Is it fine to spoon-feed formula milk for a 3-week-old?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a newborn of three weeks old. She is not able to get breastfeed because my nipple size is smaller and thus less milk supply. And also because she is not ready to suck correctly. She was born at 37 weeks of gestation. I am feeding her formula milk through the spoon. I want to know is it fine to do spoon feeding and can I start bottle as it will be more convenient. Also, suggest if I can go back to breastfeed.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Breastfeeding is the best for your baby until six months completion. Since you are facing problems with it, you can give expressed breast milk with a spoon. Never use a bottle. You need to take extra calories while lactating. Drink enough fluids so that you secrete more milk. About formula milk use only if you are not secreting enough milk. You try to direct breastfeed as much as possible then give EBM (evidence-based medicine). Still not enough you can try formula, but do not use a feeding bottle. If your baby is sleeping for one to two hour after feeds, passing six to eight times urine in 24 hours, has adequate weight gain 1.07 oz per day. Then your milk is sufficient.