EBFers- Formula bottle?

ReeseM

Has anyone who EBFs given a bottle of formula? Has it caused any tummy issues, or anything weird?

I ask because I am exhausted. For the last week or so, DD has gone from waking once in the night to 3-4 times. At least 2 of those times she is hungry, which is no problem, and 1-2 times are because she just won't settle back down in her crib so she'll come sleep with me.

My mom very nicely suggested that I could TRY a bottle of formula before bed, and see if she stays full longer. My original response was "no way." But now I am reconsidering. If I try it one night and there is no difference, than no harm done, right?

I have lots of pros and cons in my head, cons being that it makes me feel relativly inadequate for some reason, pros being that she MAY sleep longer, and I can pump for that last feeding and get some more in the freezer.

Who knows, but I wondered if anyone has tried this and how it has worked.

crackerjackprinter

My advice:  Don't do it.  I have read in plenty of books on BFing that this will not help her STTN.  Their schedules often change and you just have to roll with the punches. 

I had to supplement for a while and would never do it again by choice.  I just give her unlimited access to the breast and pray she sleeps longer.  Sometimes she does.  I try not to get my hopes up though.  Just think of it this way, you were really lucky that she slept so well so young, and she will most likely go back to that.  Hang in there!
 

CHI-06

when I started introducing formula it didn't make her sleep better... it didn't upset her stomach either.  Once I fully weaned her and gave 100% formula it started upsetting her stomach though... but one bottle at night didn't. 

PamelaC

We tried for about a week... just one bottle/day of half BM and half formula.  We weren't trying to get her to sleep longer (she didn't BTW), just trying to get her used to the taste of the formula as a LC in the hospital suggested.

We have since stopped b/c the formula did crazy things to my poor baby's digestive system (and our pedi said it wasn't necessary).  She stopped pooping regularly and when she did go, she was covered in so much poop that only a bath could cure it.  It was crazy thick mustard/peanut butter looking poop too... gross, I know.

ReeseM

Maybe I will just try a bottle of EBM right before bed, as she seems to get sleepier right after a bottle when she has to have one at night.

I should likely just get over it and wait it out. I am sure it's just a phase. I'm just so tired, I feel a bit loopy and willing to try anything! My child has always been a good night sleeper, and didn't even wake up 3-4 times a night when a newborn! Ugh, the joy!

changingnames

  Can your mom or husband give her a bottle of EBM at a ew of her feedings jsut to give you a break?  I know you can't do it too much wihtout tanking yoru supply but maybe if you could get some sleep you wouldn't feel so desperate for her to STTN.  My baby sleeps as well onn a bottle of EBM as on formula.  Best of luck i hope it gets better soon.