Infant and toddler health

continued:

Breast-feeding vs. formula-feeding: What's best?

Is it risky not to breast-feed?

Breast milk is the best food for babies. If breast-feeding isn't working for you, however, your baby may not receive adequate hydration or nutrition. In this case, your baby's doctor may suggest supplementing with formula. The need for adequate nutrition and hydration outweighs all other considerations.

Does infant formula pose any risks to a baby?

Commercial infant formulas don't contain the immunity-boosting elements of breast milk. For most babies, breast milk is also easier to digest than formula. When prepared as directed, however, infant formula supports healthy babies who have typical dietary needs.

Can mothers combine breast-feeding and formula-feeding?

Many mothers successfully combine breast-feeding and formula-feeding — especially after breast-feeding has been well established.

How can mothers who choose not to breast-feed handle feelings of guilt?

Instead of feeling guilty about your decision, focus on nurturing your baby. You might also share your feelings with your doctor, your baby's doctor or others in your support circle. Remember, parenting is an adventure that requires choices and compromises. What counts is doing the best you can as you face this new challenge.

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References

American Academy of Pediatrics. Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics. 2005;115:496.
Benefits of breastfeeding. The National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/benefits/. Accessed Feb. 15, 2010.
Kovacs C. Vitamin D in pregnancy and lactation: Maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes from human and animal studies. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2008;88:520S.
Ward LM, et al. Vitamin D-deficiency rickets among children in Canada. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2007;177:161.
Gordon CM, et al. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among healthy infants and toddlers. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. 2008;162:505.
Wagner CL, et al. Prevention of rickets and vitamin D deficiency in infants, children, and adolescents. American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2008;122:1143.
Breastfeeding your baby. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp029.cfm. Accessed Feb. 15, 2010.
Heird WC. The feeding of infants and children. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/184081895-2/0/1608/114.html?tocnode=54475504&fromURL=114.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50044-X_767. Accessed Feb. 17, 2010.
Schanler RJ, et al. Breastfeeding: Parental education and support. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 17, 2010.
LaFleur EA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 9, 2010.

FL00133 June 9, 2010

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Infant and toddler health