra bottle every day comforted me to know that he was getting a full belly and the nutrition he needed. I’m interested to see how breastfeeding baby #2 in a few weeks goes! This time I’m not afraid of supplementing. You do what you have to do and you do what’s best for you and your baby. That’s what I love most about Similac’s mission….they agree with that wholeheartedly.
Cheers to healthy and fully babies!
If you ever have any questions or concerns, Similac provides a free feeding and nutrition resource where registered nurses, registered dietitians and third-party lactation consultants are available to answer questions about infant formula or breastfeeding Just call the Feeding Experts at (1-800-986-8800).
