(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.