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smw81 · #1 (**permalink**) 30-Jul-2008, 16:32

Hi,

I have some short answer questions and one of them is "What are the dangers of giving formula milk to a breastfed baby?" I know that if you give a baby formula it can "undo" some of the benefits of B/F but was wondering if someone could give me a bit of insight.

Thanks

coffeebean · #2 (**permalink**) 30-Jul-2008, 16:36

If the instructions on how to make up the mix have been incorrectly followed this can make babies prone to diahorrea and similarily if the bottles have not been sterilised properly.

coffeebean · #3 (**permalink**) 30-Jul-2008, 16:37

Formula can also sometimes make breastfed babies constipated.

smw81 · #4 (**permalink**) 30-Jul-2008, 16:38

Thank you coffeebean.

coffeebean · #5 (**permalink**) 30-Jul-2008, 16:43

Welcome babe. Been a La Leche peer support councellor for 8 months now and really love it.

smw81 · #6 (**permalink**) 30-Jul-2008, 16:44

Fantastic, been along to a birthing centre where they run it and it seems really good.

scallywag · #7 (**permalink**) 30-Jul-2008, 16:56

Also, if you give breastfed babies formula milk it can lead to the mother's milk supply drying up, as the baby is obviously not breastfeeding as much and is not taking as much milk at each feed.

There is also evidence that giving supplementary formula can upset the balance of the gut flora within the baby's stomach. There's some facts about it here:- http://massbfc.org/formula/bottle.html.

smw81 · #8 (**permalink**) 30-Jul-2008, 17:11

Thanks for the link, interesting stuff.

midwifemissy · #9 (**permalink**) 30-Jul-2008, 17:14

There is also the fact that if you give a breastfed baby formula milk from a bottle, it is easier for them to feed, they have to use less effort than they do feeding at the breast.

So, it can be harder then to get them back on the breast.

smw81 · #10 (**permalink**) 30-Jul-2008, 17:53

Would this be classified as a danger though? I think it's quite an ambiguous question tbh. But thanks for all your help everyone.

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