You're thinking about giving your baby formula to supplement breastfeeding, but it's scary... Don't worry, it's normal! Mixed feeding is a big step in your little one's life, just as it is in yours.
We understand that you have many questions when introducing bottle-feeding to your baby. We're passionate about this topic, and we plan to support you by sharing our knowledge and best tips.
This is #NewBioGeneration.
At Biostime, we encourage breastfeeding until at least 6 months of age because we know that breast milk perfectly meets a baby's nutritional needs. This is also what the WHO recommends. To ensure optimal weaning, it's recommended to introduce bottles as late as possible, otherwise, the mother's milk production may be slowed.
Of course, you are the mother, so you will know how to choose the best option for you and your baby.
If in doubt, please contact your pediatrician.
Why switch to mixed breastfeeding?
You are going back to work, your baby is starting a new childcare arrangement or you want to regain some independence... Rest assured, there are all good reasons to give your baby infant milk, while continuing to breastfeed.
⇒ So why am I afraid?
You've often heard, "If your baby doesn't breastfeed enough, you'll run out of milk." So you're worried you'll no longer be able to breastfeed at all. Fortunately, you can learn how to manage your milk production to continue breastfeeding your baby. We just recommend avoiding, if you can, switching to mixed feeding before your baby is 6 weeks old, to ensure that lactation is well established.(1)
Let's start gently!
We can't stress this enough: trust yourself! By respecting your rhythm and gradually alternating between breast milk and formula, the adaptation will happen naturally. Your baby will gradually learn to position his tongue, depending on whether it's a pacifier or your nipple.
Why does my baby refuse the bottle?
Mixed feeding is a big change in your little one's routine, so they may refuse the bottle at first.
It's understandable! The feel of a nipple and the flow of milk are different from those of a bottle. He needs to get used to these new sensations before he feels as comfortable as he does at the breast.
Don't hesitate to talk to him! Kindly explaining why you're offering him bottle milk and how it's going to work will help him feel more secure.
To make him comfortable, adopt a good bottle-feeding position: place him in a semi-sitting position and support his neck with your hand. Wait until he grasps the teat with his mouth, just as he might do with your nipple. This will help him get back into the habit.
Why choose a suitable infant milk?
We know that breast milk is the best thing for your baby. When you start mixed feeding, it's important to find the right infant formula for your baby's specific nutritional needs. One that will make this transition smoother and easier for your little one. We recommend consulting your doctor or pharmacist, who are qualified to advise you on these products.
Your baby's comfort and needs are our passion. That's why we devote all our energy to producing high-quality infant milk, in accordance with current regulations. We share this commitment with the Isigny-Sainte-Mère cooperative, with whom we manufacture organic infant milk produced in Normandy.
In our Biostime infant milk, we have chosen to replace palm oil with organic milk cream from Isigny Sainte-Mère, naturally rich in palmitic acid with a structure close to that of breast milk.
And for you, how is it going?
Have you switched to mixed feeding? Are you still unsure? Let's help each other by sharing our stories, doubts, and questions at contact@biostime.fr or by DM on Instagram @Biostime . We look forward to hearing from you!
Sources:
(1) https://www.mpedia.fr/art-allais-mixte/
Important notice: Breast milk is the ideal and natural food for infants.
