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Supplementing Breast Milk for Baby Formula

All About Supplementing: How to go with the flow
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Heading back to work? Problems with pumping? For many reasons, breastfeeding moms can decide it's time to supplement with baby formula. If it's time for you, here are the answers to common questions to help get you started.

When Can You Start?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months. But for some moms, that's not possible.


Whenever you decide it's time for formula, you can supplement without worrying. All baby formulas are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for your baby. Most doctors recommend that you begin by feeding a milk-based formula such as Similac® Advance®. And Similac Advance has our unique blend of prebiotics, nucleotides, and carotenoids — nutrients naturally found in breast milk.


If you have a strong family history of allergies, check with your doctor. In some cases, a hypoallergenic formula, such as Similac Expert Care™ Alimentum®, may be recommended.


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Baby, Meet Bottle

First, decide how often you'd like to supplement breastfeeding with formula. Some moms begin by supplementing just one feeding each day. Depending on your schedule, it's best to supplement one breastfeeding at a time until you achieve the balance you want.


A slow transition will help avoid the uncomfortable engorgement that can result when a mom discontinues breastfeeding.


Before offering that first bottle of formula, start with breast milk in a bottle. This will help your baby adjust to the shape of an artificial nipple before adjusting to the taste of formula.


Helping your baby adjust to the taste of formula is often easier if you mix some of your pumped breast milk with the already-prepared formula.* Also, it's perfectly safe to offer breast milk at some feedings and formula at others.


Who's Doing the Feeding?

There are a couple of good reasons to ask someone else (Dad? Grandma?) to feed your baby the first bottle of formula:

  • Your baby associates your smell with the act of breastfeeding, and might be confused if you're the one to give that first taste of formula. It might be best if you're out of the house when your baby tries formula for the first time. Knowing you are around will make it more likely that your baby will hold out for breastfeeding.
  • Bottle feeding is a great bonding opportunity for Dad or other family members. And it gives you a nice break!

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How Will Supplementing Affect Your Baby?

You might notice that your baby's poop gets a little firmer, and has a stronger odor. If your baby gets constipated (has stools that are hard and dry), ask your health care professional what you can do to help. Depending on your baby's age, your health care professional may suggest adding water to your baby's formula, or adding some prune, apple, or pear juice to his diet. Don't give your baby over-the-counter stool softener unless your health care professional advises you to do so.


You also might notice that your baby feeds and poops less often. That's because formula takes longer to digest than breast milk, and your baby likely will feel fuller longer.


What About My Milk Supply?

Once they get used to the bottle, enthusiastic eaters sometimes prefer it to the breast. If this happens, try breastfeeding when your baby is sleepy and in need of some extra cuddling. If your milk supply is diminishing — creating more work and less milk for your baby — try some pumping sessions to give your breast milk production a boost.


*When preparing formula, follow package directions precisely. Don't use breast milk in place of water.


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