If your baby needs extra milk, try giving your own breastmilk first. Try expressing your breastmilk using hand expression. Expressed breastmilk or formula can be fed to your baby using a spoon, lidless cup or other methods. If you are thinking of using a bottle, consider waiting until breastfeeding is going well. Sucking milk from a bottle is different than breastfeeding and your baby may have difficulty switching from the bottle to the breast.

The more milk your baby takes from your breasts, the more milk your breasts will make. Breastfeeding and/or expressing breastmilk will help the breasts to make more milk. When breastfeeding parents offer formula at a feeding they may make less breastmilk, and the amount of formula needed will go up.

It is recommended that breastfed babies only get formula for medical reasons.

If you are considering supplementing your baby because they seem unsatisfied, or you are worried that you are not making enough breastmilk, visit ‘ how to tell when your baby is getting enough’.

Any time you choose to use formula it is important to develop a plan with your health care provider. This plan should include ways to reduce the risks for your baby and support continued breastfeeding. It may be difficult to start to breastfeed again after breastfeeding is stopped.