Formula Feeding

Uses, disadvantages and benefits of formula milk

Formula milk is prepared from a base of cow’s milk, goat’s milk or soya. Human breast milk is specifically designed for the complete nutrition for a baby’s growth therefore modern formula milk is adapted to “match” it as closely as possible. Sugars, fats, vitamins and minerals are added into the specially prepared powder milk base so that it can be easily and safely digested by a baby.

Modern formula milk formulations are safe for infants of any age. In contrast, cow’s milk can only be given after the age of one year. Before the age of one year, a baby cannot digest it properly.

Different formulas have different uses and have some special additives to assist their function. Standard formulas are similar in quality and nutrition – you are merely buying the brand that you prefer. Do not be caught up in the “price-wars”. Just pick one and see if your baby likes it.

Disadvantages of formula

It can be time-consuming to prepare. It also has to be prepared using clean and sterilized utensils. Avoiding the correct cleaning method can cause your baby to be very ill (with vomiting and diarrhoea). (Please check out the article – How to sterilize a bottle for feeding a baby)
If using formula milk powder, please note that the powder itself is not sterile. It can become contaminated with germs which would cause illness in the baby. The formula-powder tin must be stored closed to ensure safety. Make sure you wash your hands before touching the scoop in the tin. You also have to use clean boiled water to mix the powder into the clean and sterilised bottle.
All of the above needs access to a clean preparation area, clean water and a reliable source of energy: open fire, gas, paraffin or electricity; in order to prepare formula milk safely. If you do not have these, you cannot formula feed safely.
Formula milk does not have immune factors and does not offer protection from disease in the same way that breast-milk does for a baby. Formula fed babies sometimes fall ill more often than breastfed babies and if admitted, may stay in hospital for longer. They also have an increased risk for acute gastrointestinal disease (also known as “gastro”).
Formula-feeding may predispose to many types of allergies in the future: and it may cause problems in the present: a child may develop a sensitivity to cow’s milk protein or lactose (the sugar in milk). This may show up as a rash, or vomiting or diarrhoea every time the baby has milk.
Formula feeding may be associated with an increase in obesity later in life for a child.
Formula is relatively expensive: for the cheapest brand available in South Africa, it may be about R400 for a tin with a 2-week supply of milk powder. You have to make sure you can afford it long-term before you start.
Formula has to be mixed strictly according to the instructions: if it is too concentrated – the child may get dehydrated and, if you make it too dilute – the child will not have enough nutrients to grow properly.
Formula milk may also cause constipation: you may have to try many different kinds of milk to find the one that is most tolerable for your baby.

Advantages of formula

It is convenient. It can be extremely helpful for a family who can share duties of taking care of the child: relieving mum, and giving dad and other family members a chance to help feed the baby.
It is adequate for nutrition. Breast milk truly is best, but hey, the kid will be well fed and happy and will grow.
It may assist with the breastfeeding journey. Sometimes in order to continue breastfeeding for longer, you may choose add formula feeds during the day or night. This may reduce stress and allow for more flexibility. It is known as mixed-feeding. Be careful, however because addition of formula may stop your breastfeeding journey prematurely: especially if added too early. Mixed feeding is most advised when breastfeeding is well established, but if availability for continuous breastfeeding is hampered (for example if a mother goes back to work after her maternity leave). Bear in mind that it may reduce stress, but cause other challenges.
Formula milk may be necessary to supplement growth. If a child is diagnosed with a specific illness, formula milk is sometimes used to “top-up” nutrition for a child who is not able to feed well or it may be used while breast milk is still increasing in volume.
Powdered formula milk can be added to porridge or fruit purees to make it more nutritious and help the weaning child (after the age of 6 months) to grow.
Specialized formula milk is necessary for children who have certain rare enzyme deficiencies and cannot digest certain sugars in breast milk.
Standard formula is also necessary for those who do not have access to breast milk: sometimes due to unavailability of the mother due to death, illness (mother or baby), need for adoption, or if the mother has simply chosen not to breast feed.