Some women breastfed, but if you have chosen to bottle feed, or considering combination feeding with expressed breast milk or formula there are lots of tips to help keep your baby safe and healthy while bottle feeding.
One of the advantages of bottle feeding is that your partner can also enjoy this precious time too.
Impact of formula feeding on breast milk supply
The World Health Organisation recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first 6 months of their life to ensure the best outcomes for mother and baby.
However, if you can’t or have choose not to breastfeed exclusively should be aware that the introduction of formula can reduce your milk supply.
Therefore, if you wish to continue breastfeeding and are thinking of introducing formula, please speak with a member of the Health Visiting or Breastfeeding Support team so they can support you to maintain for milk supply.
Types of formula
There lots of different formula milks on the market, which can be very confusing when choosing what to feed your baby and for a healthy baby it doesn’t matter what brand of formula you choose.
Infant formula powders are not sterile, so it is important to clean and sterilise all your baby’s feeding equipment (including bottles and teats) until they are at least 12 months old.
The general rule is to use first stage formula only, there is no need to switch to follow-on formula, and babies under 6 months should only have cows or goats’ milk-based formula. Unless you have been advised otherwise by a health professional.
More information about the types of formula can be found on the NHS website and First Steps Nutrition also has a simple up to date guide on infant milks.
Responsive bottle feeding
The best way to bottle feeding, if this is how you are choosing to feed your baby is by following their lead.
Your baby will let you know when they are hungry or full. This is also known as responsive bottle feeding.
Recognising these cues means you can feed when they first show signs of being hungry. Let your baby feed their own pace, taking a break when they need to and stopping when they are full. Remember, it is ok for your baby not to drink all of a bottle at every feed.
Like with breastfeeding, making eye contact and talking or singing during feeds, holding your baby close while feeding will help your baby feel safe, loved, and secure.
You can also download the UNICEF guide to bottle-feeding booklet, which will guide you through preparing infant formula and sterilising feeding equipment to minimise the risks to your baby.