combination feeding?

[PepsiChic]

ok, so i began to realise my supply was going down when Lo began to feed every 2 hours and seemed hungry still after each feed, then he started to wake 2 or 3 times during the night, i started to express 2oz maximum, but most of the time 1oz or less and on top of that LO only put on 1lb in 2 months.

i tried drinking guinness, i tried drinking non-alcoholic beer, and ive been on 9 capsuals of fenugreek a day for the last 5 days and have seen a small increase but nothing significant.

im now grudgingly looking at combination feeding. and would like to know what you ladies think about this plan:

• a bottle of formula/ebm before each of his naps (he naps twice a day)
• a bottle of formula/ebm for bedtime
• pump when he is given forumla
• BF on demand all day and for any night feedings.
• pump opposite side when i BF

so basically if i dont pump enough for a bottle id supplement with formula, and then i will pump if hes given formula to keep supply up and also pump the opposite breast hes BF from.

does this sound reasonable? will it cause my supply to drop more or keep it going? is it safe to up the dosage of fenugreek to 12 capsuals a day? and what formula do you recommend/is most like breastmilk?/good for gassy baby?
i dont want to make the mistake of doing this and then finding out its causing a bigger problem.

but at the same time i dont want my LO getting so stressed at nap time because he wont sleep because hes still hungry - which is what is happening if i try to bf for a nap because in the end his health and wellbeing is more important then my "goal" of exclusively breastfeeding till 12 months. if hes happy i'm happy. right now, neither of us are happy

 

[summer rain]

1lb in two months is still 4oz a week which is a decent weight gain, at least its considered to be so over here; I know weight gain does slow down at 4-6 months anyway and generally weight gain in the second half of the first year is about half of what it is in the first half of the year. While its generally recommended not to give solids until 6 months these days have you asked your doctor if this maybe something that is needed? There are a few babies who are ready for/hungry for solids at around the 4 month mark, and them waking up more often, not being satisfied by feeds and weight gain slowing down are signs. I know this is not a popular view and certain lactation activists deny any babies need solids before six months but in my experience you do get some babies where they really do benefit from it. I'd personally advise asking your dr about possibly introducing solids before introducing formula; the formula may still not be enough to satisfy your LO if the need for solids is there. Obviously before six months you're only looking to introduce fruits, veggies and non-gluten based cereals; nothing allergenic.

 

[PepsiChic]

my dr did suggest solids but tbh im trying to hold off till 6 months as i want to do BLW and i dont think hes ready for that yet