Breastfeeding & Supplementation: When Is It Necessary? A Guide for New Moms
As a new mom, you may have heard conflicting advice about supplementing with formula. Some say to avoid it at all costs, while others suggest it freely. So, when is supplementation truly necessary? The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) provides clear guidelines on when and how to introduce formula while maintaining a successful breastfeeding journey.
Let’s break it down.
When Might Supplementation Be Necessary?
ABM emphasizes that exclusive breastfeeding is the goal, but there are times when supplementation is medically necessary. Here are some situations where a baby might need extra nourishment:
1. Excessive Weight Loss in a Newborn
It’s normal for newborns to lose some weight after birth, but if weight loss exceeds 7–10% of birth weight, a doctor may recommend supplementation.
2. Signs of Dehydration
If your baby has fewer than four wet diapers by day four, appears lethargic, has dry lips, or dark-colored urine, it may indicate dehydration, requiring supplementation.
3. Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Some babies, particularly those born to mothers with gestational diabetes or those with a low birth weight, may struggle with low blood sugar, which can be managed with early and frequent feeding—sometimes including supplementation.
4. Poor Latch or Ineffective Nursing
If a baby has difficulty latching or nursing effectively due to tongue-tie, prematurity, or other issues, supplementation may be needed while working with a lactation consultant.
5. Jaundice
In some cases, jaundice (yellowing of the skin due to high bilirubin levels) may require increased milk intake to help flush out bilirubin. If breastfeeding alone isn’t meeting this need, temporary supplementation may be advised.
6. Maternal Health Concerns
If a mother has a low milk supply due to medical conditions (e.g., PCOS, thyroid disorders, previous breast surgery) or needs to temporarily stop breastfeeding due to certain medications or treatments, supplementation can be a necessary bridge.
How to Supplement While Maintaining Breastfeeding
If supplementation is needed, you don’t have to give up breastfeeding. ABM recommends these strategies to ensure that breastfeeding continues successfully:
1. Prioritize Breastfeeding First
Always offer the breast first before supplementing. This helps stimulate milk production and encourages your baby to continue latching.
2. Use Expressed Breast Milk When Possible
If you need to supplement, try using hand-expressed or pumped breast milk before introducing formula.
3. Choose the Right Supplementation Method
Instead of a bottle, consider using a syringe, spoon, cup, or supplemental nursing system (SNS) to avoid nipple confusion.
4. Work with a Lactation Consultant
A professional can help troubleshoot latch issues, optimize milk supply, and guide you in supplementing without disrupting breastfeeding.
5. Protect Your Milk Supply
If supplementing becomes necessary, continue stimulating your breasts by nursing frequently or pumping to maintain your milk production.
The Bottom Line: Supplementation Can Be Temporary
ABM’s approach reassures new moms that supplementation, when done correctly, doesn’t mean the end of breastfeeding. In many cases, it’s a short-term solution to support your baby’s health while you continue to work on breastfeeding success.
If you’re facing challenges, seek support from a lactation consultant, pediatrician, or breastfeeding support group. You’re not alone on this journey, and with the right guidance, you can continue nourishing your baby in the best way possible.
Have you experienced supplementation? Share your journey in the comments!
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this content does not establish a patient–provider or professional relationship between you and Thrive Lactation Center or Sarah Schooler, RN, BSN, IBCLC.
Always seek the advice of your physician, pediatrician, or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition, breastfeeding, or your health. Never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you have read here.
