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Health Watch: A Little Baby Formula Could Help Breastfeeding

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Mothers who want to successfully breastfeed are usually urged to avoid any formula. But a new study shows giving a little formula to some newborns may actually help moms keep breastfeeding.

The researchers looked at 40 babies who were not gaining weight. After three months, almost 80 percent of the babies who received formula were still breastfeeding.

Many new moms have concerns they are not producing enough milk in the beginning for their babies. Researchers hope this study will ease those worries.

"What this study was really looking at is there a role in having some very early limited use of formula in that population of babies as the mother is getting breastfeeding established," said Dr. Robert Riewarts, a pediatrician.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months.

Studies show breastfed babies are less likely to have asthma, allergies, ear infections and respiratory infections.

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