RP: Mixing formula and breastmilk

KimRN

Please refer to my earlier post reguarding putting rice cereal in breastmilk.

 

I am EPing 8oz per session every three hours (sometimes a little more).  Well I am JUST keeping up with the girls demand.  They are both eating AT LEAST 4oz per feeding every 3hrs.  Many times after they eat we have to give them more (usually an oz to a oz and a half). If we have to keep doing this I will not be able to keep up with them. If I decide to give them formula to supplement, would you add it to the breastmilk?  For example would you take a 4oz bottle of breastmilk and add a scoop of formula or would you do 2oz of breastmilk and 2oz of made formula?  I am SO  confused on what to do.  Like I said in my previous post our pedi suggestd adding rice cereal to the breastmilk.  After doing a little research, I don't think that is what I want to do.  I am not trying to get them to sleep through the night or anything.  I just want the to be satisfied after a feeding.  It gets so frustrating (especially during the night) to have them crying and acting like we are starving them.  Advice PLEASE!

epphd

Adding formula powder to breastmilk does not sound right - it would be like making formula that is twice as strong since the BM already has fat/protein/etc in it.  In fact, it might end up being too strong in terms of electrolytes.

Better to make the formula up in water then either mix it with the BM or better yet, give it to them after the BM so they take only as much as they truly need to be satisfied.

Lavender444

Don't mix them together. Offer breast milk first. If they are still hungry do a formula bottle. That way if they don't finish a mixed bottle you are not tossing out any breast milk. the formula should be just to top them off.