Supplementing with formula...

[Deise]

Keira's been breastfeeding, but lately, I find myself coming up short in the leche dept. So I've been supplementing 2-3 feedings a day with formula. My pediatrician gave me a sample of Nestle formula, but I think it makes her gassy. Do you guys have any recommendations as for other formula that might be better??

Also, can you give breastmilk AND formula in the same feeding?

 

[AquaDementia]

I did the same thing Deise, and eventually my stupid milk disappeared.
I gave her Similac Advanced but it made her almost consitipated, gassy and very unhappy.
I switched to Enfamil Lower Iron (do you have that in the states?) and she has been so well since then. she's actually grunting and pooping as I type.

 

[Margerle]

Keira's been breastfeeding, but lately, I find myself coming up short in the leche dept. So I've been supplementing 2-3 feedings a day with formula. My pediatrician gave me a sample of Nestle formula, but I think it makes her gassy. Do you guys have any recommendations as for other formula that might be better??

Also, can you give breastmilk AND formula in the same feeding?

If you wish to continue breastfeeding, I would avoid the scenerio you describe. As Aqua mentioned, it can seriously affect your production in the long run and you'll end up moving exclusively to formula.

If that's your intent though, I support you - just wanted you to be aware of the possible results so you were duly informed.

I have no suggestions for formula, I know there are a lot of great brands out there, I think it just has to do with baby and how they adapt to it.

Baby has to help you bring in milk somehow during growth spurts, and the only way they can do that is to completely drain your breast more often than usual for a couple days in a row. She will be fussy and frustrated, but then your body will kick in, and she'll be good to go. She's not starving during that time, she needs to kick your body into production

Anyway, good luck to you!

 

[Deise]

I dont want to sound like a "bad mother", but I reaaally dont have the attention span to breastfeed exclusively. On the same note, I dont want to kill my milk altogether, as I was planning to breastfeed and pump till she's approx 6 months old. I think I need to reread your "Pumping - Destined to Fail" dissertation piece, Marg...

 

[Holldoll]

I don't feel like I have a ton of milk right now either, but I figure it's my body adjusting to how much she needs. She has to feed more often, but she seems satisfied after she's done.

 

[Samantha675]

I am starting to find it a bit hard going as well. I feel like everytime I get up to do something Bren is hungry again. Last night was just bad as well, he just would not sleep at all unless he was on my breast. I got maybe 3 hours of sleep. Thank goodness my DH got up at 5:30 and took him out of the room to settle him with a pasifier. I think it took me about 2 minutes to fall sleep. He brought Bren back at 7:30, and he feed, and then we both slept for a while!

 

[AquaDementia]

I think the lack of attention span has definitely contributed to me giving up on BF altogether. I do feel guilty about it, but I tried and honestly once my milk disappeared I sort of didn't have strong will to do everything possible to bring it back.

BUT

It can be brought back if you are really persistent!

 

[Margerle]

Ladies don't feel guilty for this not working out for you!

I really hope I don't come off as being all dictatorial in my comments to those with BF questions... that isn't my intent AT ALL. ANY breastmilk is better than no breastmilk, and I don't know a mama out there that doesn't do the best she can for her babies.

Hang in there ladies You're doing great!

 

[Deise]

Marg, I love your contributions!!!

I just feel terribly guilty when I give her formula, like Im cheating or something.

 

[luckyme225]

The lactation nurses at my work gave me a few Nutramigen bottles to feed with if I needed to supplement. I believe it is a bit more pricey but can make the switch between formula and breast milk a bit easier on their tummy.