Combi feeding, & boosting supply?

[SaraLouise]

I'm like a schizophrenic I know..

One day, I'm deciding that I'm stopping completely & the next well..

I've been thinking really hard, and it doesn't make any sense what I'm doing. I started combi feeding as I was worried he wasn't getting enough milk, and to help him sleep better. Neither of those things have changed atall! I'm still constantly worrying if hes had enough oz, and he still wakes up 2 or 3 times a night, and his naps are no better during the day.

It made me think today, that at no other point in his short life have I ever put my wants/needs before his, and at no other point would I give him something that was completely inferior over something that is completely tailor made for him, and what is utterly best for him.

I wish I could go back in time, and tell myself to never give him that damn formula, and I wish I could say that he was an exclusively breastfed baby, rather than "oh well he WAS exclusively bfed for 8 weeks :/"

Anyway, I'm babbling...

I was wondering if it was possible to go back to ebfing? Obviously my supply has dropped massively, as we are doing half & half, but he can still get some good feeds out of me so the milk is still there.

Should I go to the doctor about getting some meds to up my supply? Can I just stop formula or do I need to wean him off slowly? Is it just a case of settling on the sofa for 3 or 4 days and just feed feed feed?

Do you guys even think ive got it in me to go back to ebfing? I think that Harrison would be so much happier, he really doesn't like formula but I don't know if I could cope.

Bleurghhhhhh!

 

[Tigger87]

I have no experience, but a girl in my breastfeeding group used to top up with formula - she said her baby would take 5-6oz straight after coming off the boob. Her hv said she could just stop, and it was hell for a few days, but her baby was exclusively breastfed again after 3-4 days. I don't know at what age this happened, the baby is 6months now.

As for knowing how much he's had - if he can continuously fill a nappy well and is gaining weight, then he's getting enough! You just need to relax about it and trust your body.

For me, breastfeeding is the easiest option - since my nipples have toughened a bit! I don't have to share him with anyone, I don't have to sterilise and faff with sorting bottles and it's really easy to do whilst out and about. I also get more cuddles with my milk monster because he takes longer to feed than he would on the bottle. It all comes down to your personal feelings though because we're all different xx

 

[stargirl]

I think if you are determined to do it you will. I think you need to ring a breastfeeding consultant or go to a support group.

Sorry I haven't got much advice to give.

The whole is my baby getting enough worry is a killer though. My baby has never fed for very long. At the moment I'm lucky If I can get him to feed for 5 mins. And he goes every 3 hrs. I worry constantly if he's getting enough but he has plenty of wet and dirty nappies, he's contented and happy between feeds and has always put weight on. I still worry though and stress myself out over it.

 

[SpinSugar]

I have no idea with regards to stopping formula but I have always had issues with supply. My lactation consultant told me to switch feed for a max of 3 days, and it really does work.

But I think you should get some proper advice from a support group if poss, or maybe a phone help line?

Please don't beat yourself up about what's been. You did what was best at the time and that makes you a great mum

 

[tiggy85]

Of course you can go back to exclusive breast feeding if that's what you want to do. Providing he is latching well and your both keen, then your supply will increase back to what it was. That's the beauty of breastfeeding.

My little one is fully established on solids now so doesn't feed as much, but when he was poorly with a sickness bug he went off solids for nearly two weeks and I went back to exclusively breastfeeding. The first two days when my supply was not meeting his demand I had to top up with a bit of formula but then it was fine and I got my supply (and bigger boobies) back.

It's easier said than done but try not to worry about how much milk they are getting, as long as he wets enough nappies per day and he gains weight appropriately then it's perfect. You have to trust your baby to feed as much as they want to and trust your body to supply what he needs.

If you want to get rid of the formula I would just phase out each formula feed every few days and let him feed from you instead, he might not get much to start with but will make up for it later in the day, he won't starve......and within 2 days supply usually matches the demand.

Good luck.

 

[knopk@]

wss phase one by one. my son had to be topped up in the beginning - when domperidone kicked in, i phased them.one by one(leaving couple of days with each one for your supply to adjust.
Formula creates a vicious circle and whats the manufacturers count on. I even received an email once promoting mixed feeding(then in small print they warned it might lower your supply and lead to formula feeding).

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