If you're not supplementing your child for medical reasons, experts recommend breastfeeding for at least one month before starting formula. This gives you time to build up a healthy breast milk supply and ensure that your baby is breastfeeding well. At this point, you can slowly begin to add formula. While it is OK to put breast milk and formula in the same bottle if you have already prepared the formula, mixing them can lead to wasted breast milk if your baby does not finish the bottle.
If possible, give breast milk first, then finish the feeding with formula. For safety reasons, you should never combine your breast milk with unmixed powdered or concentrated formula.
Before choosing an infant formula for your child, talk to your pediatrician. Most recommend an iron-fortified infant formula during the first year of life. If your baby develops a rash, vomiting , diarrhea , excessive crying, fussiness, or gas after starting formula, it may be an allergy. Stop using the formula and check with the baby's doctor to discuss other infant formula options.
Supplementing will be a change if you've been exclusively breastfeeding. If possible, add formula gradually so that your body can adjust. Each day, your body makes breast milk based on the concept of supply and demand. When you start to add formula, it can affect how much breast milk you make. If you plan on supplementing one or two bottles a week, it shouldn't affect your breast milk supply. But if you give your child one or two bottles of formula a day, your milk supply will begin to drop.
Going from not supplementing to giving a lot of bottles in a short period could cause problems such as breast engorgement and blocked milk ducts. Either practice can help maintain your breast milk supply and prevent some of the common breastfeeding problems that can pop up when you skip nursing to bottle feed.
Removing your breast milk will help relieve the fullness that breast engorgement can cause. Another benefit is that you can store your pumped breast milk to use at a later time. Depending on how you store it, breast milk can stay in the freezer for up to one year.
If you've been exclusively breastfeeding your baby and begin to add formula to their daily diet, there are some things you may start to notice. Usually, these are just part of the transition and your baby will eventually adjust to the new routine.
Your child may refuse to take the bottle, especially if you're the one giving it to them. The transition may go more smoothly if your partner or another caregiver offers the formula. Aside from simply wanting milk from the breast, some babies may have a hard time getting the hang of using a bottle.
Others may just not like the taste of the formula. Since your baby can digest breast milk more easily than infant formula, the latter allows them to feel fuller longer.
They may not seem hungry as quickly after formula feedings as they do after breastfeeding. Refusing the bottle is usually no longer an issue after some time. After your child gets used to the formula and drinking from a bottle, however, you may have the reverse issue: They may no longer want to nurse.
Drinking from the breast takes more work, and many babies end up finding formula more satisfying. Adding formula to your baby's diet may change the pattern, color, and consistency of your baby's poop e. The ultimate goal of every parent is to have a happy, healthy baby who is growing and thriving. It's great if you can breastfeed exclusively, but it's not always possible or desirable for every parent. Breastfeeding doesn't have to be all or nothing. Every baby and situation is unique, and a combination of breastfeeding and formula may work best for your family.
Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Baby formula is an alternative to breastmilk that is used for feeding infants.
Baby formula production is heavily regulated , so all formulas that are legally marketed and sold in the US have to have certain amounts of nutrients in them. All baby formula ingredients should include the basics of water, a carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
The protein base of formula can come from many commonly used milk types like cow, goat, or soy. Being a parent is a hard job. Letting someone else formula feed the baby means getting some help and much needed rest, which leads to a well-rested and happy mom.
This also gives someone else a chance to bond and build a relationship with your baby. Breastfeeding one infant can be tough, and breastfeeding multiples can be super tough. Not to mention the time and logistics involved, which can be stressful. Multiples are also more likely to be premature and need more calories than babies born on time, so these infants are sometimes recommended to have formula by their healthcare provider for extra calories, vitamins and minerals.
Choosing to supplement with formula during the day or the night is a great way for moms to step back and allow some time for rest, which is definitely needed when you have two or more babies. Although without any scientific support , many parents believe formula feeding will help their little one sleep through the night.
This method of birth control is not percent effective in preventing pregnancy. You might also see postpartum weight loss slowing down. However, research is mixed on the effects of breastfeeding as a weight loss aid. A study showed exclusive breastfeeding for 3 months resulted in just a 1.
Related: Which forms of birth control are safe to use while breastfeeding? How do you know which one to choose? If you know or suspect your baby has a food allergy, you may want to opt for a hypoallergenic formula that can reduce symptoms like runny nose, tummy upset, or hives. Talk to your pediatrician if you have specific questions or concerns about choosing the best formula. If supplementing with formula is the best decision for your circumstances, you can rest easy knowing that when you feel good, baby is more likely to thrive, too.
They can help set you on the right path. When it comes to feeding baby, you want only the very best. We evaluated the best baby bottles on the market to help you choose. If your baby is crying at the breast or refusing to breastfeed it can feel frustrating and confusing.
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