Supplementing with Formula

I breastfeed my 6 month old, except for her last bottle of the day. I try to pump, but I usually just get 2 or 3 ounces, and she eats 6-7. The rest we supplement with formula (so my husband has a chance to feed her everyday and get that bonding). Anyway, we have been doing that since she was 2 months, and I have not had any problems with my milk supply the rest of the time.

With my daughter for the last feeding of the night I would BF her and then my husband would "top off" with a few ounces of formula. This helped with me not losing what little supply I had and then ensuring that she had a full tummy.

Been there....Jackson slept through the night from 3-6 months and then all of a sudden decided he wanted to get up eveyr 2 hours to nurse at night. It is a normal change that happens and I would recommend sticking with breastfeeding and waiting it out. He may be waking to try some new skills he is learning, b/c he is afraid, or he may just want some more cuddle time with mommy. Good luck! Hope this helps!

My daughter went through that about then also and a few things come to mind. 1. Is your boy going through a growth sprut or learning a new developmental task? If so, he will be getting up more at night. 2. Also, when I went back to work, both of my children would get up more...I think for the extra closeness. It made me crazy, but I just would hook them up and fall asleep in my chair. 3. Can you pump more during the day for awhile to help increase your supply? I could with # 1, but couldn't for #2. 4. Finally, for both of my children, we got to a point that we would breastfeed first then would top them off with formula. That helped some. Know you are not alone.
Good luck!
A.

I am nursing my third child (FF only the first two) I have actually started weaning though, (she is almost 4 mos old) I am only nursing at night now, when she wakes up.She gets formula the rest of the day including before bed and she sleeps very well. Goes down between 9-1030 and wakes to nurse only once usually between 330-5. But I can tell you that if you want to continue to nurse more, If you give formula before bed, it would probably be a good idea to pump as well just to keep your supply up. Once I hit about 3 formula feedings a day, my supply started to go down. by the time I got to just night feedings which only took about 2 weeks, I didn't even have to wear breast pads anymore and I don't really "feel" like I am making milk. Sometimes I have to check and make sure it didn't dry up without me realizing it. It's there, but I guess it's just enough for the one feeding at night. I was suprised at how quickly my body adjusted. Good luck, hope this helps

Hi P.,

If you start drinking more fluids and add more fat to your diet, you should start producing more milk. If you do supplement, you will quit producing unless you pump at the time he would normally feed. Good luck!

Sandra

Hi P.,

If you pump, go ahead and give him that bottle of formula and pump so you keep your milk supply in demand.

-Char

I agree with E W. That's what my husband and I would do also, I would breast feed and he would give my son a few ounces afterward. Your son could also be going through a growth spurt. Stick with it if you can, I think even if he only gets a little breast milk it is wonderful. Every little bit counts!

Might I suggest you try to pump one side and feed on the other side and some fenugreek. You are on supply and demand and if you do not feed or pump and EMPTY your breasts you WILL have issues with your supply. Good Luck and if you need advice I have a great Lactation Consultant you can contact her at ###-###-####