Here is another article in Pediatrics (March).  It shows that adding solids
does not affect breastfeeding frequency (and presumably breastmilk intake)
as much as adding formula, especially by bottle.  You can get it at:
www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/107/3/e38

The study definitely has faults, but it supports what I have always
encouraged mothers to do, if, say, the baby's weight slows down and he is
showing hunger at, for example, 4 months of age.  First of all, of course,
we work on getting the baby more milk at the breast (I have a protocol for
this, available on request), but if that does not work, then add solids, not
formula, especially not by bottle.  It is a sign of the love affair of so
many physicians, particularly pediatricians, that in the same situation,
many would suggest formula and not even consider solids, even if they
normally (as so many do) suggest starting solids at 4 months.

Of course, the fact that adding solids does not decrease suckling frequency
will be used by some to encourage mothers to give formula because the baby
is no longer "always at the breast".

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC

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