Question
A five-month-old girl baby has been drinking formula milk since birth, along with breast milk, but she stops after less than a minute each time. It’s not fully weaned because it’s convenient for her to sleep. She started reducing the use of bottles two months ago, and began being fed rice porridge at four months, but she doesn’t like it. What should I do?
Answer
You’ve described a situation where a five-month-old girl baby is being fed formula milk due to insufficient breast milk. By two months old, the baby started showing resistance to the formula milk, not wanting to drink it. At four months, you began offering rice porridge, but she still doesn’t like it. You’re wondering what’s going on. It’s important for newborns to develop oral sensation early on. Currently, it’s recommended to start breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth. If a baby is given a bottle immediately after birth, they might refuse breast milk. If the baby is accustomed to breastfeeding, they may show resistance to formula milk. Breastfeeding should be started as early as possible after birth to establish the habit and ensure the baby receives adequate nutrition. If the baby is accustomed to breastfeeding, it may be easier for them to accept other foods when introduced. It’s advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist for more detailed advice and guidance.