What you need to know to get started
At DC Birth Doulas, we don’t shy away from talking about formula because we know a lot of families will use it, either for short or long term situations. It is practical to have some basic facts about what it is and how to make choices about it, so you can understand what you’re looking for, before you are sleep deprived and stressed out about it!
If you are committed to breastfeeding, you can work with a lactation consultant to use formula as a tool in your toolbox to help your baby gain weight while you evaluate milk supply or latch issues, and still come back to nurse your baby for months or years - it does not have to be a deal breaker if used intentionally.Â
It is also perfectly wonderful to turn to formula to save your mental health, if your lactation journey does not turn out to be what you expected it to be, and after exploring all your options, you need to make a different choice. Or formula may be the necessary choice for the physical health of the lactating parent or the baby.
Or like many families, you may end up using formula in combination with human milk! Breastfeeding is really not as binary as it is made to seem. If you don’t get to a full supply, formula is an option to fill in the gaps and keep going, so that you and your baby can continue to enjoy breastfeeding for as long as you would like.Â
There are SO many formula options on the market
It can be really overwhelming when you are standing in the formula aisle at the store. Your pediatrician is your best resource to help you find the right formula for your baby. However, there are a few guidelines that may help you.
If your baby seems to have difficulty with their digestive system
Formula is sold in two forms: liquid (pre-mixed, so you don’t need to add anything to it) and powdered (to which you add water). The prepared liquid formula is sterile and generally considered safer for younger and more fragile babies, but is also more expensive.Â
Formulas labeled ‘gentle’ or ‘sensitive’ are processed differently for babies who are having a harder time digesting formula. Then there are even more specialized formulas for babies with serious allergies to soy, cow’s milk protein, etc. Unless you know for sure that your baby needs these, don’t start here.
What to look for in a formula
All formula sold in the US is regulated by the FDA and is safe for babies. All provide a mix of carbohydrates, proteins and fats designed to mimic what is in human milk. All provide the same nutrition.
But there are a few differences. Generally speaking, you might want to look for a formula with:
Lactose as the primary carbohydrate: Lactose is the carbohydrate in human milk, so it is the first choice in formula. It is very rare for babies to have lactose intolerance so this should work for most babies.
Added whey or hydrolyzed proteins: Either of these will help make the formula easier for your baby to digest because of differences between cow’s milk and human milk proteins.Â
Less or no palm oil: When looking at the fat components, you may want to find a formula that does not include palm oil or has a mix of vegetable oils. Palm oil is difficult for babies to digest and can be constipating.
Less or no corn syrup: Most US formulas have traditionally been made with corn syrup as the sweetener. Given what we know about the addictive nature of corn syrup sweetener, it is worth avoiding if you can find a formula without it. One advantage of new international formulas entering our market during the recent formula shortage, which are usually not made with corn syrup, is that we have better options on this front.Â
Organic ingredients: the nutritional profile will be the same between organic and nonorganic formulas but organic formulas are certified to have little to no pesticides and additional chemicals.
Prebiotics and/or probiotics added for digestion and immune support.
You know your baby best!
Now, all babies are going to be very different as far as what they prefer, but if you would like a suggestion on a starting point, besides asking your pediatrician, here is one that I often recommend that meets the suggestions listed above, and is now more widely available and affordable; Bubs and Bobbie. Don’t sue me if they don’t like it - this is a very unofficial recommendation! :) As stated above - all formulas are FDA-certified as acceptable and will work!
You can use your bundled Infant Feeding Session to talk about formula and bottle feeding, too!
~ Naomi, Infant Feeding Expert*
*If you need help to schedule your bundled Infant Feeding Consultation with Naomi…email Elizabeth Parish.
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