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

Breast-feeding has many benefits. Here'due south how to support breast-feeding — and what you should know about formula-feeding.

By Mayo Dispensary Staff

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

Breast-feeding provides the best nutrition for your baby and is the about widely recommended style to feed a newborn. However, some factors might lead yous to consider formula-feeding.

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

How long should I chest-feed my baby?

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

Breast milk contains the correct residue of nutrients for your babe and boosts your babe's immune system. It'due south considered the golden standard for baby nutrition.

Is any additional nutrition necessary?

Inquire your baby's doctor about vitamin D supplements for the infant, specially if y'all're exclusively breast-feeding. Breast milk might not provide enough vitamin D, which helps your baby blot calcium and phosphorus — nutrients necessary for strong basic.

What can I exercise to promote successful chest-feeding?

Taking care of yourself tin can go a long manner toward promoting successful breast-feeding. Swallow a healthy diet, beverage enough of fluids and balance as much as possible.

To boost your confidence, learn every bit much as you lot can nigh chest-feeding. Keep the environment calm and relaxed. Await to your partner and other loved ones for support. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

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

Can I use but bottles and still chest-feed?

If your baby has trouble latching on to the breast or if you lot and your family have a preference for bottle-feeding, you can exclusively bottle-feed your baby breast milk. Pump as frequently equally you lot would feed your babe from the breast. Using a double electric breast pump can help you collect more milk in less time.

If you're having trouble making enough milk or if you tin't give your baby your breast milk for a medical reason, you can plow to a human milk bank and feed your babe pasteurized donor milk from a bottle. The Man Milk Banking Association of North America tin can help yous find an accredited milk bank.

What if breast-feeding isn't going well?

If you're struggling, ask a lactation consultant or your baby'southward md for aid. If your baby's doctor is concerned that your baby isn't receiving acceptable nutrition or hydration, he or she might suggest pumping and supplementing with expressed breast milk or formula.

Breast milk is the ideal nutrient for babies — and the all-time way to keep a babe healthy — but proper diet and hydration are absolutely essential for your infant.

Does infant formula pose any risks to a babe?

Commercial infant formulas don't contain the immunity-boosting elements of chest milk that simply your body can provide to your baby. For most babies, breast milk is also easier to digest than formula.

When prepared every bit directed, notwithstanding, babe formula supports good for you babies who have typical dietary needs. A baby who has special nutritional needs might require a special formula.

Tin can I combine breast-feeding and formula-feeding?

Exclusive chest-feeding is recommended for the first half dozen months later nascence. A nutrition of only breast milk provides the best diet. Formula supplementation can disrupt breast-feeding besides as touch on milk supply.

However, some mothers are able to combine breast-feeding and formula-feeding — particularly after breast-feeding has been well established.

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

If you're considering formula-feeding, do your research and so that yous can make an informed decision. And then focus on nourishing and nurturing your baby — instead of dwelling on negative emotions. You might besides share your feelings with your doctor or certified nurse-midwife, your baby's medico or others in your support circle.

Retrieve, parenting is an adventure that requires choices and compromises. What counts is doing the all-time you tin can every bit you face up this new challenge.

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April 07, 2020

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