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<h1>Breastfeeding - www.breastfeeding.org.nz</h1>

Complementary feeding

What’s the difference between complementary feeding and “comping” breastfeeding with formula?


Complementary feeding is the gradual introduction of solid food and fluids along with the usual breastmilk feed (or infant formula) to an infant’s diet.
The introduction of complementary foods has been known as weaning, which comes from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘weanian’ meaning ‘to accustom’. The term complementary feeding is used nowadays because the word weaning has come to be associated with stopping breastfeeding, and there is no reason to suggest or imply that mothers should stop breastfeeding when complementary feeding is started.

Breastfeeding should continue as other foods are introduced to complement or add to the nutritional intake provided by breast milk (or infant formula). Babies are usually ready for and need complementary foods at around six months of age.

“Comping” breastfeeding with formula is usually done when the mother feels the baby is not getting enough from her breastmilk or still seems hungry. “Comping” is usually not necessary.

Can I use formula to complement breastfeeding (“comping”)?


Babies need only breastmilk for their first six months of life. There is no need for extra water or juice and no need for 'topping up' with infant formula. Around six months babies will continue to breastfeed with the introduction of complementary foods.

For the most robust, short and long term health and developmental advantages for a baby, and better health advantages for the mother, exclusive (breast milk only) breastfeeding is optimal.

Giving infant formula can reduce a baby’s appetite for breastfeeding which in turn reduces the amount of milk a baby removes from the breast – reducing the mother's milk supply.

If mothers are thinking of introducing infant formula because they think their milk supply is insufficient
Remember that many mothers have this impression because their breastfed baby is feeding differently to what they expected. Very few women have a real milk supply problem initially but this can become a reality, of course, if interventions such as giving infant formula are introduced. Talk to a LMC midwife, ring a La Leche League counselor, Well Child Health provider or a Lactation Consultant for practical advice.

In the rare cases when mothers do have a low breastmilk supply there are lots of ways in which breastfeeding support people can help you get breastfeeding back on track without introducing infant formula.

Avoid approaching pharmacies for help with breastfeeding problems as in New Zealand they generally do not have staff employed who have breastfeeding knowledge.

If mothers are thinking of giving infant formula because the baby’s father or another close family member wishes to become involved with the baby’s care
Find another nice and special baby activity for them to do such as bathing the baby, a long skin-to-skin cuddle (remember the hormone oxytocin triggers feelings of pleasure when released), a massage, or perhaps a walk with the pram on a fine day. Mothers can explain that they are trying to establish full breastfeeding and that introducing anything else to the baby may have negative consequences for their breastmilk supply.

What are complementary foods?


See Introducing solids.

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Page last reviewed: 31 July 2008


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