How do i know if i should supplement with formula?

Poor Weight Gain: Breastfeeding is the ideal nutrition for most infants. As long as your infant is gaining weight well and having wet and soiled diapers, you probably do not need to supplement your infant with formula. Occasionally, an infant might not gain weight or might become slightly dehydrated and formula supplementation might be helpful. Always speak with your pediatrician first if you are concerned.

No: Breast fed babies do not "need" formula, even in the first few days. Once breastfeeding is established, you may be able to pump some "extra" milk to save for those times when you are separated and can't nurse. After nursing is well established, talk to your pediatrician about how and when to introduce other foods (including formula, if needed) to your baby's diet.

No: Moms who breastfeed rarely need to supplement with formula. Breastfeeeding was created to work without help. If your supply comes in within a few days and the baby's weight is within a normal range (losing less than 10% the first week, and then gaining 1 ounce per day affter that period) then the amount of breastmilk is normal for that baby. Supplements are rarely need for full term babies.

Depends: This is a big question, and one best made in collaboration with your pediatrician and lactation consultant, if possible. There are some cases in which exclusively breastfeeding your baby is just not possible due to medical considerations, some due to practical issues associated with job/family/social dynamics, and others with desire or motivations. But help is available. One great source is http://lllnorcal.Org/groups/peninsulaca.Html.

If not enough milk: If a baby is very hungry after breastfeeding and cannot wait until the next breastfeeding, or if a baby is not gaining weight properly, a mom can supplement by feeding the baby some formula after the breastfeeding. The mom can pump her breasts after each feeding, to increase her supply of breastmilk, so that the baby might stop needing formula.