Baby Refusing the Breast After Formula? What Helps

Mothers are often confused about breastfeeding and bottle feeding for their babies. However, with some relevant information and some practice, baby feeding becomes quite easy for mothers.

The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months if possible, and babies can also thrive on formula or a mix of both. However, formula may become a preferred choice of baby feeding because it is more readily available, ready to serve, bought & in some cases prepared (we advise against making formula at home).

If you have introduced your baby to the formula then you may wonder if it'll still feed on breast milk. This article will help you learn everything about formula feeding.

The short answer: most babies can do both

Most babies who get some formula can keep breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says babies can thrive on breast milk, infant formula, or a combination of the two.

When a baby does start fussing at the breast after bottles, the cause is often the milk flow, or how much milk is at the breast, rather than a taste for formula. Milk can flow faster from a bottle, and when formula replaces breastfeeds without pumping, your supply can drop. Paced bottle feeding and regular pumping can help you keep both going.

4 Reasons Why Moms Give Formula Along With Breast milk

Some women prefer to use the alternative of breast milk, the formula. Along with it, the infant formula also has some nutrients & vitamins that breastfeeding babies get from supplements.

Did you know? Commercial infant formula is made from a mix of proteins, sugars, fats, vitamins and minerals, but it isn't the same as breast milk. Powdered formula is also not sterile and can sometimes contain germs such as Cronobacter, so follow the CDC's steps for preparing and storing it safely. Liquid formula is made to be sterile.

Many mothers feed their babies formula instead of breast milk due to medical conditions, however, some women find it very stressful or difficult. Here are some more reasons why mothers feed formula instead:

Convenience

It’s quite convenient for parents to feed the baby through a bottle at any time. However, this can also be done by women who prefer to pump their breast milk. But feeding the formula enables mothers to share baby feeding duties with their partners. Why? Because it can help strengthen the bond between the baby & the father. 

Flexibility

Bottle feeding allows the mothers to keep a flexible schedule and leave the baby with her partner or a caregiver, knowing that the baby will be kept well-fed. Thanks to the formula, the mothers don’t have to worry about pumping their breast milk or creating a schedule around the baby’s feeding time.

What’s even better? Formula-feeding mothers don’t have to find a private place to feed their babies.

Time and frequency of feedings

Formula-fed babies usually take larger, less frequent feedings than breastfed babies, often every 3 or 4 hours.

Diet

This may be the best part for foodie mothers. Thanks to formula, mothers don’t have to worry about what they’re eating because no matter what they eat or drink, it would not affect their babies.

Do Babies Refuse Breastfeeding After Introduction To Formula?

Some babies prefer breastfeeding to bottle feeding while the other babies prefer formula over breast milk. You will know what your baby prefers only after you introduce breast milk as well as formula to them.

So, no, not all babies will refuse to breastfeed after they get introduced to the formula.

How to keep breastfeeding when your baby also has formula

• Offer the breast first. The AAP suggests starting feeds with breast milk and then giving formula if your baby still needs it.
• Pace bottle feeds. Hold your baby upright, almost sitting, and tilt the bottle just enough to fill the nipple so your baby controls how fast the milk comes (La Leche League USA). Some experts suggest a slow-flow nipple with a wide base, though little research compares nipples.
• When your baby has a bottle instead of a breastfeed, pump or hand express around the same time. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine suggests expressing about once for each supplement.
• Try skin-to-skin time, offer the breast when your baby is drowsy or just waking, and get your milk flowing before you latch so your baby gets milk right away.
• Don't force it. If the refusal goes on, you can feed by cup or spoon for a while as you work on getting back to the breast.
• A board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) can check latch, flow and supply. Call your pediatrician if your baby seems unwell or you're worried they aren't eating enough.

Why Do Some Babies Want Formula Instead?

A baby who fusses at the breast after bottles usually isn't turning down breast milk. Bottles change what a baby expects from a feed. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine notes that bottle feeding uses different tongue and jaw movements, and its faster flow can lead babies to take more milk than they need. La Leche League International says tilting a bottle or using fast-flow nipples can sometimes confuse a baby and bring on a nursing strike.

Formula can also mean fewer breastfeeds. That's less stimulation for your breasts and, over time, less milk, so your baby may have to wait longer for it to flow and get frustrated.

Other things can cause a sudden refusal too, such as teething, a stuffy nose or ear infection, stress or a change in routine, or a strong reaction from you after a bite. If your baby was breastfeeding well and suddenly refuses, La Leche League says it's probably a nursing strike rather than a sign it's time to wean.

To Sum It Up

We hope this article helps mothers to understand formula-feeding and bursts the doubts they have about it. Yes, babies may go back to breastfeeding even after they're introduced to the formula.

Meet Our KeaMommy Contributor: Avery K. When she isn’t looking after the many needs of her 2 kids, Avery enjoys taking walks in the park, enjoying nature, and getting her daily fix of caffeine.