Not Breastfeeding?

If you’re having difficulties breastfeeding, need to supplement, or choose to transition solely to formula feeding, rest easy because you’re not alone! Three common reasons why many moms transition to formula from breastmilk, including:

• Difficulty breastfeeding
• Medications or medical conditions
• Personal preference or lifestyle (ie. returning to work)

Common Issue #1: I’m Having Difficulties with Breastfeeding

Some moms have trouble breastfeeding. Babies may have difficulty latching, may not be getting enough milk, or mom’s may experience pain while nursing. In these situations, supplementing with formula can be an important option to consider.¹ Feeding your baby with breast milk and formula is one option that you can explore. Reaching out to a lactation consultant for support and advice can help. You can also chat with your healthcare provider about whether supplementing formula is right for you.²

If you’re still finding breastfeeding challenging despite support, know that you’re not alone. Today’s infant formulas are designed to be safe and nourishing alternatives when needed. As one Toronto mom shares: “It was hard to know I wasn't providing enough [milk] for my son, but knowing there are products available to parents is wonderful!”

Common Issue #2: I’m Sick and Taking Medication

If you are ill and the only drugs available to you are not proven to be safe for breastfeeding, you may need to temporarily or permanently switch to formula-feeding.³ Even when it’s necessary, you may still feel upset or disappointed. As new mom Ann G. says, “When I found out that I would not be able to breastfeed because of the medication I was on, I was devastated.”

In Canada, formulas are regulated and must comply with specific compositional requirements set out by Health Canada. This ensures that formulas contain the nutrients your baby needs for normal growth and development without the potential side effects that some medicines may cause your baby.⁴ After doing a little research, you may feel better about switching to formula. This was the case for Justine C., of Ellenville, New York. “Once I did my research, I felt loads better, and my son was happy. Win-win!”

Common Issue #3: I’m Not Sure I Want to Nurse

Infant formula is designed to meet the known nutritional requirements of babies, so your child can get all the nutrients they need from formula.⁴ Supporting your child’s nutrition is what truly matters. “I have used Enfamil [A+] from the very beginning,” shares an Ohio mom. “I am so happy to know that my daughter is getting proper nutrition by using your products. Thank you very much for making a wonderful product for a first-time mother!” Feeding can feel overwhelming at times, but try to shift the focus to the special moments you share and the bond you are building.

Want to see what other moms are saying about Enfamil products? Check out our Mom Testimonials page to see their thoughts and opinions, because moms tell the story best!

Formula-Feeding Myths Every Parent Should Be Aware Of

You might be getting all kinds of conflicting information from well-meaning friends and family. Here are some quick facts about formula feeding to keep in mind:

• Many moms use both breast milk and formula in the early days
• Breastfeeding can continue even while supplementing
• Infant formula is regulated by Health Canada
• Bonding happens through all types of feeding
• Healthcare providers recognize that formula is sometimes necessary

Now, let’s address some common myths:

Myth #1: Nobody Formula Feeds, They Exclusively Breastfeed

• The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.⁵ Breastfeeding is the best nutrition option for babies.⁵
• A study showed that 46% of moms feed their baby a combination of breast milk and formula at some point during the first 3 days.⁶
• If you choose to supplement, you’re not alone. Every mom and baby pair are unique and so is their situation and feeding decision.

Myth #2: Your Breast Milk Supply Will Dry Up If You Supplement with Baby Formula

• It’s true that the more breast milk your baby drinks, the more your body produces, but adding some infant formula to your baby’s diet won’t make your milk disappear entirely.⁷
• However, you might notice that your breastmilk supply will decrease when you supplement with formula.⁸

Myth #3: Formula Is Not Safe and Healthy for Babies

• Today’s baby formulas are designed to be as similar to breast milk as possible to better support babies.⁹ Formulas include vitamins and minerals, as well as iron.⁹
• Some formulas also have important omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids like ARA and DHA.¹⁰ These fatty acids are found naturally in breastmilk.¹⁰ DHA and ARA are important as they support your baby’s rapidly developing brain and eyes.¹⁰
• Health Canada regulates the safety and nutritional content of infant formulas.⁹

Myth #4: You Can’t Bond with Your Baby If You Formula Feed

• Feeding time is an important time of connection.¹¹ Even when you formula feed, your baby still knows that they are being held, loved, and nourished.
• If supplementing or formula feeding gives you peace of mind, that is a plus.
• Try skin-to-skin contact with your baby to help them feel safe and warm.¹¹

Myth #5: Healthcare Providers Don’t Recommend Formula Feeding

• Healthcare providers know that some issues can crop up to make exclusive breastfeeding difficult. These can include:¹
  • Breasts or nipple pain
  • Challenges with milk production
  • Latching problems
• Healthcare providers will be able to recommend the best formula to address your baby’s needs.²
• Whenever you’re having challenges with feeding, talk to your healthcare provider.²
• Baby-care experts have seen all kinds of situations, and ultimately, they share the same goal as you…a happy, healthy, thriving baby.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Transition from Breastfeeding to Formula

Switching from breastmilk to formula may not come automatically. A human nipple and a bottle nipple smell and feel different, for one thing. And a slightly different type of sucking is needed. Most of all, it’s altogether different from what they’re grown used to.

The good news: These breast to bottle tips can help the process go more smoothly.

Pick a Receptive Time

Timing is an important factor when transitioning from breast to bottle. Try introducing a bottle when your little one is in a good mood and isn’t too hungry.¹² They may be better able to focus on the bottle and more willing to giving it a try.

Find the Right Equipment

There’s a huge array of bottles and nipples available. You may need to experiment a bit to find which ones work well for your baby.¹³ There’s no “right” or “best” nipple shape. Try a slow-flow nipple hole for bottle feeding.¹³ You can test it by holding the bottle upside down.¹³ There is no one-size-fits all drip rate for bottle nipples when feeding infant formula. The bet flow rate is the one that lets your baby suck, swallow, and breath comfortably without coughing or showing signs of distress. ¹³

Try a Different Messenger

Your baby may be more open to a bottle offered by someone who isn’t you and doesn’t smell like you (or your breast milk): your partner, Grandma, or a caregiver.¹² Try keeping out of your baby’s sight while this happens.¹²

Try Breast Milk in a Bottle First

If you’ve been breastfeeding, transition to formula by putting breast milk in a bottle first, then try infant formula.¹² This can help your baby transition to bottle feeding.

Look for Hints of Frustration

Is a session with the bottle not going well? It’s OK to stop before the frustration point. Your baby may get madder and madder and refuse to eat—and learn to associate this new feeding approach with bad feelings. It’s better to try again later.¹²

Watch Your Baby

As your little one drinks from a bottle, allow your baby to pause and restart, just as you did with breastfeeding.¹² That will help him realize that the two feeding processes are similar. Watch for signs that he’s had enough (such as turning away), since you won’t be able to tell from the feel of your breast.

Feel the Love

One way that bottle-feeding and breastfeeding are alike is that both provide an opportunity to snuggle and relax. Feed your baby just as you did from your breast—with lots of skin-to-skin contact and affection.¹¹

Breastfeeding to Formula Transition Chart

Use this simple chart to help you transition to formula:

Use these tips to help make changing to formula easy. Sign up for My Family Beginnings^™ by Enfamil A+^® to receive free full-sized Enfamil A+^® NeuroPro^™ product, coupons, and more for your little one. Talk with your baby's doctor to determine what feeding approach is best for you and your baby.