There’s been a choice between breast milk and formula since canned milk was invented and manufactured just for babies. Formula has been pretty simple, measure the powder based on the instructions, mix with water in a bottle and feed.
Formula does have its benefits and mothers who choose it, do for different reasons. However, with the recent formula shortage, newly pregnant moms, whether it’s their first or third child, might be weighing their infant feeding choices carefully.
Some who thought breastfeeding wouldn’t be an option, could now be choosing it exclusively, — and there’s a lot of benefits for their child.
According to the July report in Pediatrics from the American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP, “it recommends exclusive breastfeeding of infants for the first six months of life before introducing nutritious complementary foods, while encouraging social and systemic changes to support mothers who choose to breastfeed.”
“Research has shown that breastfeeding is linked to decreased rates of lower respiratory tract infections, severe diarrhea, ear infections and obesity. Breastfeeding is associated with lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome, as well as other protective effects,” the AAP report states. “There are continued benefits from breastfeeding beyond 1 year, and up to 2 years especially in the mother. Long-term breastfeeding is associated with protections against diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancers of the breast and ovaries.”
Amy Berry, nurse, certified lactation consultant and manager of the OB unit at Mercy Health agrees, and adds breast milk is perfectly designed for an infant.
“It is a commitment,” Berry says, who helps moms with their vision of feeding their newborns and helps them get the support they need to make it happen.
There are ways parents can learn how to breastfeed before and after their baby is born.
Berry says to reach out for prenatal classes, which now have virtual options, and many are at hospitals. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), also provides services for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women and families.
However, once moms are in the hospital and want to breastfeed, it’s best not to get discouraged if things don’t go as planned.
“I tell moms don’t be alarmed if the babies don’t latch,” Berry says. “it’s not uncommon for them to not get it right away.”
The nurses and lactation consultants help moms with the transition — milk supply and latching support.
“What I usually tell moms is to watch their babies output and how many times they have wet or dirty diapers,” Berry says. “The breast milk is not measured on how much it goes in, but they will start to see how much the baby grows and gains.”
If parents have further concerns, they can contact their pediatricians in between their typical infant visits. Berry recommends finding a breastfeeding support group or other moms to lean on to help manage feeding. Most hospitals also have outpatient services.
If you are struggling when you get home, it’s easy to reach for that bottle of formula,” Berry says. “Try to (plan) early on, make sure you have (the right support) in place to be successful. As time goes on, it does get to be less work, more efficient and less chal- lenging. It’s getting you through those early weeks and getting those supports.”
For parents going back to work, being prepared, taking care of yourself will lead to a greater chance of success to continue to breastfeed.
“You can do a combination,” Berry says, adding parents can find ways to breastfeed, pump or supplement with formula, whatever works for them and is tolerable. “For a lot of moms, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.”
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