Alternative Options for When You Aren’t Able to Breastfeed

There is no denying the powers of breastfeeding. The magic goes far beyond the milk. The natural mother-child bonding that occurs is what gives breastfeeding its stellar reputation. However, this option is not always available to all mums. Sometimes the milk comes but certain problems with feeding occurs. Other times, the technique is perfect but no yield comes out. When this happens, there are still options you can try to make sure that your child receives the nutrition they need to grow. But if breastfeeding is not possible or not an option for you, fret not! There are alternative options available to ensure your baby receives proper nutrition. Here are some alternatives to consider. 5 Breastfeeding Alternatives Exclusive Pumping Breastfeeding is a tricky thing. Some mothers are naturals at it but others can have problems with it. Lactation is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to breastfeeding. There’s also latching, technique and state of mind. Stressed mothers are less likely to succeed in any of the above. But while they may be unable to directly breastfeed, nursing mums can still express milk using a breast pump. Exclusive pumping is the first line of defence for mums who have trouble mastering the proper technique of breastfeeding but have no problems producing enough milk. With exclusive pumping, you can provide breast milk to your baby through bottle feeding. While exclusive pumping requires commitment and dedication, it is the next best thing to breastfeeding. Donor Milk If you prefer to provide breast milk to your baby but are unable to breastfeed, you can explore the option of donor milk. Donor milk banks collect, screen, and pasteurise donated breast milk, making it safe for infants to consume. This option ensures that your baby receives the benefits of breast milk while also minimising potential health risks. But you may be asking: ‘Are there even any breast milk banks in Malaysia?’ And the answer is resounding ‘Yes’! The Queen, Tunku Azizah has launched the first syariah-compliant donor milk bank for Malaysian mothers. However, the project is still in its infancy stage and may not have enough supply for nationwide demand. Another option that many mothers often resort to is to look for donors online such as through Facebook groups. Some look to acquaintances, friends and even family members to help supplement their child’s breastmilk needs. Combination Feeding If you’re able to express but are still not making nearly enough milk to satisfy your child, the next option is combination feeding. This is where you combine breastfeeding and formula feeding to meet your baby's nutritional needs. This method allows you to provide breast milk whenever possible while using formula for additional feedings. It offers flexibility and can be adapted to your circumstances and preferences. However, some mums will find that constantly switching between bottle and breast can cause something known as nipple confusion. This is where the baby may prefer breast over bottle, or vice versa. Or in some cases refuse feeding entirely. So, mums usually stick to bottle entirely. To implement combination feeding by bottle alone, you can mix equal parts expressed breast milk and formula. Formula Feeding If breast milk is totally out of the picture whether expressed or breastfed, then the final option is of course growing-up formula. However, some parents may decide on this from the get-go without ever trying for human breast milk in any form. This may be due to medication, underlying conditions or other reasons. Commercially available infant formulas are designed to provide the necessary nutrients for your baby's growth and development. There are various types of formulas available, such as cow's milk-based, soy-based, or specialised formulas for specific dietary needs or allergies. Consult with your paediatrician to choose the formula that best suits your baby's requirements. Solid Foods Many mothers want to put their child on breast milk for as long as possible. Both for economical and nutritional reasons. Breast milk is free and can sustain a growing child well up until they turn 2 years old and possibly even longer. Although most try to wean their babies before that. However, this is not possible for all mothers, especially if they have trouble producing enough breast milk. Instead of or in conjunction with growing-up formula, the next best thing is nutritious solid foods. But this is only applicable for babies who are 6 months or older. One-year-olds can start drinking regular whole cow’s milk regularly if they don’t have lactose intolerance. If your child is younger, do consult your paediatrician. Feed Your Baby Breastfeeding is definitely the gold standard of infant nutrition. To feed your baby from the breast and with your own breast milk is what allows your child to grow up strong and smart and healthy. But sometimes this may not be an option for a lot of mothers. However, there are many choices now like expressed pumping, donor milk, combination feeding and formula milk. Remember, regardless of the feeding method you choose, it's crucial to provide a nurturing and loving environment for your baby. With a little patience and a little time, you’ll be able to help your baby get all the nutrition they need in whatever way is the best. You've got this, mummies! Source: 1. National Library of Medicine 2. Italian Journal of Pediatrics Take the Biggest Breastfeeding Pledge now, mummies! Stand a chance to get a Certificate of Recognition and a goody bag worth RM100* to be collected during the #motherhoodBFF Breastfeeding Celebration Event! For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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