Larger babies are able to gradually take larger amounts at each feeding. Before each tube feeding, a baby is checked for residual, the amount of milk in the stomach left over from the last feeding. If the amount of residual is too high, it may mean the baby is not digesting food well. Your baby may begin nipple feedings while still being tube fed. Even if a baby is able to nipple feed, it can be tiring.
Breast milk contains all the nutrients needed for growth and development.
Although commercial milk formulas are designed to be close to breast milk, most are based on cow's milk. The fats in breast milk are more easily digested. Formula is digested more slowly than breast milk and may not be as well tolerated. In addition, breast milk contains antibodies from the mother to help protect babies from infection, something commercial formulas do not have. This protection is especially important when babies are sick or premature and may have higher chances of developing an infection.