B4 you click that mouse to receive a 'free' backpack from a formula company please think twice. It is indeed a lovely backpack and the companies website states it supports breastfeeding and that breastfeeding is the optimum way to feed a newborn. But...and its a big but, inside the 'free' backpack are also 'free' supplies of formula. That doesn't seem to make sense you think and anyway you don't have to use the formula, right?
But its 2am and its been an exhausting few days with little sleep and there it is in the house conveniently supplied for 'free'. You are so tired, you can hardly think straight. So what harm can it do.
Well, a lot. First of all it is normal for babies to feed a lot in those first few days and the more you put baby to breast the quicker you milk will come in. Colostrum in days 1-3 is thicker and it means a small amount goes along way. A newborns stomach is only the size of cherry and only holds 5-10 mls at each feed.
Giving formula interrupts this frequent feeding cycle, a baby will not feed as often and so begins the downward spiral of supplementing. Formula is much slower to digest and yes baby may sleep a little longer but when he sleeps your breast may be ready to nurse and he is not.
This is the goal of the 'free' backpack, to take advantage of parents when they are in a very vulnerable place.
Another issue that arises with the use of formula (artificial baby milk/ABM) is often it is given using a bottle. More things to buy and that 'free' sample does not last long and now you have to go out and purchase more ABM and all the equipment to go with it. The formula companies have succeeded, the 'free' backpack ends up not being so free after all.
