Do all mothers use formula at some point even if they breast feed?

Question

if so, how much?

Answer 1

No... many people are completely opposed to using formula. If the child is breast-fed, then they are getting everything they need from Mom (except in special cases)

Answer 2

Not all do. Completely depends. Some mothers exclusively breastfeed until they wean their baby (and if baby is weaned after a year, then they'll go straight to milk and never get formula). Others throw in a bottle here or there, on an occassional or regular basis (say, the noon time feeding every day, or only if they're going out for the evening). Some, like me, don't produce enough milk (and, yes, I've seen lactation consultents, tried fenugreek, oatmeal, pumping, etc.) and have to give supplemental formula every day. It's each mother's personal choice according to her needs, wants, and abilities.

And to the ignorant person above (cassandra)...formula does not CAUSE diabetes or cancer. Breastfeeding can PROTECT against diabetes and cancer in some cases. Formula itself does NOT increase the chance of diabetes or cancer. The ABSENCE of breastmilk means the risk isn't lowered (there IS a difference). Additionally, not only does formula NOT lower IQ, it was recently shown that breastfeeding doesn't even INCREASE IQ. What WAS found was that breastfeeding mothers on average have higher IQs and were better educated, and, because of GENETICS and the ENVIRONMENT their babies were brought up in (not breastmilk or formula), their babies had higher IQs, as would be expected. Learn the facts before you go spreading misinformation.

There are myriad benefits to breastfeeding for both mother and child. What I do find interesting is the lack of information on how much breastmilk a child needs in order to reap the benefits of breastfeeding. My daughter gets breastmilk AND formula daily and has never been sick, even though she usually gets more formula than breastmilk (I pump, so I know exactly how much she gets). She's six and a half months old and spends all day with me at work with two school-aged kids, so, she's been exposed to all the germs.

Answer 3

Only a TINY percentage of women are UNABLE to breastfeed exclusively. I have a friend who works in a formula factory, and formula is weird stuff. There are risks with all pharmaceutical products, you just have to weigh your options and make a good decision. You should know that your body is capable of nourishing your baby completely. I've never touched formula, but my sister has never breastfed. Remember that every bottle you give decreases your milk supply minutely and every feeding increases it! I've enjoyed breastfeeding and I'm sad that it will be done soon!

Answer 4

I did , If I had to go to the grocery store or wanted a little alone time (I have 3 kids) I had my husband give her formula. At about 4 mos. she was not having it she would gag every time we tried the formula. She is now 10 mos and will only do breast no cup or bottle. I'll tell you what though, my kids are sick maybe once a yr.

Answer 5

Not if they're committed to breast feeding and if their breasts produce sufficient milk, which not all breasts are sufficiently-developed to do.

Some mothers continue to breast feed even up the age of 4 or 5 years, but most stop within six months.

Answer 6

No, formula causes diabetes, lowers the iq up to ten points, increases cancer risk in MOM and baby. Our first born got some formula (maybe 3 bottles) through our ignorance, but we learned and the second was never subjected to that poison.

Both are sons were nursed for at least two years, as the world health organization recommends.

Answer 7

Some cases a mother will need to supplement her breastmilk with formula feedings. But no, not in all cases. My daughter is 18 weeks and so far has only had/needed breastmilk.

Answer 8

Actually I did with ours, I had a HARD time building up my supply (I was on Motilium the entire time I breastfed just to keep breastfeeding)

I would mix it up and give an ounce here or there AFTER the boys had breastfed if i really had nothing left to give them.

Personally I get crazy irritated with people who breastfeed and get down on those who either don't or end up having to supplement with formula. Yes...anyone will agree that breastmilk is best...but for those who can't (or even those who chose not to) nobody has the right to judge. I would rather know that a woman stopped breastfeeding because she didn't like it (for whatever reason) than have her continue and resent the baby or the time spent with the baby nursing.

Sorry...I'll get off my soapbox now... :)

Answer 9

It depends...I used it twice...Once when my son was ready for my breast milk and it hadn't come in yet and to supplement my breast milk in the first week of life to help push out the bilirubin in my sons system. Both of which were at the advice of our physician. But If your serious about breastfeeding, breastfeed on BOTH breasts at least 10 min BEFORE supplementing with breast milk.

Answer 10

No. I have 4 kids and 5+ yrs of breastfeeding experience (and counting) and have never used formula nor have we used bottles.