Low Milk Supply: “Mindset Shifts” (Guest Post)

Having low milk supply can be very difficult for people –especially when they’ve always wanted to breastfeed. People will do almost anything to increase supply. They research formula, learn about things like “refill rate,” supplementation methods and herbs and foods for milk supply. This mom had an aha moment which helped her look at her situation with a different lens. She is shown here nursing her baby with a homemade supplementer. Thank you so much for generously sharing your  thoughts with all of us!

Today I realized I have very fast refill – I can refill my bottle with formula in less than a minute! I can provide my baby instantly with however much milk she needs. I celebrate living in the 21st century with high quality science milk.

Continue reading

Choosing and Preparing Formula for your Newborn

DSCN1955You may be wondering… why is a lactation consultant writing about formula? Because in my world of breastfeeding difficulties including chronic low milk supply, mothers often find they need to supplement breastfeeding with another source of nutrition. Sometimes that’s donor milk from another mother, sometimes banked human milk. But most often it is commercially available formula.

All formulas are not created equal. There are pros and cons to various brands. There are milk-based formulas, soy formulas, organic, non-organic and special formulas. But the most important distinction in my mind is liquid vs powder. Why is this so important?

It turns out that powdered infant formula (PIF) is not sterile. The manufacturing process does not allow for elimination of all germs. In addition, preparation of the product in the home can lead to further contamination. The most concerning bacteria found in PIF is called Cronobacter bacteria.

Cronobacter bacteria is an organism that thrives in dry conditions and it’s very prevalent. The bacteria is found in dry herbs and spices, herbal teas, dry milk manufacturing facilities and household vacuum cleaners. It has also been found in waste water. It can thrive on plastics, rubber and silicone bottle nipples. Clearly it is difficult to avoid this little beast.

Becoming sick from Cronobacter is a rare event, but it can be deadly in young infants. Premature babies and infants younger than 2 months are most vulnerable to Cronobacter illness. Cronobacter illness can lead to blood infections or meningitis. According to The Center for Disease Control (CDC) there are about 4-6 reported cases of Cronobacter illness in infants per year, but it may be under-reported. Recently more awareness has led to higher reported numbers. There were 13 known cases in 2011.

Breastfeeding is the best protection against Cronobacter infection. If possible, provide your baby with breast milk—especially for the first 2 months. “Almost no cases of Cronobacter infection have been reported among infants who were being exclusively breastfed.” (Center for Disease Control and Prevention website).

If your baby uses formula, choose formula that is sold as a liquid. Liquid formula is sterile so is less likely to transmit the bacteria. This is especially important for very young or premature babies.

If you choose to use powdered formula, please do so safely with good hygiene in mind.

  • Always wash your hands prior to preparing formula.
  • Use clean tongs to fish the scoop out of the container. Wash the scoop after every use.
  • Clean bottles in hot dishwasher or hot soapy water plus sterilization.
  • Use only clean work surfaces when preparing the bottles.
  • Use hot water to prepare the powdered formula—at least 158 degrees F(70 degrees C) This temperature is necessary to kill the bacteria. Cool to room temperature before feeding to baby by placing closed bottle in ice bath.
  • If you make the formula ahead of time, refrigerate it immediately and use it within 24 hours.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention: has more information on this topic. You may find this PDF helpful.

Bottle Feeding: Your Baby Sets the Pace!

Dad pacing the feeding for baby.

Dad pacing the feeding for baby.

You may wonder why I have written a post about bottle feeding. After all, I am a lactation consultant. My job as a lactation consultant is, first and foremost, to help mothers and babies breastfeed comfortably and enjoyably for as long as they both desire. One hundred percent breastfeeding is often the goal. The reality is, however, that most of my clients use bottles as well—either to supplement an inadequate milk supply or as an alternative means of feeding for times when mom is separated from baby. In addition, many babies I see have challenges that make breastfeeding next to impossible until the challenges are resolved. If a baby cannot get adequate nutrition at the breast, a bottle may be a temporary solution. Bottles are a fact of life in the western world. Continue reading