Patient's question:
Hello! My son is about 20 days old, and I don't have enough milk, so I'm mixing formula and breastfeeding. I'd like to ask how to combine the two feeding methods—is it better to have one breastfeed followed by one formula feed, or to breastfeed at every meal and supplement with formula if he's not full? Additionally, can such a young infant be introduced to solid foods? Thank you!Doctor's answer:
Mixed feeding requires adjusting the amount of other dairy products added based on the extent of breastfeeding deficiency. There are two feeding methods: supplementary feeding and substitute feeding. Regardless of the method chosen, it is essential to ensure the baby is breastfed at regular intervals every day.The correct method and precautions for mixed feeding:
Supplementary feeding: This involves maintaining the usual number of daily breastfeeding sessions, but after each breastfeeding session, the baby is then supplemented with a certain amount of formula milk or substitute food. This method is suitable for babies under 6 months old. The characteristic of this method is that the baby first suckles breast milk, which stimulates the mother's breasts regularly to maintain milk production, allowing the baby to continue receiving breast milk.