Giving formula milk to babies with certain conditions & bull; hello healthy

Knowing the various conditions for infant formula feeding

Breastfeeding for the first time when a new baby is born is the most important moment for babies and mothers. Colostrum, which is the first milk a baby receives, can help build antibodies. That way, the baby's body is able to fight infection.

Exclusive breastfeeding is certainly a dream for almost every mother, especially if she is able to provide it until the age of 2 years. However, in certain health cases, formula feeding is recommended in infants.

The following conditions are required for infant formula feeding.

1. Babies with galactosemia

There are some babies born with galactosemia in rare cases. This is a metabolic condition that prevents the baby's body from processing galactose (a sugar component in breast milk and formula) into energy in the body.

If not treated immediately, the child can develop developmental problems, cataracts, liver and kidney disorders.

One solution to dealing with this condition in babies is by giving formula milk made from soy, followed by other treatments.

Breast milk contains high lactose so the baby must be weaned, given milk without lactose. Furthermore, your child needs to be trained to eat a diet (diet) without galactose throughout his life.

2. Disease maple syrup urine

Formula feeding is also recommended for infants with urine maple syrup disease. This condition makes the body unable to process amino acids completely. Usually, this is characterized by a sweet aroma that comes out of the baby's urine.

3. Phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria is a disorder that is rarely found due to gene abnormalities. This condition causes phenylalanine to accumulate in the body. Formula feeding for babies with this condition is usually done alternately with breast milk.

Babies with this condition can still get breast milk because of low levels of phenylalanine in breast milk and accompanied by close monitoring of phenylalanine levels in the blood.

4. Premature babies

Premature babies need more calories, fat and protein than full-term babies. Although premature breast milk has all three components that your little one needs, it is not as optimal as mature breast milk. It takes 3-4 weeks to reach mature breast milk.

Therefore, formula feeding is recommended for babies born prematurely, less than 32 weeks old and weighing less than 1.5 kg.

5. Babies at risk for hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar (glucose) is below normal. Glucose is needed to replenish energy for the brain and body.

This condition is very possible for newborns. This can lead to trembling, pale blue skin, difficulty breathing, and difficulty digesting food.

In babies who are at risk of hypoglycemia, the treatment that can be done is by giving formula milk as early as possible. Another way that can be done by administering glucose through an IV.

6. Hyperbilirubinemia

This happens because the mother's milk has not been produced much and the baby has not been breastfeeding effectively. Usually this is characterized by yellow baby skin and bilirubin more than 20.25 mg / dL in babies born at term.

Try stopping breastfeeding for 1-2 days, while temporarily giving formula milk. If the bilirubin decreases, breastfeeding can be restarted.

7. Other conditions

There are several other conditions that necessitate formula feeding in babies. For example, a baby who is symptomatic of dehydration.

Babies with this condition are characterized by slow bowel movements or still meconium (first stool), even though the baby is more than 5 days old.

Another condition that requires formula feeding to the baby, when the weight has dropped by 8-10%, is because the mother has lactogenesis or slow milk production.

Mothers who are separated from babies, or babies who have congenital abnormalities (such as cleft lip) can also be the basis for infant formula feeding.

However, giving formula milk to babies, it's good to get advice from a pediatrician. You should follow the instructions given by your pediatrician regarding the rules for formula feeding. That way, growth and development can be more optimal.