Baby formula feeding-never the first choice but only the last resortBaby formula feeding may be required when a mother does not get enough breast milk or is not able to feed due to other reasons (ex has to go out to work). It should however be remembered that breast milk is the ideal food for small babies and every effort should be made to exclusively breast feed babies for the first six months. Breast feeding has innumerable advantages and a decision to formula feed a baby should not be taken lightly. Before the availability of human milk substitute cow’ milk was widely used. However cow’s milk is not suitable for babies below six months for several reasons. The protein content of cow’s milk is much higher. This causes solute overload in small babies. Though the iron content is higher than that of breast milk its bio-availability is low and hence the risk of iron deficiency anemia is higher. The calcium content is also higher than that of breast milk but because of higher phosphate content the absorption in much less and babies given cow’s milk are at risk of developing hypocalcemia which may cause convulsions.
Artificial infant milk formulas are of different types. Standard baby formula resembles breast milk in protein content, fat minerals and vitamins (but no where near breast milk when it comes to providing protection against infections). They are usually cow’s milk based which means the nutrients are derived from cow’s milk but modified to suit human baby. They may be either ready to feed formulas, concentrated formulas for which water has to be added or powders which should be reconstituted with safe water. Ready to feed formulas are very costly. Milk powders should preferably be reconstituted just before feeding, using safe water. It is very important to use the same measure provided by the manufacturer. You can choose a formula from any good company. The formula should be made up by adding one level measure to one ounce of water (please read the manufacturer’s instruction before preparing the formula). It is necessary to accurately measure the amount of water using a bottle with ounce marking. If the amount of powder added is less and the formula becomes dilute the baby will not get the required amount of energy, proteins and other nutrients. On the other hand if the powder added is more and the formula becomes concentrated baby may become dehydrated and lose weight. The kidneys of young babies are immature and they cannot concentrate urine as much as adults do. Organic baby formula is one that is derived from cows which have been fed on feed which does not contain any pesticides and have not been given any growth hormone or antibiotics. Role of DHA and ARA DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid and ARA stands for arachidonic acid. Both are fatty acids and are essential for the development of the brain and eyes. Breast milk contains both of them but older formulas were devoid of these fatty acids. Now formulas containing these are available though it is doubtful whether they are as good as those found in breast milk. These formulas are costlier than formulas which do not contain the fatty acids.
Special baby formula for low birth weight babies: Low birth weight babies including premature babies require more protein and calories for catch up growth than babies with normal weight. It should however be borne in mind that the breast milk of mothers who have given birth to premature babies usually contains more protein and often such babies gain weight satisfactorily on exclusive breast feeding. But some babies do not gain weight and may have to be given special formula containing more proteins and calories Lactose free baby formula: Lactose is the sugar present in breast milk some babies cannot digest lactose-a condition called lactose intolerance. This is due to the deficiency of an enzyme called lactose in the intestine. The usual form of lactose intolerance develops after a bout of diarrhea due to damage to the inner lining of the intestine. This is called secondary lactose intolerance and is transient. Breast feeding may be continued unless lactose intolerance is severe, when a lactose free formula may be needed for a few days. Primary lactose intolerance is rare. Here there in congenital deficiency of the enzyme lactase. Such babies may require lactose free formula from birth. Soy based formulas are available and can be used in both the situations. Practical considerations while giving baby formula: Always keep spare bottles and teats. Sterilize the bottles and teats properly. Before feeding make sure that the temperature is suitable for the baby by pouring a few drops on the back of your hand (this is more sensitive than the skin on the palm). Ensure that the hole in the teat is neither too big (baby may choke while feeding) or too small (baby will find it difficult the suck, may get exhaused, go on crying and lose weight). When you hold the bottle upside down milk should flow in drops at the rate of about two drops per second. Prop up the bottle properly so that the neck of the bottle is completely filled up by milk and not air. If baby swallows air instead of milk this will cause abdominal discomfort and crying.
Always discard the leftover feed. If the baby drinks the entire amount prepare more next time . Final word: There is nothing like nature made breast milk. With proper preparation during Pregnancy almost every woman will get enough breast milk. Do not get carried way by the infant formula ads and think that they are better than breast milk. They are not even as good as breast milk. Formula feeding should only be a last resort.
Page last reviewed on 5th March 2009
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