Breastfeed, formula, or combo feed?
Which liquid diet?
The question of whether to breastfeed, use formula, or combine the two can be daunting for new parents - for moms, in particular.
- Breastfeeding involves feeding your baby breast milk directly or from a bottle.
- Formula Feeding provides a specially formulated milk substitute to meet your baby's needs.
- Combo Feeding combines breastfeeding and formula feeding.
You may find breastfeeding relatively easy - physically, emotionally, and logistically. Or you may find it challenging, or somewhere in between. Likewise, you may love the experience, hate it, or fall somewhere in between.
Of course, you won’t know until your baby is born, but it’s helpful to learn more about this topic while you’re pregnant.
For some reason that I cannot explain to you now, I just assumed that breastfeeding was supposed to come naturally to all moms. I was surprised when I had challenges after our daughter was born, and I wish I'd talked to a lactation consultant or taken a breastfeeding class during pregnancy - to learn more about starting to breastfeed, keeping it up, and stopping.
The Lactation Network is a great resource to find consultants and pumps covered by your insurance.
Understanding your options
Breastfeeding
Breastmilk is specifically designed for your baby's needs. It contains all the necessary nutrients, antibodies, and other goodies to help them grow and thrive. Plus, it's always the perfect temperature and comes in a convenient, portable package (aka, you!).
The benefits extend beyond nutrition. Breastfeeding can help foster a strong emotional bond between you and your baby, and some studies suggest it may even boost the baby's cognitive development. It also has perks for moms, like potentially lowering the risk of certain cancers.
Challenges
Some moms struggle with low milk supply, painful nipples, or getting their baby to latch properly. A low supply can be due to a range of reasons, including diet, hydration, hormones, and not emptying the breast frequently or completely enough - with the first few weeks being crucial to establishing your supply.
Diet & hydration
You may need an additional 300 to 400 calories a day — to give you the energy and nutrition to produce milk. Breastmilk is more than 80% water so proper hydration is also crucial for production.
Hormones
Prolactin helps make milk, and oxytocin helps the milk flow and makes it easier for the baby to get it. Prolactin controls breast milk production in the first few weeks after birth.
Supply & demand
A few weeks after delivery, the role of prolactin begins to diminish, and production depends on milk removal. If you stop removing through breastfeeding or pumping, breastmilk production will slow and eventually stop completely.
A proper latch
How the baby fastens onto the breast while breastfeeding - is crucial for effective milk transfer and preventing nipple pain. The baby's mouth should cover a good portion of the areola, not just the nipple. Different factors affect how well your baby can latch:
- Your baby's positioning at your breast
- How much of your breast they take into their mouth
- Your baby's developmental stage, including whether they were born early
- The anatomy of your baby's mouth and jaw
- Medical conditions affecting your baby, including and conditions like tongue-tie
- The size of your breasts and nipples
- The shape of your nipples
- Your milk supply and rate of milk flow
Breastfeeding can also be time-consuming - newborns nurse 8-12 times a day - and it may require some lifestyle adjustments, especially if you plan to return to work.
Mom guilt
If you have trouble breastfeeding, you may also feel guilty or inadequate. Be as kind to yourself as you would be to your best friend or sister. For support, lean on other moms who may have had a similar experience—whether you find them through your friends or support groups through organizations such as Swehl.
Many moms can overcome these challenges and enjoy a successful breastfeeding journey with some support. But some don't, and that is perfectly okay.
Pumping
Pumps are a valuable tool. They help you feed your baby and establish and maintain your milk supply, especially if your baby is premature or struggling to latch properly.
Pumping will also be essential if you want to continue feeding your baby breastmilk and plan to return to work or need to be away for another reason. You can build a stash of breastmilk that your partner or caregiver can offer in a bottle.
Formula
If you're adopting, breastfeeding isn't your cup of tea, or it doesn't end up working out for you, you can consider donor breast milk or formula feed.
Modern infant formulas are designed to closely mimic breastmilk's nutritional content and can provide the necessary nutrients for your baby's growth and development.
You can prepare bottles in advance, and anyone can feed the baby, giving you more flexibility and allowing your partner to share in the feeding duties. Formula-fed babies may also sleep for longer stretches at night, since formula takes longer to digest than breastmilk.
Formula can be expensive, however, and preparing bottles can be time-consuming. You'll need to clean the bottles and nipples between uses. You should also sterilize them before first use, and you may decide to continue sterilizing until your baby is 3 months old if they're premature, have a compromised immune system, or don't have access to good-quality water.
Different options
It may take some time to find the right formula for your baby. Some babies may also have sensitivities or allergies to certain types of formula, which can require some trial and error to find the right one.
Ingredients
Cow's milk-based formulas, available in whole and skim varieties, are popular. Goat's milk formulas are also available and can be a good alternative for babies experiencing digestive issues, such as excessive gassiness, because goat's milk is generally easier to digest than cow's milk. Specialized options, like hypoallergenic or soy-based formulas, are available for babies with specific dietary requirements or sensitivities, such as milk allergies.
Look at the ingredients in the formulas you're considering to make sure you understand what's in them, and factor in any added nutrients that may be beneficial for your baby's growth and development.
Powder vs. liquid
Powder formulas are often the most economical but require mixing and preparation. Liquid concentrates are more convenient but may be pricier, while ready-to-feed formulas offer the ultimate convenience but come at a higher cost.
You may want to create a shortlist of options to see how your little one responds, and always consult your pediatrician for personalized guidance.
Combo feeding
Combo feeding can offer the benefits of both breastfeeding and formula feeding. You can still provide your baby with the unique nutrients and antibodies found in breastmilk while having the flexibility and convenience of formula when needed. This can be especially helpful if you have a low milk supply or need to be away from your baby for extended periods.
However, combo feeding does require some extra planning and coordination. If you plan to combo feed, try to introduce a bottle early on, as some breastfed babies may resist taking a bottle if it's introduced too late.
Factors to consider when deciding
Lifestyle
Think about your lifestyle and work schedule. If you plan to go back to work soon after giving birth, consider how much time and space you'll need for pumping breast milk. Formula feeding offers more flexibility since anyone can feed the baby anytime.
Health
Health is another important factor. Breastfeeding has many benefits, like boosting your baby's immune system and helping you bond. However, some mothers may face physical or mental health issues that make breastfeeding difficult, so formula is a good alternative.
Your preferences
Your personal preferences are important too. Some moms are eager to breastfeed, while others feel more comfortable using formula. Have open conversations about your feelings and concerns about both options.
Cost
Cost is also something to consider. While breastfeeding is often thought of as free, there are costs for nursing supplies. Formula feeding can also get expensive because you'll need to keep buying it. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, families can save $1,200 to $1,500 in the first year by breastfeeding.
Staying flexible & giving yourself grace
Whatever your choice, the most important thing is that your baby gets the nutrition they need to grow healthy. Trust your instincts and do what feels right for your family, but be prepared to adjust your plan as needed. Parenthood can be unpredictable, so flexibility is key.
My biggest advice if you end up struggling with breastfeeding is to try to stay away from most online discussion forums. People have strong opinions on this topic, which they often voice in a way that is unhelpful for a mom who may already be hard on herself.
Remember, the goal is a happy, healthy baby, and the bond you create during feeding is more important than the option you use.
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