Supplement?

stlmomma27

I EBF and I am wondering if I will ever need to supplement with formula or rice cereal? My mom and MIL said they gave rice cereal to help the babies stay full longer. Didn't know if anyone has done this?

davenh76

I asked my pediatrician about this today.  She gave me the OK to try rice cereal in the bottle, but said no more than a tablespoon per ounce.  DD is EBF, so I may start a little bit in her night time bottle to see how she does.

I typically supplement with formula in an emergency situation, like if we are out somewhere and DD has finished her milk bottle and I'm not in a place that I can BF her. 

MommyMelRN

You are well past the point where you hold need to supplement with formula for most medical reasons.  Also, our babies are sill too young for cereal, although some dr's might suggest it for reflux.  

Recommendations are different now than when our parents had kids.   

Mrs_Bennett

CabbageCabbage:

No, if you are EBF and the baby has enough wet and dirty diapers, you don't need to supplement with formula EVER. Adding formula will actually start to decrease your supply, as BFing is a supply and demand relationship. If baby eats formula and is full and doesn't nurse, your body says, "hey, I don't need to make that much milk," and slows down production. It's a slippery slope that often leads to full-time FF. 

You should never feed an infant rice cereal before about 4 months of age unless a doctor recommends it. It expands in the belly but offers very little nutrition. If your baby feels full but isn't getting nutritious food (milk), that's no good. Their tiny bodies get hungry for a reason. 

Keep BFing if you want to BF and good luck!  

stlmomma27

Thanks ladies!