When getting ready for your new baby’s arrival, one of the most important decisions you will make is what you will feed your baby. Whether you’ve already decided how to feed your baby or are still making up your mind, our goal is to give you the information you need. This form can also help your healthcare team follow your wishes.
Feeding a baby in the first few days can be difficult, no matter what you feed your baby. For many moms and babies, breastfeeding is a learned skill that takes practice for a few weeks. There are very few medical reasons why a woman should not breastfeed.
Formula should only be given to a breastfed baby for a medical reason.
Even just one bottle of formula can cause:
Breastmilk |
Formula |
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Benefits "Pros" | Baby |
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Unknown |
Mom |
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MYTH: My lifestyle and sleep will be easier if I formula feed. FACT: Breastfeeding is easier after you learn. Research suggests sleep quality is better when you breastfeed. MYTH: Babies learn to suck best from a bottle. FACT: Learning to suck from a breast has more health benefits. The flow of milk from a bottle is typically too much, too fast. |
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Risks "Cons" | Baby |
Unknown |
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Mom |
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