When it comes to feeding your baby, there is no doubt that breastmilk is the very best source of nutrition. Your Plunket ‘Thriving Under Five’ book recommends breastfeeding exclusively until your baby is six months old, and continuing to breastfeed in conjunction with complementary foods until two years or older.

However when breastfeeding is not possible, the Ministry of Health recommends you should use a suitable formula until the baby is twelve months old*. Unmodified cows’ milk is not suitable as a main milk drink for babies until at least twelve months of age. It is too high in protein and salt for baby’s immature kidneys, and too low in other nutrients like iron.

Follow-on formulas are designed for babies from six to twelve months and are to be used in addition to solid food. There is often a lot of confusion when it comes to information and nutritional terms about breast and bottle feeding. When in doubt over what formula and why, always ask your health professional in the first instance. 

Some of the more common terms you may have seen are listed below for your reference.

• Whey dominant or casein dominant - whey and casein are two different groups of proteins present in both breast milk and cows’ milk. For the first few months the protein component of breast milk is predominantly whey proteins. Whey proteins are thought to be more easily digested than casein proteins. Consequently formula for infants over 6 months of age tends to be casein dominant which makes it slower to digest.
• Nucleotides - these are nutrients naturally present in our bodies and play a role in developing strong immune systems and support growth and development.
• LCP’s (long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids) - part of two families called the omega-3 and omega-6 series. Omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and AA (arachidonic acid an omega-6 fatty acid) may be added to infant or follow on formulas. These are essential fats believed to assist in brain, nerve and visual development. These omega fats are present in breastmilk and are an essential source for infants, and fish oils are a good dietary source for children and adults.
• Bifidus – this is a friendly bacteria (probiotic) found in humans of all ages. Bifidus helps encourage healthy digestion and supports natural defences against harmful bacteria. A healthy balance of ‘friendly’ bacteria in the gut can help in the development of babies’ immune systems. 

For support with breastfeeding, contact your Lead Maternity Carer, Midwife, Plunket Nurse, Lactation Consultant or La Leche League NZ. For more information visit www.lalecheleague.org.nz
 
Further information can be found at www.moh.govt.nz and www.nzifma.org.nz

PLEASE NOTE - Breastfeeding is best for babies. Maternal nutrition requirements increase during breastfeeding. Before introducing infant formula, always seek professional advice, because once bottle feeding has been commenced it is difficult to reverse the decision. Partial bottle feeding may also adversely affect breastfeeding. Always use infant formula as directed because improper use can affect the health of the infant. Always consider the social and financial implications before selecting a method of infant feeding.

*Ministry of Health. 2007. Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Infants and Toddlers (Aged 0-2): A background paper: Draft for consultation.  Wellington: Ministry of Health.

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