Why “Just Try Formula” Isn’t Always Helpful Advice – (And What Should Happen Instead)
Picture this: a newborn isn’t gaining weight as expected, and a well-meaning provider—often a pediatrician—says something like, “Just breastfeed for 10 minutes, then offer formula… however much they’ll take.”
It sounds simple. Supportive, even. After all, everyone wants the baby to thrive.
But here’s the truth: this kind of advice, while common, often creates more problems than it solves.
Let’s break down why “just try formula” isn’t always helpful—and what families really need instead.
1. It Skips the Most Important Step: A Lactation Assessment
When weight gain is slow or baby seems unsatisfied after feeds, it’s tempting to jump straight to supplementing. But weight issues have causes, and we can’t fix what we don’t understand.
- Is baby transferring milk well?
- Is latch effective and pain-free?
- Is milk supply well established—or declining?
- Are there signs of a tongue tie or feeding dysfunction?
These are questions a pediatrician typically isn’t trained to fully assess—but an IBCLC is. Without this kind of support, you’re treating the symptom, not the problem.
2. “Breastfeed for 10 Minutes, Then Give Formula” Can Undermine Breastfeeding
This one-size-fits-all advice often leads to:
- Reduced milk removal from the breast
- Lowered milk supply over time
- A baby who quickly learns the bottle is easier
- A parent who feels like they’re failing, fast
Breastfeeding is supply and demand. If your baby is only removing a little milk before getting full on formula, your breasts get the signal to make less. Before long, you’re supplementing more and more, and supply continues to drop. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
3. There Are So Many More Options Than “Just Formula”
The real solution? A tailored feeding plan that supports both baby’s growth and your feeding goals. And that plan starts with a thorough lactation consult.
Depending on what’s going on, your IBCLC may suggest:
- Pumping after feeds to maintain or boost supply
- Using expressed milk for supplementing (via bottle, cup, or SNS)
- Improving latch or adjusting positions
- Supplementing temporarily with a plan to reduce or eliminate formula over time
The key here is flexibility, education, and support. Not a blanket statement.
4. This Advice Can Be Emotionally Harmful
For many moms, “just try formula” lands like a ton of bricks. Not because formula is bad—it’s a safe, valid option—but because it often comes with:
- No support
- No plan
- No acknowledgment of the parent’s goals
It can feel dismissive, like your efforts to breastfeed don’t matter. Like your baby’s growth is now tied to your failure. It can trigger guilt, sadness, and shame—especially when there’s no follow-up, no guidance, and no hope for getting back on track.
And let’s be honest: newborn life is hard enough without added emotional stress.
5. Let’s Do Better
Instead of quick fixes, new families need:
- Skilled lactation care early and often
- Personalized, evidence-based guidance
- Follow-up support that helps them adjust feeding as needed
- Space to talk through the emotional weight of feeding decisions
Feeding your baby shouldn’t feel like a minefield. And advice shouldn’t make it harder.
Bottom Line:
If you’re told “just breastfeed for 10 minutes and then give formula,” pause. Take a deep breath. Then call a lactation consultant.
Because feeding challenges deserve more than generic advice—they deserve real support.
👉 Need help? Schedule a consultation with an IBCLC today!
Did you experience this advice? We’d love to hear from you!
