Formula and Breastmilk

Phone:
SLC area: (801) 538-9970

FAX:
SLC area: (801) 538-9409

Mail:
  Maternal and Infant Health Program
  P.O. Box 142001
  Salt Lake City UT
  84112-2001

Did you know?

…giving your baby formula can cause you to make less breastmilk?

Mom and Babe

It is best to wait until you baby is at least 2 to 3 weeks old, and has learned how to breastfeed, before giving any formula. After a few weeks, a bottle once in a while should not hurt your milk supply. However, using a lot of formula will decrease the amount of breastmilk you make.

Try to avoid giving your baby formula after breastfeeding. Remember that breastfed babies will often take a bottle after they nurse because they have strong suckling reflexes. This does not always mean they are still hungry.

Going to work or school?

Many mothers are able to keep breastfeeding while they are working or going to school. Check out these breastfeeding links for more information.

If you feel like you don’t have enough breastmilk, try…

Nursing the baby more often. Little babies need to be nursed at least 8-12 times every 24 hours.
Nursing the baby as often and as long as he or she needs. Rest assured that if your baby is growing well he/she is getting enough from breastfeeding.
Using both breasts at each feeding.
Avoiding extra formula or water that your baby doesn’t need.

Growth Spurt

Babies go through times when they need more breastmilk to grow. This is normal. If this happens, just nurse your baby more often for a few days. Your breastmilk supply will build up to meet your baby’s needs.