Combination feeding from the start?

brittlenay

I cannot find any articles on both breastfeeding and formula feeding from the get-go. I would like to do both from the start! Has anyone else done this?! I would prefer to not ever pump, if I am only breastfeeding half time will I need to pump or will my milk supply balance? How does this work? Help please!

redfallon

I had to do that because I had breast surgery 10 years before my daughter was born. I BF and then supplemented with formula. It eventually turned into all formula bc I couldn't keep up with her needs.

I pumped for the six weeks that we rented a hospital pump and hated it. I never could pump more than an ounce or two, even after an hour.

I'm not sure about how your supply would be affected if you are not pumping and not BFing 100%. I can't imagine it would be able to keep up.

SLGILL1978

I started supplementing around 2-3 weeks. But I did also make sure to pump even though I got little output. 

harmonicbabe26

I did that for 7 months with my 1st DD due to low supply. So I can't speak to how it works for people who would have a full supply if they just BFed. For every feeding I would first BF then top off with formula. But that's not what you are wanting to do right? I think if you BF to a limited extent, your supply will regulate to such limited extent.

isacar5

Before I had my son I knew i would have to supplement when I went back to work. There is not spot to pump in my office. I had done a lot of searching and didn't get much help so I started blindly. It has been going great, 5 months in and i am still able to breastfeed when I am home, such a blessing! We didn't introduce formula from the get go but started at 2 or 3 weeks.

I thought Id share my experience and tips in a blog post check it out if your interested.

https://www.bunniesandpearls.com/2015/08/my-experience-with-supplementing.html

snowduey

LO is 12 weeks and I'm breastfeeding along with one-two bottles of formula/day around 4-5 days a week. ( to keep her used to the bottle as I'm a doctor and there's no pumping place in a hospital where I wouldn't be worried about germs and infection)
If you keep feeding regularly your milk supply wouldn't suffer. Although everyone's body is different so if you have engorged and painful breasts then you should consider pumping in between to relief pain.

snowduey

isacar5 said:

Before I had my son I knew i would have to supplement when I went back to work. There is not spot to pump in my office. I had done a lot of searching and didn't get much help so I started blindly. It has been going great, 5 months in and i am still able to breastfeed when I am home, such a blessing! We didn't introduce formula from the get go but started at 2 or 3 weeks.

I thought Id share my experience and tips in a blog post check it out if your interested.

https://www.bunniesandpearls.com/2015/08/my-experience-with-supplementing.html

Great blog!!

KatieJJames

I am glad someone else is wanting to BF and FF from the get go! I worry about my baby being solely reliant upon me and want my husband to be able to share the load. 

Have you done any research into the what types of formula or supplement you will use? 

Pinchme.com are currently giving away Gerber formula for free which I believe is a reputable brand? Have you used this before?

NurseRieger

I started supplementing at 6 weeks. Had no supply issue just needed a break and I know I can't keep up with it when I go back to work 12 HR shifts and will most likely have time for just 1 pumping session. I enjoy the morning and bedtime feedings, been pumping once mid day and giving formula for other feedings. Was going to just wean but I seem to be able to give enough 3 or 4 times a day so I'll keep it up a while.

redfallon

@KatieJJames said:

I am glad someone else is wanting to BF and FF from the get go! I worry about my baby being solely reliant upon me and want my husband to be able to share the load. 

Have you done any research into the what types of formula or supplement you will use? 

Pinchme.com are currently giving away Gerber formula for free which I believe is a reputable brand? Have you used this before?

We used Enfamil and then switched to the store-brand Enfamil.

morgy23

We are also doing it almost from the beginning, day 3 to be exact as my boobs were a bit late with milk supply. Most say that the milk comes on day 3 but it took 5-6 days for me. Anyway, after day 3 I tried the next couple of days to ebf but didn't work out very well and my son is a big hungry boy so formula it is.

It doesn't make me sad but I do worry sometimes that my milk supply will drop but so far it still works great. We are at week 6 and I breastfeed during mornings, give formula twice at around noon then breastfeed a bit more in the afternoon and then formula during evening and night when dad is home and can help.

m8881

I tried to do this with both my kids but they caught on too quick and preferred the bottle even though we used the slowest flow etc. have no idea what I'm going to do this time around.