Alternative to breast feeding (formula feeding)
- Breastfeeding for all infants is the best, but if it is impossible, a formula as compositionally close to breast milk as possible is desirable.
Indications of Formula Feeding
- Death of mother.
- Institutes and nurseries.
- Absolute contraindications to breastfeeding (e.g., galactosemia and maternal AIDS).
- Failure of lactation: no or very little milk.
- Supplemental feeding (both breast milk and formula): Suitable for employed mothers (as a second option after expressed breast milk), multiple delivery, or if the amount of breast milk is inadequate.
Formula Feeding Overview
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Created in a lab, and in most cases, is commercially altered cow’s milk.
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Formula does not contain the same antibodies found in breast milk.
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There are substances added to formula to help protect babies from illness but these are not as easily absorbed by baby as breast milk and do not offer the same kind of protection. Higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals in formula make it more difficult to digest and more likely that your baby will suffer: - Gas. - Constipation. - Upset stomach.
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Formula-fed babies have a higher risk of SIDS.
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Formula is expensive.
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A 2013 World Health Organization report found formula-fed babies scored lower on IQ tests than those who were breastfed.
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Formula must be prepared following certain guidelines to ensure it is sterile, and bottles must always be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
| Breastmilk | Formula | |
|---|---|---|
| Colostrum | Present in first feeds. Stimulates newborn digestion. | Not present |
| Antibodies | Present in colostrums in high doses, and subsequent milk. | Not present |
| Protein | Lower, but more easily digested and absorbed. Human. | Higher, but harder to digest and absorb. Bovine sources. |
| Carbohydrates | Higher in lactose, linked to brain development. | Lower in lactose. May come from glucose. |
| Fatty acids | Human fatty acids. | Palm oil or alternatives. |
| Vitamins and minerals | May be lower, but easier to absorb. | Higher, but harder to absorb. |
| Component | Human Milk | Cow’s Milk | Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | Right amount Easy to digest | Too much Difficult to digest | Quantity reduced Quality as cow’s |
| Fats | EFA’s present Lipase to digest | No EFAs No lipase | Some EFA added No lipase |
| Carbohydrate | Lactose - plenty Oligosaccharides (anti-infective) | Lactose - less Oligos not suitable | Lactose + sucrose Lacks oligos |
| Vitamins and minerals | Adequate if mother enough | Low Vit A and C and iron | Vits/mins added usually enough |
| Anti-infective factors | IgA, lactoferrin, lysozyme, cells | None | None |
| Growth factors | Present | None | None |
Formula Feeding Calculation
- The amount of formula needed is calculated according to weight as follows:
- Daily needs = 150 ml formula/kg/day, then the calculated amount is divided by the number of feeds per day (6 to 8 feeds).
- Amount of formula per feed = (150 ml X body weight in kg) / number of feeds per day.
HOW MUCH TO FEED?
The amount of formula needed is calculated according to weight as follows: Daily needs=150 ml formula/kg /day , then the calculated amount is divided by the number of feeds per day (6 to 8 feeds)
Amount of formula per feed=(150 ml X body wt in kg) / number of feeds per day
This table shows the relationship between the amount of water (in ml and ounces), the number of unpacked scoops, and the total volume when prepared (in ml).
| Amount of Water (ml) | Number of scoops (unpacked) | Total volume when prepared (ml) |
|---|---|---|
| 90 = 3 ounces | 3 | 100 |
| 120 = 4 ounces | 4 | 130 |
| 150 = 5 ounces | 5 | 165 |
| 180 = 6 ounces | 6 | 200 |
| 210 = 7 ounces | 7 | 230 |
