question from a bfing mom

[Dk1234]

Ok, so I am having to loo at possibly introducing a bit of formula. I am pregnant and my supply is dropping and I'm also having some issues with this pregnancy so my dr wants me to stop (I haven't decided whether or not I will stop completely yet). Anyway. How should i do it? I have a lot of ebm saved up but not enough to get to a year. Should i start mixing some bottles half and half when i start or just do a whole bottle of formula here and there? He didn't tolerate formula as a newborn. Also, since he didn't tolerate formula as a newborn could i start off with the sensitive formula to get him use to ut for a couple weeks and then move to the regular because I have a can of similac sensitive and a can of similac advanced that I was given as samples (they ar full sixed). Thanks if you can help!

 

[re10]

I used to exclusively pump and supplement with formula when I couldn't make enough. I was told by midwives etc that it's fine to mix both in the same bottle and in fact the bm helps them digest the formula, BUT if they don't finish the bottle, you waste your milk so I only tended to mix if I was sure she'd drink it all. Maybe if he's sensitive to formula just add a little to your bm at first and gradually increase the ratio?

 

[Dk1234]

What about using the two different formulas? Should i just try the regular and not the sensitive since the sensitive is more expensive?

 

[re10]

What about using the two different formulas? Should i just try the regular and not the sensitive since the sensitive is more expensive?

I'm not sure to be honest, I've always just used the normal one. If I were you I'd probably try the regular one first and hopefully he'll b fine with it, maybe he wont react the same way now he's bigger.

 

[Noelle610]

You can definitely mix the BM and formula - I would do half and half until he gets used to the formula, perhaps gradually increasing the amount of formula.

If your LO tolerates the sensitive formula well, you could try the regular kind, but you'll want to introduce it gradually as well. Don't make an immediate switch, as that might upset his tummy.

In terms of tolerating formula as a newborn, you may find he does better now that he's older. My LO has reflux and also had a hard time with formula as a little baby. We had to use the ready to feed (super expensive!) because it was the only thing she could tolerate. At 8 months she's fine with the powder (cheaper) stuff now. Their guts really do mature quite a bit.

You also may have to try different formulas if he doesn't take to the one you have. We use Similac, since my daughter just HATED the taste of Emfamil, even though my reflux moms swear by it. They all have the same "stuff", but they do taste different. If you're looking to save money, I have heard that the Target brand formula is actually quite good.

 

[Dk1234]

Thanks so much guys! Come to think of it when we did too ups as a newborn it was always of the ready mixed but the one time I tried a whole bottle it was the powder so maybe that's what did it. That was enfamil so that's why I thought I'd try similac this time . Plus I just have so lot of it. 2 cans of formula if I was stretching it would last quite a while. Probably 2 weeks. And save like what, $50? I've never bought formula.

 

[wamommy]

In the US, I'd say Costco formula (Kirkland Signature) is the best for us. My 2 DDs tried a bunch of kinds, but once we found Costco they were hooked. It's also WAY cheaper. I did some research years ago, and found that it comes (or at least used to) from the Similac factory My pediatrician is actually the one who recommended it!

just like all of us, though, babies have individual reactions to different tastes/formulas. I hope you find one that works for you