11.22.09
Feeding With Baby Formula
You have probably heard that breast milk is the best thing for your baby. This is the truth, but that does not mean that you are a bad person if you have to or choose to give your baby formula. Some people try to breastfeed and can not do it, and some just dry up no matter what they try to reverse the loss of milk. Some just do not want to do it for their own personal reasons. Some breastfeed but find that they need to supplement with formula because they can not produce enough. Whatever the case, there are some things to remember about feeding or supplementing with baby formula.
Some people fear that they are not making enough breast milk and they supplement with baby formula. There is nothing wrong with this if you do it the right way. You should remember that your body should make the milk you need, and there are ways you can tell if your baby is getting enough. If they are wetting diapers and gaining weight, you are doing okay. It is hard to tell as you can not see what is in your breast before and after you feed your baby. You can offer formula after breastfeeding to see if they take it. They will if they need it. Babies are good self-limiters and won’t drink it if they do not need it.
If your baby is born prematurely, the doctors and nurses may instruct you to add some powdered formula to your breast milk to up the calories in the milk. This is done because preemies are expending calories they would not have to expend in the womb and therefore need a few extra in each ounce of breast milk to thrive and gain weight. Do not do this unless you are so instructed by your doctor. Healthy, as full term babies do not need anything more than what is in the milk alone. You could hurt your baby if you fortify your breast milk without the consent of your doctor.
Premature babies that can not breast feed can take pumped milk through a bottle (or through a feeding tube if they are very small). They are not going to use the same baby formula that you would use if you had a full term baby. Even healthy preemies need special baby formula. Some hospitals will give them 22 ounce formula (normal breast milk and formula as 20 calories per ounce) or a special formula that is very easy to digest because preemies have a harder time with digestion. Again, do not use these without the consent of a doctor.
Baby formula is better than it has ever been. While the breastfeeding is the best in general, it is not always the best for every family, nor is it always possible. There is no reason to feel guilty if you choose to or have to give your baby formula as they are getting all that they need to be happy and healthy in the long run. Formula is made for the human baby, so don’t think you can substitute cow or other milk for feedings as this milk was made for a different baby, not the human one, and your baby will not thrive with it. Instead, ask your doctor to help you choose the right formula and know you are giving your baby all that you can to help them grow.