When Is Formula Milk Needed And What Are The Considerations?

JAKARTA - Mother's Water (ASI) is said to be the most ideal source of nutrition for babies, but the reality is that not all conditions allow exclusively breastfeeding.

In certain situations, formula milk is the alternative needed to ensure that the nutritional intake of babies is still met. Provision of formula milk cannot be done carelessly based on medical considerations and is adjusted to the specific needs of the little one.

Consultant Gizi Anak, dr. Klara Yuliarti, Sp.A(K), said that there are a number of conditions where giving formula milk is not just an option, but is an unavoidable necessity.

One of them is when a baby has metabolic disorders or genetic disorders that make the body unable to digest breast milk. In cases like this, special formula milk with composition has been adjusted to be the main solution.

"The type of formula used is certainly not just any milk, but a special medical formula that has been formulated for the baby's condition," explained dr. Klara in a media discussion as quoted by ANTARA.

In addition, he added that babies with very low weight (under 1,500 grams) or who experience the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) also require nutritional intervention in the form of formula milk. According to him, too low blood sugar levels can trigger brain damage if not treated quickly and appropriately.

"Once blood sugar drops drastically, it can have an impact on the baby's brain function," he said.

Another condition that makes breastfeeding impossible is when mothers experience severe health problems such as severe eclampsia, are treated in the ICU, or in extreme cases, die. In this situation, the presence of breast milk is limited or not available at all, so babies need to get a safe and adequate replacement.

However, dr. Klara emphasized that the use of formula milk must still be based on medical indications and in the supervision of doctors. The goal is for babies not only to get the right nutrition, but also to avoid unnecessary or excessive use.

As a member of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) and the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI), dr. Klara explained that the use of formula milk already has a clear legal basis and regulation. Both in national law and in international guidelines such as from the World Health Organization (WHO), it is stated that formula milk can be used under certain conditions that can be medically justified.

In Indonesia, all formula milk products in circulation have gone through a rigorous monitoring process from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM). The composition of the formula in circulation has been officially regulated. Each product must go through an evaluation and testing process before it can be sold in the market, "said dr. Klara.