Starting to supplement formula today :(

everam01 · November 2011

Blah.

It has been a long time coming because I've been burning through my freezer stash all month. I told myself that if I made it with EBM until 6 months I would not take any extraordinary measures to increase my supply (I already drink Mother's Milk tea daily), but it's still sad for me.

I dropped a pump about 3 weeks ago, and my supply has only dropped by about 5 oz a day, but since I always made just enough to feed them (sometimes just a little more) it's enough to make me have to supplement.

Question - if I start feeding them 50/50 bm/formula and they usually drink 4oz breastmilk in a feeding, how much should I now offer them? Should I just try 5oz? I know babies need more formula the bm per feeding to be satisfied.

Or, should I switch between a 4oz bottle of breastmilk, then offer a 5-6oz bottle of formula during the next feeding?

We have a ped appt today, so I will ask them as well.

everam01 · November 2011

Also, I have only used level 1 nipples. Will I need a higher level for formula or are level 1 nipples still usable?

Lisa Frank · November 2011

In my experience, they actually need more bm, than formula. Formula seems to fill them up faster.

I'd just keep doing 4 oz until they show interest in wanting more. If they still seem hungry after 4, then mix up another 2 oz and try that.

We moved from Level 1's a long time ago, but that's just her preference. It was taking her a LONG time to finish her bottles, so I knew it was time to move up.

Tinybride08 · November 2011

I don't mix the two. I find it easier to alternate with the feedings. So one feeding she'll have bm and the next feeding formula.

Lisa Frank · November 2011

Also, I wanted to say that you are a rockstar for nursing twins to 6 months! Yes

Gold Star for you, Momma!

kerrbear72 · November 2011

Lisa Frank:
Also, I wanted to say that you are a rockstar for nursing twins to 6 months! Gold Star for you, Momma!

Absolutely unbelievable.

You're amazing!

mrbear83 · November 2011

Lisa Frank:
In my experience, they actually need more bm, than formula. Formula seems to fill them up faster.
I'd just keep doing 4 oz until they show interest in wanting more. If they still seem hungry after 4, then mix up another 2 oz and try that.
We moved from Level 1's a long time ago, but that's just her preference. It was taking her a LONG time to finish her bottles, so I knew it was time to move up.

this. we always put more in than he would drink, so we knew what he was getting. upped to level 2 at 3 months, we just switched to level 3 nips - he is much more satisfied and finishes more quicklly.