HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is External Milk Advisable For A 3 Month Old Infant?

default
Posted on Wed, 16 Sep 2015
Question: my sister son is 3 month old. it observed that a bit of mother milk is reduced. can they start feeding him a small quantity of cow milk. also please let me know if its good to feed bit of cerlac or a small piece of apple.

please suggest.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I won't suggest to give cow milk

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for asking on this platform

During first 6 months exclusive breast feed(not even water unless indicated) is advocated.
So there is no point of starting cerelac or other food material at this age.
Cow milk should be avoided till 1 year of age as baby under one year are prone to develop cow milk protein intolerance.

I want to know, what made you to say that mother's milk has been reduced.
The adequacy of milk production can be assessed by
1)Whether mother feels fullness in her breast before feed and a sense of emptiness after feed?
2)Whether baby is satisfied,happy and playful and sleeps at least one hour before crying for next feed?
3)Weight gain of baby is satisfactory.
4)The baby passes urine at least 5-6 times a day.

If baby is not gaining weight and cries even after feed.
This may be due to inadequate milk production.
For adequate milk production mother should be relaxed,comfortable and tension free.
Tense,apprehensive mother or pain and discomfort during breast feed decreases the milk production.
Also adequate nutrition is important during lactation to improve the quantity and quality of milk.
Nursing mother must take at least 25% additional calories and nutrients with plenty of fluids.
As breast milk is the best milk I would suggest you to give her domperidone or metoclopramide 10 mg three times a day for 7-10 days for better milk production.
Even after taking all these measures breast milk production is not sufficient you can give formula milk like lactogen or nan.

Mixed feed(artificial nipple and breast feed)can cause nipple confusion and baby may bite the nipple.
I would suggest you to avoid bottle for top feed and to use katori spoon instead.
So try your best for breast feed but if there are signs of inadequate milk production even after all measure use formula feed with katori and spoon till 6 months of age.

I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more query.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain

Pediatrician, Cardiology

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2073 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is External Milk Advisable For A 3 Month Old Infant?

Brief Answer: I won't suggest to give cow milk Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for asking on this platform During first 6 months exclusive breast feed(not even water unless indicated) is advocated. So there is no point of starting cerelac or other food material at this age. Cow milk should be avoided till 1 year of age as baby under one year are prone to develop cow milk protein intolerance. I want to know, what made you to say that mother's milk has been reduced. The adequacy of milk production can be assessed by 1)Whether mother feels fullness in her breast before feed and a sense of emptiness after feed? 2)Whether baby is satisfied,happy and playful and sleeps at least one hour before crying for next feed? 3)Weight gain of baby is satisfactory. 4)The baby passes urine at least 5-6 times a day. If baby is not gaining weight and cries even after feed. This may be due to inadequate milk production. For adequate milk production mother should be relaxed,comfortable and tension free. Tense,apprehensive mother or pain and discomfort during breast feed decreases the milk production. Also adequate nutrition is important during lactation to improve the quantity and quality of milk. Nursing mother must take at least 25% additional calories and nutrients with plenty of fluids. As breast milk is the best milk I would suggest you to give her domperidone or metoclopramide 10 mg three times a day for 7-10 days for better milk production. Even after taking all these measures breast milk production is not sufficient you can give formula milk like lactogen or nan. Mixed feed(artificial nipple and breast feed)can cause nipple confusion and baby may bite the nipple. I would suggest you to avoid bottle for top feed and to use katori spoon instead. So try your best for breast feed but if there are signs of inadequate milk production even after all measure use formula feed with katori and spoon till 6 months of age. I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any more query. Regards