How to supplement with formula: feed the baby and maintain lactation.

How to introduce formula while breastfeeding

The mixture is introduced gradually, starting with 30 ml. Offer the mixture for the first time during the day to monitor any possible reaction. Pediatrician Materna Shop recommends administering the mixture for four days according to the following scheme:

Day 1: first feeding - only breast milk, second feeding - first breast, then 30 ml of formula, all other feedings on this day - only breast. Monitor your child closely. If anxiety or sleep disturbances occur, contact your pediatrician.

Day 2: the second and fourth times of feeding - breast milk and formula, the remaining times - only breast.

Day 3: for the second, fourth and sixth time (if necessary) - breast milk and formula.

From day 4, supplement with formula 2-3 times a day or, if necessary, replace daily feedings with formula.

We set realistic goals

Options for work may be different; a lot depends on whether the child agrees to attach to the breast. In this process, it is important to be able to abstract yourself and not be nervous, not to set any time frames for yourself, but to concentrate on achieving some intermediate goal.

At first, it is better not to try to completely avoid supplementary feeding as quickly as possible. It is important to understand that the child needs to grow and develop, therefore, until the child needs supplemental feeding, it should not be abruptly removed. A good intermediate goal could be, for example, replacing formula with expressed breast milk or supplementing with formula, but directly at the breast or using exclusively alternative methods of supplementation, bypassing the usual bottle.

Goals that are too global frighten and frustrate . It is in such matters that a consultant is needed - to make the seemingly impossible achievable and not scary.

So, if the child agrees to breastfeed, then the stages are approximately as follows:

1. Work on comfortable and effective attachment . The goal is for the woman not to experience any discomfort, and for the baby to produce maximum milk and thereby stimulate the gland well.
2. Additional pumping after feeding if the baby is not sucking effectively, as well as pumping in between, in order to gradually replace the formula with breast milk and stimulate the breasts to produce more milk.
3. Organize supplementary feeding with formula or breast milk in such a way as to facilitate the transition to breastfeeding. This could be either teaching bottle feeding in a way that mimics breastfeeding; or alternative methods of supplementary feeding using a spoon, cup or syringe; or a supplementary feeding system directly at the breast.

If the child refuses, then:

1. Pump your breasts at least 8 times a day (including at least 1 time at night). It's good to get a clinical breast pump with double stimulation. Or just an electric breast pump with two funnels. In this case, it is convenient to use rental services.
2. Training in alternative feeding methods , as well as special bottle feeding to ease the transition to breastfeeding.

How to maintain lactation when supplementing with formula

At night and early in the morning – from 3 to 7-8 am – a woman’s body produces the most prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. Therefore, it is important to breastfeed as often as possible during this time. As a bonus, you won’t have to get up at night to prepare a bottle of food.

At each complementary feeding, give the breast first, and then the formula. Breastfeed your baby for 20 to 40 minutes to ensure your breasts get enough stimulation and your baby gets the maximum amount of milk. Give two breasts at one feeding - at least 20 minutes each. After this, you can re-attach to the first one.

Some babies refuse to breastfeed after trying to drink from a pacifier. After all, it is much easier to get milk through a nipple. Therefore, it is better to supplement feeding not from a bottle.

Breast-feeding

All the benefits of breastfeeding are obvious even to people not privy to this topic. Doctors - both gynecologists and pediatricians - have long and firmly proven how important this method of feeding is for the child and mother. The newborn is applied to the breast immediately; it is recommended not to give him anything other than mother’s milk for up to 6 months, which contains all the vitamins necessary for full development and growth. When feeding, a very special spiritual connection arises between the child and the mother, this is the highest manifestation of love. However, breastfeeding also has its disadvantages, due to which many women, even if they have the opportunity to feed in this way, refuse it. This:

• negative attitude in society towards nursing mothers
  - as you know, children eat by the hour. It is impossible to run home from a walk or clinic in order to feed a child without prying eyes. The same problem arises for a mother traveling, for example, on a train, public transport, or in another crowded place. In this situation, one can understand everyone - those around them do not want to contemplate such an intimate process, and their indignation and condemnation are quite understandable. In Russia, for a long time, this problem was not recognized at all, unlike Western countries, where it arises regularly. Today, attitudes towards breastfeeding mothers have become more tolerant, but there is still a lot of negativity, for which you need to be mentally prepared;
• the need to adjust your diet to the child
  - these fears are completely justified: of course, a nursing mother will not drink wine at the table or eat a kilogram of strawberries or other strong allergen. You will have to endure headaches and toothaches, since the restrictions also apply to medications;
• the inability to leave home for a long time
  - the nursing mother is entirely subordinate to the feeding schedule;
• breast deformation
  - pregnancy and childbirth in general do not pass without leaving a mark on the female body, just like breastfeeding: breasts can lose their shape;
• the need to wear special underwear and clothing
  - milk may leak, so special breast pads are needed.

Arguments for breastfeeding:

• the unique composition of mother's milk, which formula cannot replace;
• development of natural immunity in the child;
• beneficial effect on the nervous system;
• does not require material costs;
• reducing the risk of allergies and intestinal disorders;
• faster recovery of the body after childbirth.

Is it necessary to give water during mixed feeding?

This question is best addressed to a pediatrician who knows your child. The pediatrician recommends the volume and frequency of supplementation based on the ratio of mother's milk to formula and the age of the child.

Formula-fed babies are given water because little is supplied with formula. And breast milk not only contains a sufficient amount of water, but it is in a biologically accessible form. That is, it is easily digestible.

It is definitely worth offering water if the amount of supplementary feeding exceeds 50% of the baby’s daily nutrition. Give your child from 20 to 50 ml per day, depending on the baby’s age and his desire to drink water.

What to feed

Women's breast milk is ideally suited in its composition to the needs of the child. Therefore, it cannot be fed with whole cow's or even goat's milk. Their composition is very different from human milk and leads not only to digestive problems in the child, but also to problems with growth and development. For artificial feeding of a baby, special adapted formulas
, the composition of which manufacturers try to bring as close as possible to a woman’s breast milk. They usually include whey proteins, casein, lactose, a composition of vegetable oils, as well as minerals and vitamins that meet the needs of the child during certain periods of his development. The specific mixture is selected only by the pediatrician depending on the baby’s health condition. Parents should not independently choose adapted formulas based on their own preferences or financial capabilities and without first obtaining consultation from a specialist.

Psychology: how to relieve guilt

Some women face feelings of guilt when introducing supplementary feeding. After all, they were focused exclusively on breastfeeding.

Agree that nutritious nutrition for a child is more important than the method of obtaining it.
Get support from a pediatrician you trust and stay positive. If the situation allows you to return to breastfeeding, and you want it, direct your efforts to maintaining lactation, and everything will definitely work out! If you still have questions about the introduction of supplementary feeding, feel free to call our consultants, they will be happy to help.

Artificial feeding

Initially, such formulas were used only in cases where the mother could not breastfeed for objective reasons - viral diseases, drug therapy, severe postpartum depression, heart or kidney failure, lack of milk, etc. However, today many women consciously choose formulas, and that's why:

• complete personal freedom
  : in clothing, food, movement - you can eat what you want, leave the baby alone not for several hours, but for example, for several days, do not have to wear special underwear and clothes, etc.;
• no problems with the breasts
  —nipple cracks, mastitis, lactostasis do not occur;
• the ability to take any medications
  , contraceptives;
• freedom of feeding
  - in a public place, train, plane, clinic, a bottle with formula is much more convenient, in addition, a father, grandmother, or aunt can feed the child.

In artificial feeding

there are several
disadvantages
:

• composition - of course, it cannot be compared with mother's milk. However, today manufacturers offer very high-quality mixtures, in many respects almost close to natural milk;
• price - the better the mixture, the more expensive it is;
• the unpredictable reaction of the baby’s body is not a fact that even the highest quality and well-chosen mixture will suit your child immediately and unconditionally: allergies, intestinal problems, colic, etc. may occur;
• preparation - be prepared for nightly manipulations in the kitchen, additional bags with mixtures on trips and other hassles.

In pediatrics, there is also the so-called mixed feeding - when a breastfed child is underweight, the doctor may prescribe formula. Young mothers easily panic and literally rush to stuff an insufficiently well-fed baby, but there is very rarely a real need for this. If the doctor insists on supplementary feeding, show the child to several more specialists and make sure that it is absolutely necessary.

Each woman decides for herself what is best for her and her baby - breastfeeding or artificial feeding. If you absolutely do not want to breastfeed and can afford good formula, there is no need to feel guilty or force yourself under pressure from relatives - the situation will only get worse. Enjoy the priceless moments of motherhood and be healthy!

All information is for informational purposes only. If you have any health problems, you need to consult a specialist.

Basic rules of transition

How to accustom a child to formula is a very pressing question, despite the fact that modern baby food is adapted to the needs of a growing body. When switching to mixed or artificial feeding, it is important to follow the rules.

Consult a doctor

. If the reason for switching to artificial feeding is insufficient lactation, the specialist will give recommendations on correcting the mother’s diet and lifestyle. In most cases, lactation can be increased and restored

Choose the right mixture

. If the situation with breast milk has not improved, the pediatrician will advise introducing formula and tell you what to look for when selecting it. Children of different ages have different nutritional needs. Therefore, first of all, it is important to choose a formula that is appropriate for the baby’s age. In addition, the child’s health status, weight and height, and medical indications (if any) should be taken into account. And be sure to follow all instructions for preparing the product given in the instructions. It is necessary to carefully select a high-quality formula that meets the needs of your child.

Support mixed feeding.

When choosing a formula, do not try to immediately transfer the child to feeding it exclusively - maintain lactation as long as possible. To do this, you can use the modern product for nursing mothers NutriMa Lactamil. It contains herbal lactogonic extract, high-quality milk protein, omega-3 and other useful components.

“Mixed feeding involves feeding a child of the first year of life with breast milk (at least 1/5 of the daily volume) and adapted infant formula. With artificial feeding, breast milk is either completely absent or its share is less than 1/5 in the child’s daily diet.”

Monitor your baby's reaction to the introduction of formula.

Formula milk, like any new product, must be introduced gradually. Your pediatrician should definitely tell you about the recommended proportions. Check that the mixture is diluted correctly, as per the instructions on the package.

At the same time, it is important for the mother to observe the reaction of the baby’s body after feeding. If your child shows signs of indigestion (regurgitation and vomiting, bloating, loose stools or constipation, mucus and blood in the stool) or other unpleasant symptoms (redness of the skin, rash), you should consult a doctor. It will help identify the reasons and, if necessary, choose a new milk formula. If the child does not show signs of hunger, is gaining weight well and his health is not causing concern, this means that the choice of formula was correct.

How to switch your baby to formula feeding

• if the child is mixed-fed: the mixture is given after breastfeeding
• if the child is bottle-fed: the new formula is given before feeding the old formula (the one the child previously received)
• the new and old mixture are prepared in different bottles

Approximate scheme for introducing the mixture:

How to organize mixed feeding correctly?

According to the latest research by my colleague Dr. Svetlana Bairova, the problem of how to administer the mixture is one of the most pressing. Practice has shown that incorrect introduction of supplementary feeding (calculation of dose, diet, lack of measures to restore lactation) leads to a rapid loss of natural feeding. These medical observations showed that mothers need to be provided with a clear plan for organizing feeding, in which formula is added.

Photo: Komarovsky E. Child’s health. - M., 2007: UGC

During the consultation, I touch on points that can optimize formula feeding and prevent breast refusal. Here are the main ones:

• Which formula to choose for a newborn?

Choosing a formula for a baby is the task of a neonatologist or pediatrician. They take into account individual developmental characteristics, health indicators (presence/absence of allergies, regularity and character of stool).

What promotes relactation?

• Mother's Determination

This is probably the most important factor. If a woman is not strongly motivated to breastfeed, it will be difficult to restore lactation. She must be convinced of the benefits of feeding for herself and the baby, both physical and emotional.

• Professionalism of the consultant

The role of the consultant here is the most important. The help and support of the consultant, her assessment of factors that may interfere with relactation, as well as her ability to skillfully motivate the woman are important.

• The quality of the mother's relationship with her child

This is especially important for mothers of premature babies who have been in hospital for a long time, and adoptive mothers. In both cases, the connection may not be very strong or complete.

Very useful in this case is the method of “kangaroo mother care”, also known as skin-to-skin contact, where the naked baby is placed on the mother’s bare chest, which is primarily recommended for premature babies, but is also used in other, less common situations .

This process should be based on their mutual consent, their needs and should not be done through force or against the wishes of the mother or child.

• Maternal health status

By this I mean the general health of the woman, as well as her mammary glands. If a woman has previously had problems with a lack of milk, it is necessary to determine the causes and try to eliminate them.

• Previous breastfeeding experience

A woman’s attitude towards breastfeeding and whether she has had such experience in the past plays a very important role. If a woman has trauma or general anxiety, relactation can be very difficult.

• Lactation break duration

This is one of the key factors affecting both mother and child. The duration of the lactation break is very important for the success of the process. The longer the break, the less chance of success. It happens that a child who is accustomed to artificial feeding definitely refuses breastfeeding.

• The infant's readiness and desire to suckle

The younger the child and the shorter the break in lactation, the greater the chance of successful relactation. It matters how the baby was fed all this time and why breastfeeding was stopped.

• Support from the environment and professionals

An environment that supports a woman and accepts her decisions can have a positive effect on the relactation process. The consultant should motivate the mother and provide her with all the necessary information about the relactation process and its chances of success.