This is a controversial topics, but an important one none the less! This is a question that I'm asked regularly, so let's here both sides of this.
If you are exclusively breastfeeding, and wondering if formula is the answer to your little one's sleep challenges - then you will want to read on. But firstly, I want to reassure you that I work with many breastfed babies, who go on to then sleeping soundly the whole night through!
Formula can help fill their tummies for longer, mostly because it is harder to digest than breastmilk due to the type of protein it holds. This may mean that in the earlier months, breastfed babies may well wake more often from genuine hunger but this is not always the case. And on the flip side, formula can also bring more tummy discomforts - which means less sleep anyway! I do understand the need to increase calories though where we may need to, and I've been there with my eldest before and I have no regrets in it and switching to formula. However, what I also see is parent's hoping that this may be a fix to sleep.
So does formula help your baby sleep better? Unfortunately, switching to formula is rarely the answer. Here are a few reasons why.
There are many reasons why your little one may be struggling in sleep. This could be due to discomforts, a disconnect in sleep pressure or a specific sleep associations. It could even be environmental.
If your little one is breastfeeding to sleep, the chances are you'd be switching one association for another!
I can hand on heart say, that families I work with are roughly 50% breastfed, and 50% bottle fed. So believe me when I say that it doesn't always mean great sleep!
It is completely your choice if this is the right decision for you to switch to formula. Every reason is valid! It might be that you want to wean from breastfeeding anyway, and that's absolutely OK. It also might be that they need the calorie top up. It might even be that you want your partner to be able to support with some feeds, which can be a great support for you. It may also be that they have complex allergies, and certain formulas help you track this better too.
But, want I don't want parents to feel is that it is a last resort to them getting better sleep.
Instead - look at the overall picture. Do they have the ideal sleep environment? What is their day sleep like? How do they fall asleep and resettle? It might be that you need to work on how they fall asleep and the dependencies, rather than the feed itself.
If you are feeling stuck in it, and have no idea where to turn then you are welcome to reach out anytime, and speak to someone who truly understands where you are at.
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