Chest-feeding vs. formula-feeding: What's best?

Breast-feeding has many benefits. Hither's how to back up breast-feeding — and what you should know near formula-feeding.

By Mayo Dispensary Staff

Jay L. Hoecker, M.D. Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

Chest-feeding provides the best nutrition for your baby and is the most widely recommended manner to feed a newborn. However, some factors might lead y'all to consider formula-feeding.

Here, Jay L. Hoecker, Chiliad.D., an emeritus pediatrics specialist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, answers important questions about breast-feeding and formula-feeding.

How long should I breast-feed my baby?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sectional breast-feeding for the showtime six months after nascence — and then chest-feeding in combination with solid foods until at least age 1. Extended chest-feeding is recommended as long as you and your baby wish to continue.

Breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients for your baby and boosts your baby's allowed organisation. Information technology'due south considered the gold standard for infant nutrition.

Is whatsoever additional nutrition necessary?

Enquire your baby's doctor nearly vitamin D supplements for the baby, peculiarly if you're exclusively breast-feeding. Breast milk might not provide enough vitamin D, which helps your baby absorb calcium and phosphorus — nutrients necessary for strong bones.

What can I do to promote successful breast-feeding?

Taking intendance of yourself can become a long style toward promoting successful chest-feeding. Swallow a healthy diet, drink plenty of fluids and balance every bit much as possible.

To boost your confidence, larn every bit much as you can about breast-feeding. Proceed the environment calm and relaxed. Expect to your partner and other loved ones for back up. Don't be agape to inquire for assistance.

Friends who've successfully breast-fed might be a skilful source of data. Lactation consultants are available at many hospitals and clinics. Your or your babe's health intendance provider might be able to help, too.

Can I apply simply bottles and still chest-feed?

If your baby has trouble latching on to the chest or if you and your family unit accept a preference for bottle-feeding, you can exclusively bottle-feed your baby chest milk. Pump equally oft as you would feed your baby from the chest. Using a double electric chest pump can aid you collect more milk in less time.

If you're having problem making enough milk or if yous tin can't give your infant your breast milk for a medical reason, yous tin can turn to a human milk bank and feed your baby pasteurized donor milk from a bottle. The Human Milk Banking Association of North America can assist you find an accredited milk banking concern.

What if breast-feeding isn't going well?

If you're struggling, enquire a lactation consultant or your baby'south doctor for assistance. If your infant's physician is concerned that your babe isn't receiving adequate nutrition or hydration, he or she might advise pumping and supplementing with expressed breast milk or formula.

Chest milk is the platonic nutrient for babies — and the best way to continue a baby healthy — but proper nutrition and hydration are absolutely essential for your baby.

Does infant formula pose any risks to a infant?

Commercial babe formulas don't contain the immunity-boosting elements of breast milk that only your torso can provide to your baby. For most babies, breast milk is besides easier to assimilate than formula.

When prepared every bit directed, however, babe formula supports healthy babies who take typical dietary needs. A infant who has special nutritional needs might require a special formula.

Can I combine breast-feeding and formula-feeding?

Exclusive chest-feeding is recommended for the first six months after birth. A diet of simply breast milk provides the best nutrition. Formula supplementation tin can disrupt breast-feeding as well equally affect milk supply.

However, some mothers are able to combine chest-feeding and formula-feeding — specially afterward chest-feeding has been well established.

If I choose not to breast-feed, how should I handle the resulting emotions?

If you lot're considering formula-feeding, practice your research so that you lot can make an informed determination. Then focus on nourishing and nurturing your baby — instead of abode on negative emotions. You might also share your feelings with your doctor or certified nurse-midwife, your baby's doctor or others in your support circumvolve.

Remember, parenting is an take a chance that requires choices and compromises. What counts is doing the best y'all can as you confront this new challenge.

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April 07, 2020

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