BF and Formula

CaseyB15

Hi Everyone, 

 

I cross-posted this on the BF Board, but I lurk here daily and find you all to be extremely helpful and most often in line with my goals and values.  Hoping someone might be able to help!   

I began exclusively BFing when my DD was born 3 weeks ago.  She latched easily and we nursed on-demand for the first week.  At our 1 week check-up we found that she had dropped from 7lbs, 9oz to 6lbs, 15oz.  My doctor (also her ped.) and the birth center staff where she was born helped me with some techniques and ideas and gave it another week.  A week later-- no weight gain at all.  I saw an LC and she measured my output--  it was only 1/2 what DD needs and it takes me 45min to an hour of nursing to produce that much.  She recommended a supplemental nursing system with one ounce of formula 8 times per day, plus pumping 4x/day.  We did this for 5 days and it was exhausting.  But she gained  9 oz. in 5 days!  Clearly, the poor child was hungry.  Now the doctor is recommending that I combo feed-- nurse first and then give her bottle.  My body has not ramped up milk production at all.  I'm very sad that I won't be able to EBF, but would love to hear from anyone who has had a similar experience and might have suggestions.  My big fear is that I won't be able to keep her nursing for a year.  Anyone had success with breast and bottle formula feeding on a long-term basis?  Many, many thanks! 

b&r2006

I don't have any experience with lack of milk production, but I can offer a few thoughts/ideas.

First, it's great that she's gaining weight! For the moment, that's important- that she's thriving and all. Check out kellymom.com if you haven't already. It's a great BFing resource with tons of info on various problems.

Have you tried anything to help your supply? Fenugreek, oatmeal (which I eat a lot of, not sure if there's a connection), mother's milk tea? Are you eating enough and drinking lots of water/juice/milk? That should help as well. And it takes a while for milk supply to settle in... sometimes it's oversupply, sometimes it takes time to get established. You are producing some milk- remember that a pump is not as effective at getting milk as DD- so I don't see why you couldn't continue BFing for as long as you want. As long as you keep nursing first, your supply should keep building. Nursing more often might help, too.

Hang in there- hopefully some of the other ladies will have some more ideas. 

Belle15

I was doing both, but just initially since dd was in NICU.  My supply was really low.  I found that eating more lean protein, oatmeal and drinking a ton more water helped alot.   Have you tried doing any of that yet?  Ditto with checking out Kellymom.com.