It is not that you can not feed formula, of course you can, but if you want to make sure that breastfeeding succeeds, then it is better not to introduce any artificial nipples (bottles or dummies) and formula, at least until breastfeeding is firmly established.

The reason is very simple: whatever amount of formula or water or tea or any other liquid your baby gets, the amount of milk you produce will decrease by the same amount. As for artificial nipples, the way the baby drinks from a bottle is different from the way she latches on the breast. This is mistakenly referred to as 'nipple confusion', although the baby is not confused, she learns that she can get milk much more quickly from a bottle so she can easily become frustrated and unhappy with breastfeeding which requires a lot more effort. Also, many, although not all, babies who learn to drink from the bottle do not latch on properly which can cause discomfort and pain for the mother.

While many babies that can successfully do both, it is important to remember that there are also many for whom one bottle meant the end of breastfeeding. The problem is that you never how your baby will respond.

As for men, I think that they can also find satisfaction from knowing that their baby is getting the most appropriate food. After all, exclusive breastfeeding lasts some six months, rarely a bit more. There is plenty of time for fathers to get their chance once the baby starts taking solids.