I don't get it.

Newborn babies who lose more than they 'should' (and that needs some
defining...how much is all right?) are showing they need to take in
more calories.

OK.

Why do some HCPs insist these 'more calories' should come from
formula...as a first choice?

Why can't the calories come from breastmilk - preferably direct if
the milk transfer from mum to baby is good and frequent, day and
night, and if not, ebm?

This is the case, whether or not the birthweight has been artifically
'inflated' by IV fluids. If the baby signals  (by his weight loss) he
needs more, then of course he should get more.

I speak to many mothers weeks and months beyond the newborn stage
whose experience and confidence is deeply affected by early
supplementation, not to mention the physiological impact on the milk
supply.

HCPs who only see mothers in the newborn period really don't see the
end result of their recommendations. We know from our UK stats that
babies who are supplemented in the hospital (even once) are far more
likely to be fully formula fed at two weeks old.


Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc, UK

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