Breastfeeding with Part Time Supplementing

I have an 10mo daughter, and I breastfeed her up to 8mo, but I did stock up with breastmilk. You can pump and storage breastmilk. If you want more info go to the laleche website, and they can give you more detail info.

Check with your Pediatrician for what formula to use.

I used both when out. But then again I had two 14 months apart so we didn't go anywhere. LOL

The beauty of breastfeeding is that you can do it anywhere and there's always enough, it's always the right temperature, and there's no waste. In my humble opinion, I would continue breastfeeding exclusively. Your baby will benefit from it, you don't have anything additional to remember to pack, and it never hurts to stop for 10-15 minutes to sit with your baby and relax as well. Good luck no matter what you decide.

On another note, your profile says you love to scrapbook. I am part of a small, twice monthly Moms scrapbooking group that meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. We are always looking to add to the group, so please let me know if you would be interested in joining us. Thanks.
-Letha

J.,
I started supplementing when my DS was 3 months. I went back to work part time and didn't want to pump. My milk just stopped producing for that 4 hour time slot! Even on the weekends, he got a bottle for his mid-morning feeding - which meant that I could leave him with hubby and have a few hours for errands or time to myself without ANY logistical issues. It was wonderful. Every other feeding we nursed, until he was about 10 months.

We used Enfamil Lipil with Iron from day one. All the research I've seen says it's closest, nutritionally, to breastmilk and my son never had any problem digesting it (even though he's lactose intolerant). Just keep an eye out for any discomfort when you start the formula and you may have to get your hubby to do the first introduction instead of you (you have "the goods" and baby may not take the bottle of formula from you until he's accustomed to it's taste).

Hope that helps you!
T.

Breast is best - God gave them to us for good reason. Use them. Breastfeed while you're out! Why not! It is a natural thing, and you can do it discretely. I have seen shawls made for that specific purpose! I was nursing once and a child came up to me and thought my baby was sleeping while I was holding him. The way he was positioned, you couldn't see anything, and that's exactly what it looks like.

Pump. A LOT! Freeze some. He is a good nurser, so let him do what he does best! Especially since you have the honor to be a SAHM! I wish I could always nurse, but I am going to school full time, so I pump. It has worked for us, and my son has never had formula. I did so much research on the issue, and the more I learned, the more convinced I was that I would breastfeed as long as I can. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a MINIMUM of one year, but doesn't recommend when to stop, that's up to you. (Unlike speed limits - minimum 40, maximum 65!)

Hi J.! I have a 6 mo DD, and I would like to encourage you to keep BFing and pump if at all possible. My DD was a lazy eater, and BFing never worked out for us, unfortunately, so I've been exclusively pumping pretty much from the start, and I plan to do so until I have enough of a freezer stash to get her to 1 yo. When you say you want to be able to get out more, if you're talking about going out with your baby, then BFing may really be the easiest way, and like the pervious poster said, it is possible to do so discretely. Pumping . . . . well, it's very difficult to be discrete, so you'd have to build a little stash so you'd have bottles to bring along. If you can start pumping a little bit after you BF your baby, you can start freezing it for later. Also, the hormones that help you produce milk will soon be dropping off as your body switches to a supply/demand-only system, so if you want to get a little extra, you want to do that as quick as you can to get your body used to the idea, as it's very hard to increase supply late in the game. Anyway, here's a quick list of reasons to keep BFing/start pumping:
- it's FREE (well, except the pump, but still cheaper than formula)! Formula is EX-PEN-SIVE, sister! Think of all the $$ you can spend on cute baby clothes or toys instead! :) The doctor will tell you the baby's main nutrition should be coming from BM or formula for the whole first year, so you'll be going through quite a bit, even after LO starts eating solids.
- it "keeps" well -- BM can be stored at 79 degrees for 4-6 hours, up to 72 for 10 hours, or up to 60 degrees (like in a cooler) for 24 hours, while formula shouldn't be left out more than an hour, I believe, and shouldn't be re-offered if not finished the first time. It's something to do with the special antibodies & stuff in the BM that keeps it good, I think.
- pumping will help you maintain your supply for BFing, while giving formula just tells your body that you don't need as much milk.
- formula stinks . . . . not figuratively, but literally. It's stinky going in, it's stinky coming out - and when your LO starts solids, diapers start getting stinkier anyway, so you won't want to add to that!
- if you pump, you can build a nice freezer stash, which is nice to have (a) in case something would force you to quit BFing sooner than you want, (b) to help you keep giving BM to your LO even after LO weans, (c) to allow someone else to feed LO even while maintaing your BFing relationship, (d) to donate to a BM bank for sick babies if you don't end up needing it, and (e) a good excuse to buy a separate freezer if you've wanted one anyway! :)
- if you're tiring of BFing, you can sometimes still provide BM to your LO without so many "feedings". My DD gets just BM (well, and a little "food food") but I only pump 3 times a day. Not everyone can manage that, but it's definitely nice if you can.
- with both pumping and formula feeding, don't underestimate the time you'll spend doing dishes - BFing is definitely the most time-friendly solution.
- formula stains baby's clothes much worse than BM so you'll have much more of a cleaning task on your hands if you have a spitter-upper.

I would suggest a Medela Pump In Style Advanced pump, and www.breastfed.biz (she's local to KC) has the best prices on those I've seen anywhere. Don't buy a used one - aside from health/safety concerns you can believe or not, pumps *do* wear down with use, and you want the most productive suction you can get.

Good luck!
S.

If you would like to continue breastfeeding, then I definitely would not supplement with formula. Supplementing with formula will only cause your milk supply to decrease. Breast milk is created by supply and demand. I suggest pumping. If you haven't bought one already, a manual is good for every now and then, but I really preferred my single electric pump. I bought a Medela Swing and loved it.

Also... who says you have to stop breastfeeding just because you want to get out and do more things?? Nursing in public is the easiest option. There's no bottles, don't have to worry about it spoiling, getting too cold, or too hot, or not having enough. It's all right there, completely portable and ready to eat! It takes a little getting used to, but the more you do it the more comfortable you will get. If you're uncomfortable you can cover up with a blanket, or invest in some nursing shirts. I've also nursed in the car plenty of times if I couldn't find a quiet place to sit and nurse in public.

You mentioned weaning at 4-6 months... weaning to formula or table food? Try to make it to 6 months breastfeeding... they get so much nutrition and immunities from your breastmilk. After 6 months, then you can go to a formula. You might want to talk to your pediatrician about what would be best for your baby. Breastmilk or formula should be the main source of nutrition until they are 1 year old.

I didn't think I would be able to make it to 6 months, but I did. I breastfed my daughter for over a year. It was challenging at times, but I'm so glad I did it, it was so worth it.

You might want to check out www.kellymom.com, it's a fantastic breastfeeding website.

Good luck!!!

First of all congrats on nursing for 12 wks now! I have 2 children 2 1/2 and 7 months. I have enjoyed nursing both children long term and can see first hand the health and social bennefits it has provided for my oldest! The best advice I can give is to buy "The Baby Book" by Dr. Sears. It is my bible for child raising and esp. nursing! Good luck and God bless!

J.,

Congrats on the successful breastfeeding! My son is 7 months and I don't plan on weaning any time soon. We get out and about everyday - I hate pumping and he has only had formula two times with a babysitter. Just nurse in public! I always cover up my son with a blanket and most people just assume he is sleeping. I have nursed at resturants, at church, at the mall, etc. It is a legal right to nurse your child whereever you are at. Many of my friends have nursing covers, they are called "Hooter Hiders," and come in really cute patterns. They look like aprons that go around your neck and are good for babies who want to throw the blanket off. Anyways, good luck getting out, nursing in public is so much easier than bottles and formula or expressed milk, in my opinion.