Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/o-D_Vw8oCRA Using a bit of formula to assist breastfeeding and trigger a healthy weight gain has for years been considered a no-no.  Lactation consultants advise that this use of formula destroys the child’s interest in breast feeding. A study from the University of California - San Francisco now labels this warning an urban myth.  Pediatricians there and at Penn State studied some 164 babies suffering from significant  post-partum weight loss.  Half of the group received syringe-fed formula in addition to breastfeeding and the others continued with breastfeeding alone. The results showed that, at 6 months, the formula-supplemented group of children were just as likely to be breastfeeding as the no formula group.  An added benefit to supplementation was the finding that those given formula were at lower risk for jaundice. So if your newborn is struggling with weight gain immediately after birth, ask about formula supplementation. Valerie J. Flaherman, Michael D. Cabana, Charles E. M