bf'ing but need to start formula

Pregnant1

i will be starting work again in dec. and may need to supplement.  Should i begin introducing formula in his diet now?  Should I start giving him 1 bottle a day or how does this work? He's had formula in the beginning at the hospital because his weight dropped too much so i dont expect problems supplementing...

luckiestwife

I'd start introducing it now so that he gets used to a bottle and the taste of the formula, and also so you can make sure now he doesn't have any adverse reactions to the type of formula you pick. ?Plus, this will help you gradually cut back on your BFing sessions so that you don't get engorged when you start work. ?Start out by replacing one session per day with a formula bottle, and go from there.

lisajoe42404

I gradually increased the number of formual feedings per day.  I had to stop bf-ing cold turkey but had a freezer supply....so I definitely recommend subbing a bf session with a formula session and stopping bf gradually.

PenelopelePhew

I'm unclear whether you will stop BF once you return to work, or if you are just worried about supply issues.  I pump twice a day at work (used to be three times) and my supply has not dipped.  DS is now 24 weeks old.  If you have to supplement, just give the EBM first and then offer formula if the baby wants/needs it.  I'd start getting the baby used to the bottle and taste of the formula now.  Plus if you replace a feeding w/ formula you can pump and build up your freezer stash.

BUT, if you aren't going to pump, the above advice is good.