"We have had it drilled into our heads over the last few years that a
baby who needs supplementation needs a full food - fluid, carbohydrates,
proteins, fats.... preferably breastmilk but if that is not available
then formula.  How do you counter this argument?"

We may have had this drilled into our heads, but why do they need a full
full?  Not in the first couple of days.  I disagree, I disagree, I
disagree except in rare situations.  I have always used colostrum first,
sugar water second for a baby under 2 or 3 days of age and never seen a
case (that I can remember) which made me regret the decision.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC