Breastfeeding during the night only?

[BBaby]

So when I got pregnant I decided I would give breastfeeding a go, but not beat myself up if I couldn't do it ( I had a cupboard full of infant formula as backup)

Anyway it didn't come easy and baby wouldn't latch in hospital (she was jaundice so very tired), but being the kind of person I am I couldn't give up that early. I hand expressed into 1ml syringes, even when I got home I was hand expressing still but was determined to persevere.

Anyway 7 weeks later it's been far from an easy ride, but we have got to grips with it, and as cheesy as it sounds I'm so proud of us (more so that actually giving birth)!

Well I'm back at work at 6 months, so the plan was at the most I would bf for 3months, but I'm already starting to feel anxious about stopping didn't think I would ever say that!!

..... I don't want to be expressing at work so at 6 months lo will have to have formula of a day (and I need to start before 6 months to make the transition easier), but the question is do you think its feasible to move to just bf at night from around 4 months? Xxx

 

[mrsbedders]

You do whatever you feel is best for you and baby, I would make a gentle transition though, so one week drop one feed a day and give formula instead, next week drop two feeds etc, but remember at 6 months baby can start solids too so feeds may drop gradually in the day anyway. Lots of mums combi feed and it works well. Just try not to get anxious about it, little one will still be getting everything they need and a happy mum= happy baby! Xx

 

[BunnyN]

I never used formula but I've noticed my milk supply is the best at night and first thing in the morning. The danger with combi feeding too early is that your supply doesn't get established well enough but by 6 months that shouldn't be a huge issue. At worst your supply will slowly dwindle and you'll end up mostly on formula but that's your other option anyway so you wouldn't loose anything. Lots of mums have great success doing it that way. You may find you sometimes have to express a little in the day for your comfort. Some babies will have a minimum amount of formula during the day and make up with extra feeds when mum gets home which can be hard work but you can see how that goes when you get to it. BFing isn't just about food, it's for comfort and bonding too so carrying on at night may make the transition of going back to work much easier on your LO.

Well done for BFing, you should be proud! I think BFing is often harder than birth, plus you don't really get a choice about the baby coming out but you can stop BFing any time .

 

[ScotchEgg]

My friend did this when she went back to work at 5 months - just fed morning, evening and night with baby having formula in the day. She stopped at 8 months because she wanted to rather than had to. Good luck