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STUDY: Early formula can help in breastfeeding

Posted at 10:50 AM, May 13, 2013
and last updated 2013-05-13 10:57:23-04

(CBS) – Newborns who are fed small amounts of formula to gain weight may receive another benefit. A new study at UC San Francisco shows limited amounts of formula during the first few days of life can actually increase the length of time mothers end up breast-feeding.

Doctors say supplementing with formula can alleviate stress mothers feel about producing breast milk. But there needs to be a clear end point to stop the formula.

The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that healthy mothers breast feed exclusively for the first  six months for maximum health benefits.

Click here to read more about this story on SFGate.com.