Breast feeding is always the preferable option, but what if you have have low or no milk supply? What of those women who cannot physically breast feed? Are these women bad parents? Of course not! But some associations intimated and belittle them for using alternative feeding methods. Far too often I see hungry babies because the parents have been warned off formula feeding.
Lets talk about hungry verse well fed babies.
Some mothers persist for weeks trying to make breast feeding work. Confusing the cries of a hungry baby with 'colic'. Hungry babies typically try attaching to mum's nipple and begin sucking. Then, when there is little or no milk bub becomes agitated. Hands and arms waving and pushing the breast, tugging on the nipple, finally detaching from the nipple and crying. In contrast, well fed babies finish the feed looking drowsy, relaxed in body. In other words, 'Milk-drunk' and soon start yawning.
Underfeeding is accompanied by small weight gains. In the first 6 months babies are expected (on average) to gain between 150 & 220 grams per week. Breast fed babies often gain 300 plus in the 1st month or so. Continued weight gain of less than 150 grams may be a sign that bub is not getting enough food and you should see your child health nurse or paediatrician.
The pressure put on mothers to breast feed is enormous and, in my opinion, is grossly wrong. Staunch breast feeding advocates do not take into consideration a baby's basic human right to be fed adequately. Mothers, listen to your instincts. If you recognise the need to supplement or change feeding methods, do so. You will not be harming your baby.
In the next article I will talk about about how to build your milk supply.
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