XP: Supplementing/formula help?

jlb08

XP to the breastfeeding board...

I've been pumping while at work and even while increasing pumping sessions, I can't keep up and will have to supplement with a little formula.

For those who supplement, what formula do you use? We have samples of Similac Advance from the pedi and we've given DS an ounce or two once in a while without trouble... but I'm wondering how he'll do when we give it more often. He's always had trouble with gas/tummy issues, so I'm wondering if I should just go ahead and switch to a gentler formula?

Also if you supplement, do you just give formula when you run out of BM or do you give a consistent amount each day? Thanks in advance!

festivus

I have twins and my supply was never great, so I have supplemented from the beginning. They started out on Neosure because they were premies but are now on Enfamil Gentlease due to tummy/fussiness issues. Those issues are MUCH better on the Gentlease.

As for when to give what, I've done several different things over the last 4+ months. Currently they always finish their whole bottle, so I tend to put my "output" from one pumping sesssion split between the two bottles and then mix in formula in the same bottle. When they weren't always finishing bottles and I was worried about wasting BM, I would often give them the BM first, then formula if they were still hungry. I've also done all BM and all formula bottles (and still do all formula bottles if I'm out and about). You just have to do whatever works best for you and your LO.

One other thing...you may want to check with your pedi about what formula to use based on the issues your LO is having. While they gave you a sample of something, this may just be standard and not what your LO needs right now.