Your baby’s dietitian at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) will support you whether you decide to breast feed and/or formula feed your baby, and they should be your first contact for all things relating to your baby’s eating and growth.
In most cases either breast feeding or formula feeding your baby will provide enough nutrition during the first six months.
Breast Milk
Breast milk is considered the best option for most babies, with or without CF, as it contains everything needed for growth and development during the first six months of your baby’s life. Breast milk contains antibodies which offer some protection against certain infections, such as coughs and colds, ear infections and tummy upsets.
You may be unsure or worried whether your baby is receiving enough milk to meet their needs. If your baby is feeding and sleeping well, is growing and is happy and content, then breast milk is meeting their nutritional needs. If your baby isn’t growing adequately on breast milk, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with your milk supply, but rather that they have higher nutritional requirements and may need more. You can try boosting your supply by increasing feeds and ensuring good latch. A lactation consultant can help with this. Alternatively, your dietitian may suggest fortifying expressed breast milk or infant formula, as discussed below.
Freezing and thawing breast milk has been shown to negatively affect how nutrients are digested in CF infants. Breast milk is the only source of energy and nutrients for breast-fed infants, so to prevent the loss of nutrient absorption, those with CF should not be fed with frozen-thawed breast milk.
Formula
For some women, breast feeding can be very difficult. Be assured that formula is suitable for babies with CF. It has benefits too, as you will know the exact amount of milk your baby is having at a feed, which helps with enzyme dosing (if required). Formula also has a higher salt content than breast milk (which is a good thing for babies with CF). In most cases, babies with CF will be able to gain weight adequately on formula milk.
Nutrient Dense Infant Formula & Oral Supplements
If your baby needs assistance with weight gain, your dietitian at PCH may recommend fortifying your expressed breast milk or infant formula so they are more nutrient dense. In some cases, they may recommend putting your baby on a special high energy, high protein oral nutrition supplement to assist with your baby’s weight gain. This type of formula contains extra energy and other nutrients such as protein, vitamins and minerals. Oral nutrition supplements are only available on prescription from dietitians and the CF medical team.
Cow’s Milk & Alternative
Cow’s milk and non-dairy milks such as soy, oat, rice, almond and coconut are not nutritionally adequate to substitute for breast milk or formula in the first year of life. There are non-dairy formula options for young babies with allergies. Speak to your dietitian or CF medical team as a prescription may be required.
After 12 months your baby can switch to full cream cow’s milk or non-dairy milk instead of formula or breast milk.