BF'ers- formula at night?

melmax

Lila is killing me throughout the night. Occasionally, she'll give me a 3 hour stretch, but for the most part it's 2 hours and under. There were a few stretches last night where she only went 45 minutes to an hour. I'm exhausted. And as of the last week, she's been more fussy throughout the day as well. (wondering if it's reflux)

What do you think about giving her a bottle of formula last thing before bedtime? I've heard that makes them sleep longer.  She's 4 weeks old.

monchichi

I would actually have your DH give her a bottle of formula either right before bed or at her first waking.  It gives you a break and gets her used to taking a bottle.

isabella22

I think it is just an exhausting time.  Can your DH help by changing and burping her?  If you are worried about fussy/reflux, I would worry that adding formula to the mix would complicate things more.  Also, you might have a dip in your supply if you skip a feeding in the early stages when your supply is getting established.

Good luck!  I hope you get some much needed rest.

KoriBrett

All changing foods/drinks did for my dd was make her gassy & more awake.  I'm stubborn, I'd stick it out a while at this point.  The more you supp the less milk you'll make, then you'll need more formula..  it's a big circle lol

Sorry about no sleep - I know it sucks. 

TTCnumber2

isabella22:

I think it is just an exhausting time.  Can your DH help by changing and burping her?  If you are worried about fussy/reflux, I would worry that adding formula to the mix would complicate things more.  Also, you might have a dip in your supply if you skip a feeding in the early stages when your supply is getting established.

Good luck!  I hope you get some much needed rest.

 

ditto

penguingrrl

There's nothing wrong with giving formula in addition to breastfeeding.  However, since BM  is generally the gentlest thing on a baby's stomach, adding formula in may exacerbate fussiness/discomfort if the baby is gassy or possibly has reflux.  I just had to put DD2 on zantac for her reflux and it has made a world of difference in her comfort level.  She's happier when she's awake and because she's no longer in pain she's sleeping much better, both at night and for naps.  Hang in there... the newborn phase is just hard!  It will get better!!!!