supplemented from the beginning

RTBowen

My son lost too much weigh during his first week so we have supplemented formula since then (couple ounces a day). He is now nearly 6 months and we have begun weaning. My questions is, has he gotten the benefits from bf'ing? Everything I read says "6 months strictly breastfed" - it is disconcerting- I wanted him to get all of the benefits, but my situation did not allow it to be "strictly" breast milk.... 

CDMay2006

It sounds like he has gotten mostly breast milk, but even if he hadn't, getting any amount if breast milk regularly can be beneficial. If it works for your situation, you could extend your bf time longer/to a year/more to ensure the greatest benefit.

Annie_the_nanny

My little guy lost quite a bit too and I didn't have enough milk to satisfy him so I supplemented too. Now at three months he's FF all the way because even though I was pumping my milk dried up within days. The fact that my Nurse Practitioner totally stressed me out (breast is best etc.) didn't help my milk supply either lol I don't beat myself up about it anymore because I know it's not my fault that I wasn't producing enough milk. And to see the little guy guzzling down his bottle, where he always struggled at the breast, makes me happy.

Naena

I understand your concern. I also struggled with supply. At first my daughter was getting primarily formula, recommended by her dr. I have worked really hard to get my supply up now she only get 0-2 oz of formula a day. My original plan, before I knew how hard breastfeeding would be, was to do it for six months. Now since I had to supplement so much I will do it longer. How long? I am not sure, I will take it one day at a time. Like everyone else has said we are doing the best we can and that is all we can do. Try not to stress, your son is lucky to have a mother that cares so much.

hungryhippo

I agree with a lot of the responses from PP and want to add a couple of things. Great nutrition doesn't end with breastfeeding. You can give your baby lots of life long benefits by making healthy food choices (not to mention other healthy choices that are not nutrition related) now and for years to come. Breastfeeding is just part of a bigger equation. Also, most studies that inform breastfeeding recommendations have some bias and limitations. While there is plenty of evidence that breastfeeding is best, that evidence is still mostly based on risk ratio and odds ratio calculations which aren't as scientifically rigorous as other study methods. There is still a lot about various feeding methods that is unknown. Your daughter is fed and you are a good mom. Keep loving and taking good care of your DD and yourself.