In short there is one easy answer. The BM formula! Breast Milk is naturally the best and if you and your baby are both healthy and able, you should give nursing a try, at least for the first few weeks, so your natural immunities and antibodies can be passed on to your child. Breast milk is always fresh, usually available, passes on valuable protection against disease even later in life, AND it’s cheap.
In the real world not all women can breast feed their babies and formula-feeding with a bottle is a valid, healthy choice for babies, too — either right from the start or after a period of nursing. Remember, the most important thing you can do for your baby is to love and nurture — and that includes feeding in the way that you feel comfortable. Don’t let well meaning friends or relatives make you fell guilty if you cannot breast feed your baby.
Which brand of formula should I use?
Today’s formula products are designed to nutritionally simulate breast milk as closely as possible. While they can’t pass along the resistance to infection that mother’s milk does, formulas provide ample nourishment for a growing baby. Most formulas are based on cows’ milk or soybeans.
There are many formula milks to choose from produced by reputable companies such as Nestle or Wyeth, etc. I don’t think there are really any “bad” formula milks. It’s just a matter of finding which one suits your baby and this may be a matter of trial an error.
If your baby is feeding and settling well, gaining weight and is not overly gassy or vomiting after feeds then there is no need to change the formula. If your baby spills after every feed, is not settling well, is constipated (pellet poop) and seems to be very gassy this may be an indication to try another brand of milk. It is always wise to have your baby checked by your doctor or health professional first as there are other reasons that these symptoms may occur.
I often find that very young babies (under 1 month) tend to spill and vomit on the “gold” or “enriched” formulas. If this is the case change to a plain “non-gold” formula. The equipment that you (bottles & teats) choose is just as important as the formula milk. Make sure that you have BPA free or glass bottles and that they are properly cleaned and steamed after each feed.
Why can’t I just feed my baby cows’ milk?
Under no circumstances should you feed your infant cows’ milk. Regular milk is not recommended until the first birthday because it doesn’t have the proper nutritional elements needed by a growing infant and can trigger digestive trouble.
What are follow-up formulas and when should I switch to one?
Follow-up formulas are specifically designed for babies 6 to 12 months old who are already eating some solids. Follow-up formulas contain more calcium, iron, protein, and calories than infant formulas. They’re often a bit cheaper too. It is wise to introduce solid foods (baby cereal, pureed fruits and vegetables) to babies at around 6 months rather than have them fill up on formula. But it depends on the individual child. Babies with food allergies, those who are very sensitive to different foods, and those with a history of poor growth may benefit from follow-up formula. Many of the follow on formulas available here in Bali are flavored (honey, strawberry, chocolate etc), and sweet. If you do not want your baby to develop a “sweet tooth’, avoid these flavored milks and stick to the plain brands.
Is it okay to supplement my breastfed baby’s diet with formula?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to supplement a breastfed baby’s diet with formula. Some moms decide to supplement with formula when they go back to work. They may have trouble pumping regularly, but they don’t want to give up nursing altogether. Others supplement because their baby isn’t getting enough breast milk to grow properly. And many moms just want the freedom to let a family member or babysitter give an occasional bottle.
Whatever your reasons for supplementing, keep in mind that some breast milk is always better than none, so the longer you can nurse your baby, even if it’s just once or twice a day, the better. That’s because even though formula provides all the nutrients that your baby needs, it lacks unique immune factors that can protect your baby from some illnesses.
Remember that your supply of breast milk depends on your baby’s demand for it, so the less frequently you nurse, the less milk your breasts will produce. If you start supplementing with formula regularly, even for just one feeding a day, your milk supply will decrease (at least until you reinstate the missed feeding). On the other hand, if you supplement with one or two bottles a week, the effect on your milk supply should be minimal.
It’s better not to mix breast milk with formula in one bottle because you may end up wasting that hard-earned breast milk if your baby doesn’t finish the bottle. Instead, feed your baby the pumped breast milk first, and if he still seems hungry, offer a new bottle with formula.
Kim Patra is a qualified registered nurse and midwife who has been living and working in Bali for almost 20 years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail at info@chcbali.com or Hp. 081 2366 0000.
