Supplemental Feeding

"Unless there are specific indications that a child is being malnourished by exclusive breastfeeding, adding formula to a breastfed baby's diet is inadvisable. Supplementing breast milk with formula can be a slippery slope that begins with reduced milk supply, and ends with a baby weaned off the breast and onto formula. "

- From "Common breastfeeding concerns: should I supplement my breastfeeding baby?"

Formula has its uses and there are times when formula feeding is the appropriate choice, but situations where formula or supplemental feeding is necessary are RARE. Supplementing a baby's diet with formula, especially in the first three months, can prove to be a major derailment to breastfeeding and should not be done in an effort to "err on the side of caution". Most often, Cluster Feeding is misunderstood and baby's are fed formula in response. This can diminish milk supply, cause Nipple Confusion, and lead to unintentional weaning of the breast. It is important that mothers realize that formula use can present challenges to continued breastfeeding.

See Also:

Increasing Milk Supply

Cluster Feeding

How to tell if baby is getting enough milk

Nipple Confusion

Breastfeeding-Friendly Pediatricians

Breastfeeding basics: good breastfeeding from day one