Giving Formula - Why Does It Make Me Sad?

CA2006 · March 2009

DS is 3 months and 2 weeks old. I have been trying to build up a freezer stash since he was born b/c I am going back to work in April and I have a weekend trip I am taking in April, as well. Well, I haven't had much success with the freezer stash b/c DS has been finishing both sides at every feeding for over a month now. So, I have a grand total of 36 oz. in the freezer. DH and I decided last night that we would start giving a bottle of formula before bed and I would pump then to get a stash built up so he can have more BM than formula while I am away. I know it isn't a big deal, but it just makes me sad. Has anyone experienced this issue and, if so, what did you do about it? TIA.

rachboj22 · March 2009

i know how you feel-i have twins and i haven't put anything in the freezer because i have a hard enough keeping up with BF both of them...SO, i've had to bite the bullet and give formula if i didn't pump enough during the day. i had a hard time with it, but i had no choice. the most important thing to keep in mind is that they are getting mostly breast milk, and you are doing the best that you can. HTH

good luck :-)

Angela814 · March 2009

I found that once I was pumping at work, I was able to add a ton to my freezer stash. I didn't have much before DD started daycare. It's hard to pump with an infant that nurses every 1-2 hours. DD was sttn when she started daycare, so for my first pumping session I used to get 10-15oz. That went down to closer to 6-8oz when she started nursing at night again, but in the beginning she was only taking 4oz bottles anyway. I had plenty to add to the freezer. If your trip is towards the end of April, you might be able to pump enough at work to have enough for that trip.

CA2006 · March 2009

The trip is before I go back to work, unfortunately. When I pump at night, I only get about 3.5 oz. total

DR&RN04 · March 2009

First of all, good for you for nursing this long! I can't even imagine how hard it is to build up a stash for going back to work AND nurse. As far as the formula thing goes, try to remember that regardless, you're feeding your baby. Breast milk, formula....both nourish your baby, and there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with that. : )

jgirl236 · March 2009

I totally understand! I am back at work now ( have been for about a month now - part time in the office and 2 days at home) - I am having a terrible time with my milk supply......it dips quite a bit in the afternoon and many times I have had to give her formula as a supplement after or as a sub for pumping to get enough ?milk for the next day. ?I am so sad! ?I feel like I am letting her down. ?Hang in there and do the best you can! ?G/L!

Angela814 · March 2009

CA2006:
The trip is before I go back to work, unfortunately. When I pump at night, I only get about 3.5 oz. total

Afternoons and nights are the hardness. My afternoon pumping never topped 6oz. There were times it was closer to 4oz. I think nursing at lunch really helped my supply. I never bothered to try pumping at night. I would try pumping in the morning instead. Either get up and pump before baby gets up. (You'll still have milk for him. Your body will make milk as he's nursing.) Or pump on one side while he's nursing on the other. He can finish the side you pumped on and still get more milk than the pump. You could also give him the formula in the morning while you pump. Mornings will always be the time you get the most milk.

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