Breastfeeding combined with formula

Formula feeding is supplemental feeding of a breastfed infant before 6 months of age (recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding), including donor human milk (from a milk bank), infant formula or other breastmilk substitutes (e.g. glucose solution).

Breastfeeding has many benefits for you and your baby. However, there are situations when, in addition to your milk, the child needs a certain amount of formula. This is usually necessary if the child has a health problem (preterm birth, illness) or does not thrive enough.

If your baby cannot suckle due to illness, but feeds on your milk, he/she is naturally fed, with all the benefits provided by breastmilk.

Consult a doctor or visiting nurse before giving your baby formula. Sometimes it is necessary to weigh and monitor the child more often to make sure that he/she is thriving well. It takes patience too! Seek advice on how to increase milk production and help with positioning the baby on the breast and finding a good position for breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding combined with formula is usually temporary, for a short period of time. Many mothers, especially with their first child, worry whether they have enough milk, especially if the baby cries soon after a breastfeed or the breasts seem empty. In fact, it is only in rare cases that a mother cannot produce enough milk.

It is important to learn how to recognize that the baby is suckling enough and to learn to interpret the baby's signals.

If formula is necessary, on doctor's recommendation, consult him/her on:

How many meals are needed and in what quantity
How you will give the baby formula (preferably from a cup)
How long you should give formula to your baby

You will notice a change in the color, smell and appearance of the baby's stool.

Risks of breastfeeding combined with formula:

Your baby will find that drinking milk from a bottle is easier than suckling, so he/she may refuse breastfeeding.
The breasts can become engorged and painful, which can cause milk production to stop.
The amount of milk can decrease gradually because of lack of breast stimulation.

Causes and possible consequences of introducing formula while breastfeeding

Some mothers do not feed the child in the required rhythm (initially it must be 10 to 12 times in 24 hours), they phase out night-time breastfeeds too early, they do not devote enough time to breastfeeding.
Bottles and pacifies confuse the child, so their use is not recommended for the first month or two.
Unnecessary use of nipple shields.
Inadequate position or poor grip of the baby.
Mom sometimes feels tired, insecure, doesn't eat regularly...
And then temptation comes along… Moms who are impatient fail to recognize the baby's signals and follow his/her needs, quickly give the baby formula from a bottle and are one step closer to failing in their initial goal to breastfeed the baby!

How to exclude formula?

If the reasons why formula was introduced are no longer present or you are determined to feed your baby only your own milk:

You can gradually phase out formula.
Give your baby more time to suckle and empty the breasts after breastfeeding to increase milk production.
Gradually reduce the amount of formula by 10 ml per meal each day or skip a meal.

Be patient and do not rush the introduction of formula. Remember, some babies only compensate for the physiological weight loss in two weeks, and milk production gradually increases in line with the child's needs. If formula is necessary, it should be provided in the minimum amount to meet the baby's needs, and as briefly as possible. Unnecessary formula introduction can lead to breastfeeding failure.

Don’t let anyone convince you that formula is just as good for your baby as your milk!!