Mixed feeding - how many BFs to give baby real benefits?

[Kirhei]

Hi

My DD is 4 months and am contemplating the replacement of the 10:30 am feed with formula. Does anyone know how much BM or how many BFs should a baby take per day in order for her to get the real benefits of the BM ? I do not want to wean her off completely yet...

[Shiv52]

Hi there

Here is a thread that someone had a while back that looked at formula use and lots of people had some input:

http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=216839.0

This article was put in it by a poster and i found it really interesting:

http://www.breastfeed.com/pumping-bottle-feeding/bottle/risks-of-formula-feeding


So in terms of the open gut theory and benefits of BFing even one bottle  of formula would have an effect.  But from the immuniological point of view I think a bottle of formula a day would be totally fine.   

[Tay]

Hiya,
Any breastmilk your baby gets will be giving your LO the benefits and the protection (even as little as one feed a day!).
I would suggest you read the following link (if you haven't already done so) which explains about the 'open gut' and why, if you can, it's best to eclusively BF until around 6 months.
http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=68263.0

You might also find this link useful: http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=178503.0
With a bit more practical info on how to introduce formula to your LO.
Let me know what you think
xx

[Tay]

Info overload!

[Kirhei]

Hmm, I never thought about asking the reverse; How much possible damage can formula milk cause? !!!! Very interesting article and am again a bit wiser about why breast is best. Although it is about eventual risks, not about a direct cause and effect relationship automatically created by formula milk. As we all know, there are BF babies with allergies and formula fed babies who are never sick. And we should not forget the overall well-being - physical and psychological - of both the baby AND the mother before insisting breast is always best in all cases.  But it sure made me re-think my case ! Thank you!

[Tay]

And we should not forget the overall well-being - physical and psychological - of both the baby AND the mother before insisting breast is always best in all cases.

Absolutely, Tracy herself was very supportive of parents who choose to give both breastmilk and formula and she felt that it was important to recognise exclusive breastfeeding may not fit everyone's situation.
xx