FF and expressing question!

[ttcnewbie123]

Also posted in third tri but thought some of u ladies might be able to help!

Hi ladies,
I have chosen to formula feed but I just wondered if it wud still be possible for me to express some milk also, even if only for the first few weeks? Will my milk dry up if not breast feeding? Also I've read when expressing, even if u can only express an ounce or two its ok to mix it with formula? Any answers much appreciated!x

 

[jenfen]

yes you can express also but it is hard. If you can bring baby to breast, even for a little while it will help your milk supply get going, then you should be able to pump but to be honest its easier to just bf than pump as you will need to pump every time lo has a feed, at least 8 times in 24 hours to begin with. This, along with feeding, sterilising bottles etc, is tiring and time consuming. Basically, although it is possible it is not an easy route to take and if you want lo to have the benefits of breast milk then feeding direct is the best option. If you do express a couple of oz's then you can mix this with formula to make up enough for a feed. To begin with you may be able to pump enough for a feed as lo may not take much. Hope this helps! I pumped for 2 months due to my lo having tongue tie so if you have any more q's then pm me. Jx

 

[dawnrise]

Only my opinion, i would try bf and if you get on with it do that as long as poss as it is so much easier than expressing, after 6 weeks i introduced a bottle of expressed milk which worked well as lo takes bottle and breast, but given the choice bf is so much more rewarding and easier