“Help! I have a newborn and I’m struggling with breastfeeding—what should I do? Can I introduce formula, or will that impact my baby negatively?” If these thoughts sound familiar, you’re not alone. Many new and expectant parents have similar questions, and I am sharing my breastfeeding experience with my son, along with evidence-based insights, options, and a reminder that you’re doing an amazing job.
Breastfeeding Isn’t Always Easy—and That’s Okay
As natural as breastfeeding is, breastfeeding can still be challenging. In my experience as a pediatric dietitian and a mother of two (#2 is on the way!), I have seen how breastfeeding requires skill, patience, and tremendous amount of support, especially in the early days. Even with the best intentions, some parents encounter hurdles due to issues like supply, latching, or simply adjusting to the demands of feeding a newborn.
With my first child, I learned firsthand how unpredictable breastfeeding can be. I had a planned C-section, and my milk supply did not come in until day six. By day three, my baby’s weight had dropped more than 10%, and it was a nerve-wracking situation for the midwife. When the midwife suggested starting formula, I felt a mix of emotions, knowing the reasoning behind the suggestion but also wanting to do more to make breastfeeding work. I asked to wait a little longer and sought the guidance from a lactation consultant. This approach may not suit everyone, but for me, it was essential to persevere with breastfeeding to truly understand, and thus to appreciate just how challenging breastfeeding can be.
MY personal experience of The “Triple Feeding” Technique
The lactation consultant recommended “triple feeding”: breastfeeding, then pumping, and feeding any expressed milk back to the baby – all to help my son regain his birthweight. This routine was exhausting but certainly effective in boosting supply and encouraging my body to produce more breastmilk. Triple feeding involves:
- Breastfeeding – Begin by feeding directly from the breast.
- Pumping – Express milk using a pump (or hand express) to increase supply.
- Bottle-feeding – Offer any pumped breastmilk to your baby.
I continued to feed on demand, or whenever I see hunger cues in my baby. It is important to note that triple feeding is extremely time intensive. Instead of spending 30-45 minutes feeding a newborn, I end up spending average of 1.5 hours feeding at every feed. The time spent on feeding and cleaning bottles and pump sets on top of caring for a newborn makes this triple feeding exhausting. However, if exhaustion becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to speak with a lactation consultant about alternatives.
Every Breastfeeding Journey Is Unique
I have heard many mothers sharing that second time breastfeeding will be easier, and that your milk supply will come in sooner. However I have heard of stories of from being under supply to over supply in the same one child, and over supply can increase risk of mastitis. Breastfeeding journeys vary greatly from one child to the next, and also from early days to later days.
Choosing What’s Right for You: Formula, Breastfeeding, or Both
While I wholeheartedly support a mother’s choice to breastfeed, I also understand that sometimes, despite our best efforts, breastfeeding doesn’t work out. When that’s the case, formula can be a valuable option, and there is absolutely no shame in using it. Formula is designed to closely resemble the nutritional profile of breast milk, although it’s important to recognise that no formula can fully replicate breast milk’s unique, adaptive properties. Breast milk naturally changes from foremilk to hindmilk during a feeding and evolves as your baby grows, starting with colostrum right after birth and adapting over time to meet your baby’s changing needs.
Breastfeeding also offers additional benefits for mothers, with research suggesting it can aid in postpartum weight loss, reduce certain cancer risks, boost mood, and help with bonding. But if you choose to use formula, remember that you don’t have to abandon breastfeeding altogether. Evidence shows that any amount of breastfeeding provides benefits—so even partial breastfeeding can be valuable.
Support Resources: Lactation Consultants and Breastfeeding Classes
If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, know that help is available. Reaching out to a lactation consultant can be immensely helpful, and having their contact information ready before birth is a great idea for expectant moms. Many local hospitals, community health centers, and trusted websites offer breastfeeding classes and workshops, which are invaluable for both learning and building confidence. With the right support, you can make the best choices for yourself and your baby, whatever they may be.
It’s also helpful to keep in mind that:
- A typical feeding for a newborn can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes.
- Newborns often feed every 2 to 4 hours.
- Cluster feeding is normal, where your baby may seem to be demanding milk more frequently over a few hours with some difficulty settling to sleep. This is more common in the evenings.
- Night waking is common as they haven’t developed a circadian rhythm yet, and their tiny stomach is not able to hold a large volume of milk.
- Check that your baby has adequate wet nappies (every 3 hours is a good start)
Remember, You’re Not Alone
Every family’s feeding journey is unique, and what’s most important is finding what works for you and your baby. There’s no “perfect” way to feed your child, and it’s okay to seek help when you need it. A good starting point for support is often your GP, who can guide you to the resources and professionals you may need. Be kind to yourself and be patient with yourself and your newborn baby —you’re doing a wonderful job navigating this new chapter.
Some useful links
Here are some of my go to links during those tricky and uncertain times that I will suggest for new parents to check out.
For any breastfeeding related question, the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is an excellent place to go to.
How to understand your baby better by reading and be guided by their cues – raising children has an excellent website with some videos on how to read your baby’s cues.
