SHOULD I ADD FORMULA?

Q:I’ve been breastfeeding my newborn for nearly a month now and I think my milk might be drying up. Should I begin to give him some extra formula milk?

A:Lisanne says: New mothers often doubt that they can make enough breastmilk for their baby, especially when their baby wants to nurse very frequently. This usually occurs on day 10 to 14, at 3 to 4 weeks and then again at six weeks, three months and six months. This demand for more frequent feeds usually lasts for 24 to 72 hours and is followed by accelerated growth and weight gain. During this time it can feel as if your baby wants to feed constantly and as if your breasts are not as full at the beginning of the feed as they used to be and also as if you aren’t always experiencing a let-down reflex. This is what leads moms to often have some serious doubt about whether they are fulfilling their baby’s need for milk. If a supplement like formula is given at this time, contact time at the breast is reduced and your milk production will decline. This leads you to conclude that you were not making enough milk and you will then hear moms say that their milk “dried up”. Allow your baby to nurse at the breast unhindered and on demand, as this sends the message to your brain that programmes your body to make the right amount of milk. Be assured: Your milk is perfect for your baby and you produce enough of it. A rigid feeding schedule can also cause your baby to be hungry and fussy all the time. When your baby needs a feed he will communicate this to you by wriggling and then crying, and then by putting his hands in his mouth. He will suck his hands, or on his blankie. He will open his mouth wide and turn his head in the direction of stimulation. When you pick him up he also might stick his tongue out. There are a few ways you can check that your baby is getting enough milk. Newborns and young babies should nurse 8-12 times in a 24 hour period and produce 4-6 wet nappies. Pay attention and see if you notice audible sucking noises. Baby should be allowed to end the feed by himself. You could also take your baby to be weighed, preferably on the same scale, to make sure that he is gaining weight.