Breastmilk and formula

[jenn_0629]

Is it better to stick with just one or the other? We are thinking I am just going to breastfeed, but I work and go to school, so that could get a little hard to do, depending on how the breastpump works. Are there disadvantages to using both?

[sixzilliondots]

To me the disadvantages of using both would just be that you have to wash a bunch of bottles and buy formula. But I never ever discourage a women from breastfeeding at all. I love bfing my baby and if I were in school I think it would be terribly difficult to pump and most women just give breastfeeding up completely. So I'd encourage you to pump IF YOU CAN and if it's too hard than supplement the least amount possible and breastfeed when you are home.

[shonda]

I had to supplement with formula when my daughters got older and I was in school and work. I didn't see them having any problems and any amount of breastmilk is good for your baby. Unfortunately, When I went back to work full time, I couldn't pump and had to eventually go to complete formula.

[sixzilliondots]

Obviously if you can breastfeed exclusively than that is best for your baby HOWEVER I think that too many women give up because they think they have to choose one or the other and I know several women who breastfeed when they have their baby with them and give a bottle of formula when they are at work, it really just depends on how much work you are willing to put into it and if it's feasible for your particular situation. Regardless of your decision don't let ppl make you feel guilty, any breastmilk is better than none. and Kudos to you for even attempting it!

[kaiya23]

If you can breastfeed, go for it. If you have time in your school/work schedule to have 30-45 minutes to get somewhere private, setup a pump, pump for 20-30 minutes and cleanup, I'd say try. Medela has a portable pump that has a little cooler in the case with a freezer pack that fits around the bottles so you can keep it cold. Understand that you will need to pump during the day at the same time your child would eat (and that's a lot of time) in order to keep the flow going. If you can only pump on your lunch break, you may find that you will start to produce less milk over time and will need to start to supplement with formula. BFing does help to pull those abs back in...

I had every intention of BFing. I ended up with an emergency C-section after 26 hours of labor and there was infection in the placenta so my daughter was in the NICU for a week. So I was stuck in bed, she was across the hospital and by the time they called me to come feed and I managed to very slowly make it to a wheel chair and have my husband push me down there, she was beyond hungry/cranky and wasn't up for learning to use my breast after using those little nipples they use on the preemies (she was almost 9 lbs.). When we did attempt BFing, she only took the tip, and wouldn't open her bottom lip far enough to take enough in. The lactation specialist after helping me heal the scars my child had started, introduced me to the pump. We ended up buying a portable one to use at home. But then, after spending a week sleeping on her belly in the NICU, she wouldn't sleep on her back or side at home, no matter how I propped or swaddled. So I'd put her down, setup to pump, and after 5 min of pumping she was screaming again. I'd try to wait it out, but her crying only escalated to the point that she'd almost choke and I had no choice but to stop and take care of her. So I had trouble getting her to latch on (and I kept trying at home too), then I couldn't get to pumping, and I was in pain from not pumping, and I just wasn't producing what she needed. At some point I just gave up, and it broke my heart b/c I felt like I was cheating her out of what she really needed and failing as a mom. She was formula fed until about 11 mo. when we started changing over to milk. She did get the first five weeks or so of that wonderful colustrum. She has been on the above average part of the growth and development chart and outgrows her clothing on a regular basis. The perk on my part was that I didn't have to worry about what I ate and I could tell her doctor exactly how many ounces she took per day.


All of this to say...try BFing fully. If it doesn't work, supplement with formula. But if you get to the point where that doesn't work, understand that you are not cheating or ruining your child by using a full diet of formula. You are giving him/her the best you can give...by going to school/work, you are ensuring a better future. We even ended up using the store brand formulas by the end of it b/c they were half the price and we were short on cash. And by using bottles/formula, the transition to sippy cups and milk is a bit easier in a year.

[MommaC]

Yeah--give breastfeeding a hardy try. See how the pumping goes. If it's a bust (all puns intended!), formula isn't poison. ;) I know a mom who just nursed first thing in the morning and last thing before bed. She pumped to relieve pressure on her lunch break. It worked well for her. Good luck! :)

[lmaynard]

Whatever you do, do what is best for you and your baby. I've had a nightmare of a time with this decision- with everyone from doctors to friends to grandmas weighing in his/her opinion. After 6 weeks, my daughter made up my mind for me- she just wasn't into it. I went through all of the emotions, too- guilt, sadness, anger (why won't she take me?). I've had to supplement from the 3rd day she was born, and the transition was easy.

[sablejct]

I have a 4 1/2 month old girl. I was breastfeeding up to 8 wks until i had to go back to work. i had to introduce bottle. i was pumping at work. i recently got laid off work. I am now having to breast pump full time now. my daughter will only take a bottle. i am pumping every 3 hours. night time i can't get myself up to pump. my daughter sleeps pretty much all night long. i have noticed i am not producing as much milk as before. pumping is very boring and not fun. i wish i could go back to breastfeeding now that i am full time mom staying at home. I do supplement with formula daily. peditrition said that was okay to do. Most of the tme I am giving my daugther breastmilk. there is times i am so sick of breast pumping. some times just want to make it easier and just do formula. if any one have any advice. I would greatly appriciate that. thanks!!

[rickip]

Jenn~ You absolutely don't have to do one or the other. Breastfeeding with the occasional formula bottle is a great way to keep the breastfeeding going. I did it with my first, and it worked out great. Now I have a great job (at a hospital!) where everyone is very pro-bf'ing so I was able to pump for the next 2 for over a year each... I'd try not to give too much formula for the first few weeks tho, otherwise baby will decide to be lazy (breast is more work for them til they get the hang of it) and you'll have a tough time establishing your milk supply.

Sable~ I know a lady who gave up bf-ing for an entire month - thought her milk was gone and everything. Then someone told her about Mother's Milk tea? or something and she started latching her 4-mo on again, and went back to exclusive bf-ing. Your supply isn't such a problem, but getting her to latch might be! Check with a hospital, your pedi, etc. and find a good lactation consultant. Maybe since you're laid off you can qualify for WIC and see one that way. They can make all the difference in the world... you could get a nursing supplement bag with a tube for draining milk into her mouth as she's at the breast. Try getting her to latch when she's had about half a serving; hungry enough to still be interested but not starving and furious ;) You could even drip the bottle into the corner of her mouth if you can get her on your breast (prob will be messy tho!) Good luck!

[Lindsey73]

You can do both, it won't hurt. And if it's too much of a pain dont feel bad if you cant breastfeed, the important thing is that the babys fed!

[Jill_at_StorkRadio]

I would say go for the BF only first. You may surprise yourself, especially in the beginning you will have an over supply and can get a lot in the freezer. Also, a double electric pump is huge. I have an Ameda, it works great. I didn't think I was going to make it with BF but it has been way easier and better than expected.