Hello Everyone

I must be missing something, but I cannot think of a single reason why a
baby would NEED to be supplemented in the first 48 hours if s/he was going
to the breast at least occasionally.

Obviously we want babies to latch well within the first hour or so, and
then feed frequently thereafter, but if they do not, that would be
affecting later supplies, not current needs (I'm not trying to be glib, I'm
just trying to see why anyone would add formula this early, instead of
fixing the breastfeeding).   Is there one single medical reason for a
health professional to advise formula supplements for a breastfed baby on
Day 1 or 2?

I am tearing my hair out over the number of babies who come out of the
hospital having been supplemented within the first couple of hours, even
when the mums committed fully to exclusive breastfeeding in antenatal
classes.  The reasons for "medically advised" supplements include, "your
baby is cold", "your baby is too small", "your baby is too big".  One mum
with suspected, not proven, gestational diabetes had even expressed
colostrum to feed her newborn, and he was given formula instead.

The frustration arises from the need to increase exclusive breastfeeding
rates in my area, and yet willing, committed breastfeeders are sabotaged
from Day 1. I'm doing my best to understand, and falling short.

Best wishes
Jacquie Nutt IBCLC, seeing mums after the damage is done

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