Why formula feeding “while you wait for your milk to come in” doesn’t work!

I am writing this post because it see it all the time as a postpartum nurse and lactation consultant. Mom or her family members don’t believe baby is getting anything at the breast until milk “comes in” and mom is pressured by family to give baby formula while she waits

I want to reassure you, colostrum is enough!! (unless medically indicated by weight loss or issues with pooping/peeing)

Colostrum is designed specifically for a newborn baby and is pack full of antibodies, proteins and more!! It is thick, sticky and yellow in color. This thicker quality is perfect for a newborn baby and allows them to practice sucking and swallowing at the breast with a thicker liquid that is in smaller quantities. This way they have developed their breastfeeding skill when milk becomes thinner and more abundant (typically 3-5 days postpartum)!

Waiting to breastfeed can damage milk supply potential!

You NEED stimulation at the breast and colostrum removal to signal to your brain to make more - and bring in a full milk supply! If this colostrum is not removed, your body does not get the signal that baby is born and breastmilk is needed.

You CAN pump rather than breastfeed during this time if you choose. But no matter what you choose, colostrum needs to be removed!

The issue I tend to see is mom just “waits” and does not pump to replace the stimulation that baby is not providing when getting a bottle.