When other moms in a mother\u2019s support group recently told my friend her use of formula to supplement her breast milk was like \u201cfeeding him fast food when you should be feeding organic,\u201d I was shocked. Maybe I shouldn\u2019t have been \u2013 because parents receive unsolicited advice and criticism from all sides.<\/p>\n
To judge my friend, who had the best intentions for supplementing her breast milk with formula, was wrong. Mother\u2019s support groups are often an invaluable source of help and information \u2013 she should have felt accepted and supported by this group!\u00a0There are many ways to raise a child well, and while breastfeeding is the\u00a0healthiest choice for babies<\/a>, it\u2019s sometimes difficult to do.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at the options for formula if you choose to use it to supplement breast milk or alone.<\/p>\n Your physician and lactation consultant will offer you all the help you need to breastfeed successfully. But it doesn\u2019t always work. It may not work for many reasons, or it may not be the right choice for your family. No one should be judged.<\/p>\n If offering formula, there are many good choices \u2013 not all make sense, so let\u2019s run through them. A good and funny new book, Looking Out for Number Two,<\/i>\u00a0written by a fellow pediatrician and friend, Dr. Bryan Vartabedian,\u00a0does a great job of outlining the choices:<\/p>\n A couple of other points to remember:<\/p>\n Breast milk is the healthiest choice for your baby \u2013 no doubt. However, if you need to supplement with formula, no one should judge your choice.<\/p>\n For support, see our page on\u00a0breastfeeding<\/a>\u00a0your baby.<\/p>\n\n
\n