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When can I give my baby formula?

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Dr. Ann Kellams: So the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months of life, meaning no other formula, solid food, cereals, juices, water of any kind. So our recommendation is that they only get breast milk. If you use any formula and you are also breastfeeding then it's important to remember that you would need to somehow tell the breasts that the baby was hungry otherwise we see problems with supply issue. So any formula that is given for example, for a medical reason in a baby where mom is breastfeeding, mom needs to be pumping and telling her body, even if nothing is coming out when she pumps at that moment telling her body, "Oh, you know what, there was another feeding there and we need to keep up with the demand of the baby.

Expert: Dr. Ann Kellams

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Dr. Ann Lenox Kellams, assistant professor of clinical pediatrics in the Division of General Pediatrics and medical director of the newborn nursery at the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, is an expert in newborn care and breastfeeding. Kellams teaches pediatric clinical skills to students and residents and authored the Newborn Nursery Resident and Student Curriculum and Orientation Manual for UVA More »