Supplementing: Formula or Pumped Milk?

As a parent, one of the first big decisions you have to make is how to feed your little one. Infant feeding, whether breast or formula, can come with some unexpected challenges. Families who choose to exclusively breastfeed may face the additional worry of “ is my baby getting enough? ”, due to the fact that they are unable to visualize how much breastmilk the infant is taking in. Your parental concerns may also be increased by well-meaning family members or even medical professionals.

Reasons you may consider supplementation:

Infant prematurity: born before 37 weeks of gestation
Low blood sugar or jaundice in the hospital
Milk “coming in” delayed beyond 3-5 days
Low milk supply or perceived low supply
Infant not transferring milk well at the breast
Slow infant weight gain
Maternal history of breast surgery
Infant reflux or feeding intolerances
Difficulty establishing breastfeeding

The decision of whether to supplement your breastfeeding infant can be overwhelming. It’s important to fully discuss your concerns with the baby’s doctor and consider arranging a visit with a Lactation Consultant or counselor for a feeding assessment.

Supplementing: which is better-expressed breastmilk or infant formula ???

The short answer would be expressed breastmilk is the preferred method of supplementation. There are numerous health benefits from breastfeeding. Some of the infant benefits include reduced risk of asthma & allergies, autoimmune diseases, childhood cancer, type 1 diabetes, and SIDS. Many of these benefits can be linked to improved gut health. Research has demonstrated even one bottle of formula can alter the infant’s gut bacteria. Maternal health benefits from breastfeeding are reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, breast, and ovarian cancer, along with improved child spacing and weight management.

However …

Relying solely on pumped breastmilk can put an excessive physical and emotional burden on some mamas. Setting the expectation of exclusively using breastmilk can be unrealistic depending on the situation. Pumping multiple times a day is hard work and can increase the stress level of an already overwhelmed mama.

Goals

What are your individual breastfeeding goals? Did you plan to breastfeed for the first year, or were you going to “try” breastfeeding out? Consider, on a scale of zero to ten, how important is exclusive breastfeeding to you?

A Few Questions to Ask Yourself?

What are my choices? ( eg change nothing, schedule lactation visit, pump and offer bottles, provide expressed breastmilk and formula, etc)

Is providing formula going to help me meet my breastfeeding goals or is it going to hinder it?

What are the pros and cons for myself and my baby?

Is there another option eg. donor breastmilk?

Who are my resources? eg pediatrician, lactation consultant, Midwife, WIC, family/friends, or moms groups

How should I offer supplements: bottle, cup, or supplemental nursing system

What can I do to increase my milk supply?

Formula

Formula can be a helpful and necessary tool when used appropriately. Breastfeeding may be negatively impacted when used for less than ideal reasons.

Formula use:

Changes infant’s gut bacteria leading to possible long term health consequences
Alters moms milk supply ( think supply & demand)
Decreases duration of breastfeeding
Is expensive
Some infants are intolerant to formula
Provides essential calories & nutrients when breastmilk volume is insufficient
Offers a sense of relief for concerns parents
Lets partners help out more with infant feedings
Can be life-saving in rare situations

Finding Balance

What is the best choice for your family is ultimately up to you. It’s not a one size fits all approach. There are potential risks and benefits to both. One of the most important things to remember is that the baby has to be fed to thrive and you should feel comfortable with your decision.

No matter what you decide, we’re here to support you, so remind yourself you got this mama!