Formula help.

amie444

I have BF and pumped for 7.5 months now. But I am not keeping up while I am at work with what my DD needs during the day. She takes 14 oz while I am at work and lately she has been getting hungry about 30 minutes before I get to her. So the daycare has been giving her 4 oz of formula. Well the last 2 days she takes the bottle swallows and 'gags' like it is vile stuff. I am having to use my stash to even get to the 14 oz. Anyone with an awesome solution? I have enough milk to feed her before and after daycare and at bedtime and MOTN, through breastfeeding. My pumping is just tanking. I use fennel green, the tea, and I eat the cookies. And I drink water all day long. I know she isn't starving but I am just frustrated. Thanks in advance.

BC&LM

34blondie said:

First of all, congrats on 7.5 months!!! I'm in awe of everyone who worked and pumped for any length of time.

Have you tried a manual pump yet? I bought one a few months back and got a few oz more from that vs my double electric. I'm at home and only pump a few times per week but I go back and forth between the two.

When I was pumping, I always got more from my manual too. Also, consider having them make two bottles that are half formula/half BM instead of one formula bottle, and that might taste better to her.

amie444

We are trying 50/50 this morning. I thawed out extra to try this. And thanks for the advice. I do have a manual pump and it is awkward. I will try that today. Do I pump with my electric and then use the manual or do I just use the manual?

nikel13

There's a similac formula that is especially for supplementing breast feeding. Lily seems to like it better and take it better than any other kind of formula we've tried. H has been giving her formula for a little while and we have been trying to wean.

Monkeybutt80

I also BF and Pump at work.  I was having issues trying to meet my LO's needs at daycare (21oz).  I was on Nature's Way Fenugreek supplement which didn't help so I ended up adding a session to meet his needs.  One day my friend recommended Gaia brand's Lactation Support.  I am on it now and it has been helpful for me.  It isn't a magic pill and expensive but I was able to get that extra 3oz to meet his needs with my original 3 sessions and I am able to save the extra pump session milk.

cafecreme

I know this is non-traditional- but have you heard of domperidone? Its suppose to be for nausea, but boosts your supply too. When I was having difficulty, my LC recommended that I buy it. I seriously tried everything, just like you. Dr.'s wont give you a script for it, so you have to buy online from another country. Yes, it sounds fishy, but it works. Within 2 days your supply can boost up to 300%. I can send you the link on where I got mine. 

amie444

That is the one drug I react to. It gives me awful panic attacks. I have Crohn's Disease and we found out about this reaction after I had surgery several years ago, so that is not an option.
But good news, she took the 50/50 formula. She wasn't happy about it but she took it

amie444

They are the same drug. Gives me AWFUL panic attacks. Funny when I actually would consider a drug/medicine I can't take it. It is a total bummer.

TheyCalledHerKate

How long are you pumping for? I usually do 25-30 minutes and have several letdowns during each session.!

amie444

I pump for around 20 minutes I usually only get one let down, sometimes 2.    I have started using the manual pump and getting an extra ounce.  But with much hesitation she is taking the formula/breast milk mix!