In the whirlwind of bringing your newborn home, breastfeeding may not always go as smoothly as planned. Some babies struggle to latch, leaving parents feeling a bit anxious or disappointed. But, guess what? It’s totally okay if things don’t go as expected. If your baby isn’t latching right away and is started on formula, here’s what you can expect and why it’s all part of the journey.
1. Temporary Use of Formula is Not Uncommon
First things first—if your baby isn’t latching and formula is introduced, it’s important to remember that it’s a temporary step. Many moms use formula in the early days until they and their babies get the hang of breastfeeding. The main thing is making sure your baby is fed and growing strong, and formula can be a helpful bridge while you work on breastfeeding techniques.
2. Why Babies Might Not Latch Right Away
There are many reasons a baby might not latch in those first few days. Some newborns are sleepy after birth, especially if labor was long or they were born a bit early. Others may have slight oral challenges like a tongue tie, making it tricky to get a good latch. And sometimes, it just takes a little time for both mom and baby to figure things out together.
3. Keeping Your Milk Supply Up
While your baby is on formula, you can still work on building your milk supply. Using a breast pump regularly can help maintain and increase milk production. Even if your baby isn’t latching, your body can continue to make milk for when they’re ready to try again. It’s all about signaling to your body that the milk is needed.
4. Working Towards a Latch
If you want to breastfeed, there’s still plenty of time to encourage your baby to latch in the days or even weeks after birth. You can work with a lactation consultant to identify any barriers and get tips for positioning and helping your baby open wide for the breast. Skin-to-skin time and gently offering the breast during calm moments are also great ways to encourage latching.
5. No Need for Guilt – Feeding is a Journey
If you start with formula, know that you are doing what’s best for your baby. Feeding your baby isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about connection, growth, and love. Whether your baby transitions to breastfeeding or continues on formula, the most important thing is that they’re thriving, and you’re both happy and healthy.
6. Supporting Your Baby’s Gut Health
Breast milk and formula are both nourishing, but they have different compositions. Some parents worry about their baby missing out on the antibodies and beneficial bacteria in breast milk. If you want to continue supporting your baby’s gut health, introducing breast milk when latching improves or doing a combo of breastfeeding and formula is a wonderful option. Your body will continue to produce breast milk even if it takes a few days (or weeks!) to transition.
7. Every Family’s Path is Unique
Ultimately, how you feed your baby—whether through breastfeeding, formula, or both—will look different from other families. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and it’s important to trust yourself. There is no rush, and no right or wrong way to do this. Some babies take a little longer to figure out breastfeeding, and others may thrive on formula from the get-go. What matters is that your baby is nourished and loved, and you’re doing exactly that.
Wrapping It All Up
If your baby doesn’t latch right away and is started on formula, take a deep breath. It’s common, it’s okay, and it doesn’t mean breastfeeding is off the table. With patience, support, and care, you and your baby can find the best feeding path that works for you both. Whether it’s through breastfeeding, formula, or a combination, you’re doing a great job—your baby is well-loved, and that’s what counts the most!