Maximising breastmilk

Any breastfeeding is valuable

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months ensures the best outcomes for babies. Right from birth, it’s important to ensure mothers and babies are supported to get breastfeeding off to the best possible start. However, there are some mothers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed exclusively. In these circumstances, any breastfeeding is valuable: babies benefit from receiving the maximum amount of breastmilk possible.

Managing supplementation rates

Evidence suggests that early supplementation is associated with an increased risk of stopping breastfeeding. This should therefore be avoided whilst feeding is being established. Ongoing sensitive support to ensure mothers can effectively attach their baby at their breast and know how to hand express if baby is reluctant to feed will reduce the need for supplementation.

Should a baby require supplementation for clinical reasons, this should be kept to a minimum, safe level and mothers should be encouraged to maintain their milk supply with a view to returning to full breastfeeding. Disruption to breastfeeding can also be minimised by choosing an alternative method of feeding which best supports the return to full breastfeeding when possible.

Local supplementation rates should be monitored and action taken if they appear to be increasing. There should be steady progress to reduce supplementation rates, especially for supplements given without medical indication or fully informed choice.

If a mother has decided to introduce formula milk for non-clinical reasons, ensure that she is aware that this may impact on her milk supply. It is important to adopt a gentle, non-judgemental approach when discussing this sensitive issue (see our guidance on conversations with mothers and our video on communication in pregnancy for tips). If she has made a fully informed decision to introduce formula milk, she can be supported to continue to provide breastmilk for her baby. You can work together on a plan to help her maximise her breastfeeding, thereby supporting her to see herself as a breastfeeding mother.

Some mothers may want to return to full breastfeeding. Providing practical support around gradually decreasing the amount of formula she gives, whilst increasing her own milk supply, will help her make the transition as safely as possible.