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My breast milk is not ample. Which milk shall I feed my newborn, cow's milk or formula?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My child is 1 and a half month old. Which milk is better for him, cow's milk or artificial milk (as breast milk is not enough)?

Answered by Dr. Manu Chandarashekhara Bharadwaj

Education:

DNB Pediatric Surgery

Professional Bio:

Dr. Manu Chandarashekhara Bharadwaj is a highly experienced pediatric surgeon with 14 years of clinical practice. Holding a DNB in Pediatric Surgery and an MBBS, he specializes in Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery. Dr. Bharadwaj is dedicated to delivering compassionate, expert care to children across India.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Please know that until the baby is 6 months of age, there is nothing better than mother’s milk. If you feel mother’s milk is not enough, there are medications to increase mother’s milk. Has it been tried?

How frequent are you breastfeeding? What exactly is the mother’s psychological status (I mean willingness to breastfeed, notions about mother’s physique deteriorating by breastfeeding, not actually able to feed because of other medical conditions, mother being tensed about the happenings in the family or anything that she is really concerned with).

Also know that the amount of milk secreted depends on:

1. How frequently the baby is offered breastfeed.

2. How well the baby is sucking. The milk secretion increases according to the baby’s demand. More sucking- more milk.

3. Mother’s diet.

4. The medications that the mother and baby are at present.

Kindly give me the above details before you decide to stop breastfeeding completely.

If you still want to know the best formula milk, there are many in the market like Cerelac, Lactogen, Nan, etc. Any of them will do. You should know the correct dilutions before feeding.

Please know that if a baby is given breast milk for 6 months he or she will have better immunity, better mental abilities, and psychological strength compared to babies fed on formula milk.

Please do not start Cow’s milk, or buffalo milk, or pasteurized milk so early.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At June 11, 2020
Reviewed At September 22, 2023

Education:

DNB Pediatric Surgery

Professional Bio:

Dr. Manu Chandarashekhara Bharadwaj is a highly experienced pediatric surgeon with 14 years of clinical practice. Holding a DNB in Pediatric Surgery and an MBBS, he specializes in Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery. Dr. Bharadwaj is dedicated to delivering compassionate, expert care to children across India.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

DNB Pediatric Surgery

Professional Bio:

Dr. Manu Chandarashekhara Bharadwaj is a highly experienced pediatric surgeon with 14 years of clinical practice. Holding a DNB in Pediatric Surgery and an MBBS, he specializes in Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery. Dr. Bharadwaj is dedicated to delivering compassionate, expert care to children across India.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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