Formula before bed

alvarez7285

needing some advice! So my son is almost 5 months and he's Ebf he still gets up 2-3 times at night to nurse so tonight my husband had suggested that maybe we try giving him formula before bed and maybe he'll sleep longer and maybe cut down on the night time feedings and that way everybody gets more rest. I'm kinda intrigued by his suggestion since I do work early mornings but I'm just not sure. Any advice?? Does anyone else do this?? Thanks

Cereline

Hi there. I'm just going to give you a bit of my journey. I was exclusively breastfeeding my son up to 2 weeks then with his weigh in he hadn't gained enough weight so I was told to top up with one bottle at night before bed. So I did. This just messed up my production so much that I now have very little production he is now 90% formula fed. I tried to get my production back to normal but then he had already had bottle and didn't drink my breast as strong as he should to get the milk flowing like it should, he now preferred the easy flow from the bottle. There is nothing wrong with formula but it is definitely putting your breastfeeding in possible strain by giving a top up. I now regret not trying something like fenugreek to increase production before giving formula. I do have the benefit of my 5 month old sleeping straight through the night but would have wanted him exclusively breastfed up to 6 months. Good luck with your decision. You have to ultimately do what will work for your family.

xuxachi

You could, but maybe try eliminating one of those night feedings. At 5 mos he doesn't need it, it's just probably habit. Try rocking back to sleep and/or using a paci. I bet he won't put up a fight for long.

Pix3lle

Have you introduced any solids yet?
Coming up to 6 months it might be an idea to offer some solid food after the last feed of the day.
If your LO isn't ready for solids then maybe speak to a local health nurse, they usually have some good suggestions!