Does infant formula replace the benefits of breastfeeding?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a 4-month-old son. I was advised to top feed 20 days after delivery, as my baby did not regain his birth weight. However, I was told to top feed each time after breastfeeding. I only gave top feed once in the night. I have always tried to keep the quantity less than 100 ml. Now I feel my supply has come down not sure why, as until three months it was fine. I do not want to take tablets as I had earlier suffered from mastitis or infection. Also, does providing an infant formula to the baby (less than 100 ml mostly) remove all the benefits of breastfeeding I had done for the last four months? Kindly advise

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

It is more important to feed the child (be it with breast milk or top feeds). In this situation, I would advise you to give top feeds to the child if your breast milk is insufficient to prevent damage to the child. Providing an infant formula, in this case, will have more benefits and will not remove the benefits of breastfeeding completely. Besides, in another month or two, mashed feeds would have also been started for the child so the milk requirement would be less.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.