New moms are usually told that âbreast is bestâ when it comes to feeding their baby, and while breastfeeding has a multitude of benefits, itâs not the ideal solution for every mom. Some mothers find that formula feeding is best for them, and that could be for a number of reasons. If the baby is having trouble attaching to the breast and not gaining adequate weight, formula feeding may help. Or if the mom has a low milk supply, a newborn who has jaundice is going to need extra hydration. In these situations, your pediatrician may suggest formula for your newborn or infant. In other cases, moms are on medication and have to temporarily halt breastfeeding. There are also moms who are going back to work and canât pump repeatedly, or just canât breastfeed entirely.
The breastfeeding versus bottle feeding decision is one of the most trigger-inducing topics, but ultimately you have to do whatâs best for you and your baby. For some women, supplementing breastfeeding with formula is a great compromise. Formulas for newborns are widely available and are very safe. And if youâre considering breast milk and formula mixing for your baby, you may find it to be the perfect combination.
If youâre thinking about choosing breastfeeding and formula feeding for your baby, also known as supplementation, here are seven things to consider. As you navigate the switch to supplementing, donât hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant.
Getting Started
Every mom is different, as is every baby, so thereâs no one best way to bring formula into the feeding routine, but the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization both suggest exclusively breastfeeding during the first six months of babyâs life. Other experts encourage breastfeeding for at least three to four weeks to establish your supply and babyâs comfort with the breast.
âIn general, I would recommend starting with one bottle per day at the time of day where your baby is at their happiest and most calm, and most likely to accept the formula,â holistic pediatrician Dr. Elisa Song tells Healthline. Once youâve established a one-bottle-a-day routine, you can gradually up the number of formula feedings.
Choosing the Right Formula
Many moms who choose supplementing with formula fear that their baby wonât get adequate nutrition. Itâs true that formula doesnât contain the same antibodies as breast milk, but it does have to pass rigorous nutrient testing before it can be sold. The Food and Drug Administration specifies that all infant formulas must contain a minimum quantity of 29 important nutrients (and a maximum amount of nine nutrients babies need less of). Until your baby starts solids, your formula needs to give her all the nutrients she needs every day â like breast milk does.
Most healthy babies do well with a milk-based, iron-fortified formula. According to Enfamil, âDifferent formulas have different levels of these important building blocks for your baby's brain and eyes. Go for the ones with expert-recommended levels.â Always discuss your options with your pediatrician to figure out which one is best for your baby.
Also note that itâs common for babies starting formula may be colicky, gassy or react in another way to an ingredient in the infant formula, so you may need to try a few different brands.
Another thing to note: It may seem like a great idea, but experts also say donât mix breast milk with infant formula in the same bottle, because you might be wasting that breast milk you worked hard to express if your little one doesnât finish the bottle.
Nipple Confusion
Nipple confusion is when babies have a little trouble going back and forth between breast and bottle because the switch from skin to latex may be disconcerting for your little one at first. The change in the flow of milk from the bottle and nipple may also be something your baby has to adjust to drinking from. Thatâs why experts generally recommend that you try to breastfeed exclusively for four to six weeks until you introduce the bottle and formula. But donât worry if thatâs not your situation. If you've decided that both breastfeeding and formula are right for you, stick with it â there's a good chance your baby won't show any signs of it at all.
Make Feeding Experiences Similar
If you want to give your baby formula and continue breastfeeding, the key is to be consistent in order to make sure your baby likes both. You can switch sides when you're formula-feeding as you would move from breast to breast, and burp baby between sides. Fill the session with lots of eye contact and cuddles.
Another tip is to space out your formula-feeding sessions. Introduce a bottle of formula an hour or two after breastfeeding when your little one is ready to eat but not starving. Add in an additional daily bottle-feeding session a few days later. Many moms may start off supplementing with formula to get their milk supply up but are then able to back off again. Others may move in the opposite direction, weaning baby off breast milk completely or at least cutting back.
But either way, if you space out your bottles you can keep your milk supply up if youâre trying to continue breastfeeding. This can help prevent a clogged milk duct or breast infection if youâre weaning the baby off the breast.
Keeping Track of Feedings
Even though it's easier to measure how much a baby is eating when bottle feeding , try not to obsess about exactly how much the baby is getting from either your breast milk or the formula. Your baby will eat more when he's hungry and less when he's not. Itâs better to make sure that your little one is gaining weight appropriately.
A recommended strategy to keep up your supply is to nurse first, then give formula at the end of a feeding. If this is possible, it will help your baby get the most breast milk available. If it's not possible, again, do what's best for your specific situation.
The Baby Poop Change
Because of the extra air intake from the bottle, your baby may be more gassy, so another burping session or adjusting the feeding position can help. Exclusively breast-fed babies have poops that are mustard-like in color and consistency, sometimes loose and runny, or seedy, mushy, or curdy. Whew. Formula-fed poops are a bit more formed, and can be anywhere from pale yellow to yellowish brown, light brown, or brownish green. They can have a stronger odor, too. Supplementing will change the poops to some combination of the two feeding types.
Mom Knows Best
Everyone will have an opinion when it comes to feeding your baby and especially breast milk and formula mixing. But it doesnât matter whether your bestie thinks itâs time to wean your daughter off breastfeeding or your mother-in-law thinks that formula supplementing is a bad idea. Trust that you and your doctor know whatâs right for you and your baby, and you'll make your decisions accordingly.
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
