BFing to FFing and back to BFing ?'s

antes22

So I found out yesterday that the huge crack I have in my nipple has a terrible infection and I may have to stop Bfing for a week, maybe 2. I want to pump and dump during this time and unfortunately the boys will get formula. I was just wondering if anyone has had to do this before or has any advice. Both boys have had bottles many times before so I'm not worried about that. Do you think they will mind eating all that formula and then going back to breast milk? Also, they drink about 3 ounces right now when they get a bottle. Will it be the same amount of formula or different? Any advice would be great. I'm so upset and frustrated about this whole thing. I can't wait until I'm healed up and we can get back to normal. TIA!

nkintzel

I don't really know the answer to your question but I wanted to tell you one thing and suggest something else.

The thing I want to tell you is that your twins are totally adorable!!!

 The suggestion is to find a lactation consultant and talk to her about your situation. I'm sure you aren't the first mom that has had this situation arise. You might find that you don't need to pump and dump. Who knows? But, I think it would be a good idea to find someone with experience with this. OR, go to your local La Leche League leader and see if she can help you out.

Good luck! I know it must be really frustrating. I would be so upset, too.

antes22

Thank you!

kmgourley

I don't have any direct experience with this, but I think that they would take 3 oz. of formula, too, but perhaps eat less often since formula is digested more slowly.  Have they ever had formula?  If not, they may reject it at first because it tastes different. 

Could you feed them breastmilk off of the breast that doesn't have the cracked nipple?  You might have to supplement with formula, too, but at least it would be some breastmilk.

And definitely talk to a lactation consultant!

I hope your infection gets better soon-- that sounds painful!!  And congrats to you for working so hard to continue to breastfeed

jenhum

I'm so sorry about your nipples- ouch! Are you sure you'll have to dump the milk you pump? Even when I had thrush I was able to feed DD my milk, I just wasn't supposed to freeze any to use after the infection was gone. But if you do have to dump it for whatever reason, I don't think your kiddos will have any problems going back and forth. We've had some BFing issues, and DD went from BF to getting about half EBM half formula, and now she is mostly BF again with 1-2 formula bottles a day. We are working towards getting back to being EBF. I'd also stick with the 3 oz bottles, that seems like more than enough for their age! GL!

antes22

Thanks girls. I will be on a heavy duty anti biotic for a week or two. They can't have my milk during that time