WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
Breastfeeding is best for your baby's health, but not every woman is able to do so. There are many types of milk available, but up until 12 months of age, the only milks which are suitable for babies are breastmilk and Infant formulas.
Infant formulas are the best alternatives to breastmilk during the first year of life. But remember, if you start breastfeeding and then move to infant formula , it becomes more difficult to go back to breastfeeding.
Another alternative is to express milk from your breasts for your baby to take from a bottle. This way your baby is still receiving the nutrients from the breastmilk and he/she will have the flexibility of using the bottle and not having to rely on you to be there to breastfeed him/her. This option is also a good way to get Dad and other relatives to feed your baby so you can have some rest.
Infant formulas are designed to meet the nutritional needs of the growing infant, especially during the first year of life. Your baby will grow normally and thrive on an appropriate infant formula that has been correctly prepared. To help you select an appropriate formula to use that meets your baby's specific needs, it is best to get the advice of your doctor or clinic sister.
If you do choose to bottle feed your baby, you must only use infant formula.
DO NOT USE COWS' MILK. Whole cows' milk is not suitable for babies, as it does not meet their nutritional requirements in the first year of life. It may also cause an allergic reaction, and babies also find it very hard to digest. It is important that you choose the correct type of milk for your baby's age. Infant formulae come in two different formats:
- Ready to use - as the name suggests, this comes ready to pour straight into the bottle. It is very convenient, but it is also an expensive method of bottle feeding
- Powdered - dried formula that must be mixed with cooled boiled water
Do not use any other type of milk (unless recommended by a doctor), as this will not meet your baby's nutritional needs and could make him/her ill.
There are many different infant formulae available on the market, however it is important to seek help from your healthcare professional on which are most suitable for your baby's needs.Goats milk based infant formula is unsuitable for all infants.
Click here to find out more about why goats' milk based infant formula is unsuitable.
Soya based infant formula has been used extensively in the past as an alternative to cows' milk formula in those infants who are already milk allergic. It is now clear that soya is as allergenic as cows' milk and
should not be used as an alternative to cows' milk in the prevention of allergy.
The use of soya-based infant formula is also not advisable in infants under six months unless there is a specific medical indication.
It should only be used in exceptional circumstances to ensure adequate nutrition in:
(Remember to seek the advice of your healthcare professional on appropriate formula for your baby's needs)
- Infants of vegan mothers who are unable to or choose not to breastfeed.
- Infants who find other alternative unacceptable.
- Infants with galactosaemia for whom the lactose content of low-lactose formulas is considered too high. (1,2)
Appropriate hydrolysed protein formulas are available as an alternative to soya-based formulas.
1) Chief Medical Officer’s Update 37, Department of Health, January 2004.
2) British Dietetic Association, Paediatric Group position statement on the use of soya protein for infants. Birmingham: BDA February 2004.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that pregnant women and new mothers be informed of the benefits and superiority of breastfeeding, in particular, the fact that it provides the best nutrition and protection from illness for babies. Please click here for the WHO code.
