Many Pediatricians are quick to recommend supplementing breastfeeding with a bottle of formula for newborns that aren't gaining weight well. An evaluation by a certified lactation consultant to assess your breast milk supply and to see if your baby is latching on well is usually a better alternative. While it is widely believed that offering bottles won't hurt, it can often increase the chances that breastfeeding will fail. If a supplement is needed, then a lactation aid or finger feeding are better alternatives. If your Pediatrician is unfamiliar with these techniques, then a lactation consultant may be helpful.
This guide to Breastfeeding is reproduced with the permission of the author, Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC, a pediatrician and a graduate of the University of Toronto medical school. He started the first hospital-based breastfeeding clinic in Canada in 1984. He has been a consultant with UNICEF for the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in Africa. Dr. Newman has practiced as a physician in Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. He currently operates four breastfeeding clinics in Toronto, Ontario.
Dr. Newman is also the author of The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers : The Most Comprehensive Problem-Solution Guide to Breastfeeding from the Foremost Expert in North America.
Despite all of these advantages of breastfeeding, you should not feel guilty if you decide that you would rather feed your baby formula. There are many formulas available that will provide your baby with good nutrition to promote his growth and development.
There are some reasons why a mother should not breastfeed, including taking a medication that is contraindicated during breastfeeding (although few are really contraindicated), being infected with HIV or having active tuberculosis that is not being treated, having herpes with active lesions on you breast, abusing illicit drugs, or having an untreated breast abscess (although the need to stop breastfeeding in this case is controversial). Women with Hepatitis C should understand that it is theoretically possible to pass the infection to their infant while breastfeeding, although this has not been documented and maternal Hepatitis C infection is not considered to be a contraindication to breastfeeding (mom's should just be aware that it is theoretically possible and make their own decision). However, women with Hepatitis B infection can breastfeed if their newborn has received the Hepatitis B Immune Globulin and Hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth. Mothers with primary herpes with active lesions (not on their breast) should discuss with their doctor whether or not they should breastfeed. Also, children with galactosemia can not breastfeed.
