if trouble BF, will you supplement w/ formula?

coliecarryon · October 2009

Just curious, a while back I read a post on how her milk didnt come in for 8 days after she gave birth, and did not supplement with formula. I though..Hummm?? could i do that? I know that your clostrum comes in and thats all the babies needs, but i think i would still feel like LO would need more especially after a couple days. I want to know what all you ladies plan on doing if BF doesnt work out as planned?

goldenleaves · October 2009

I'm planning to EBF until I return to work (6-8 weeks post partum) and then supplement with forumula.

Liss_37 · October 2009

To be honest, I don't know what I would do, but on the chance that it doesn't work out or that I do decide to supplement, i already have formula in my cupboard

RJHarmon · October 2009

I am willing to.

KatieTheMagnificent · October 2009

The best thing you can do is to keep nursing, especially if it takes a little longer than normal for your milk to come in. The more stimulation, the more your body will realize that it needs to produce SOMETHING. Supplementing with formula will only hinder supply at that point. A good lactation consultant is your best friend.

mooeta · October 2009

I'd talk to my lactation consultant and my Pedi about it. If they didn't think it was a problem then I wouldn't worry.

bim38106 · October 2009

Colostrum is still something.. Babies have bellies the size of a marble or something at that age. They really don't need much.

I will do my best to BF again. If it's too stressful for me, then I'll supplement, but not before giving it my all. Honestly, I was too hard on myself last time. We'll see how it goes this time, but at least now I know not to worry about supply since that's rarely a true cause of BF problems from what I've read.

Laura Cochran · October 2009

Only if there are supply issues. If there are latch issues, etc I'll EP while trying to get the BF thing to work.

uofibabe · October 2009

DH and I are taking a BF class tomorrow night. I'm for sure going to try to BF but will probably be weaning at 6-8 weeks to be able to go back to work. I dont want to deal with pumping at work, etc. But if it doesnt work out it doesnt work out. I'm not going to stress over it......

mooeta · October 2009

What is your other option really? I mean if your milk doesn't come in or you are having problems with production you shouldn't starve your child. It is something you should consult professionals about then decide the best course of action.

JungleJulia · October 2009

Yes, I'll supplement with formula. My priority is taking care of this little girl. While I have my own "plans" I know that nothing is guaranteed. I alreadly have a LC ready to visit us once we come home and my hospital and OB are very pro BFing so I'll have lots of help. But, I won't consider myself a failure if I need to supplement.

tsoyster · October 2009

I am having to supplement because LO came so early. It makes it a little difficult, because our feeding routine is for me to nurse her as long as she'll stay awake, then she gets a bottle, then I pump for anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. My milk finally came in, but I can't seem to get LO to nurse long enough. She falls asleep. More than 80% of what she receives now is breast milk though, so hopefully we are moving away from the formula.

D*sMayBride · October 2009

Don't give up too quickly. Yes, I supplemented with formula when the baby got bigger and my supply couldn't keep up when back at work, BUT, keep in mind, BF'ing doesn't just happen magically when the baby comes out. Especially with the first child it can take weeks to get going with a good latch. A good lactation consultant will teach you (or better yet, your husband) how to "finger feed" with a syringe so the baby doesn't get used to bottles. It does happen, and when it does it's the most wonderful and convenient thing in the world being able to nurse your child, but don't get discouraged, it takes time!

SymphonyGirl · October 2009

It would really depend on how the baby was doing. If the baby's pedi thought she was losing too much weight, I'd supplement. Otherwise, I wouldn't.

lcmeg · October 2009

i might have a thing of formula on hand, just for my own peace of mind... but seriously, you have to just stick with it... your body knows what to do, even if it is taking forever and you and the baby are cranky.

also, i know someone who tried to breastfeed and use bottles right away, and her baby then just got used to bottles and never wanted to nurse... its important to establish the nipple thing early, or they will be confused, and may opt for a bottle.

mwalliser · October 2009

With my DD... I had planned on BF. She was in the NICU for 2 weeks and they only let me try to BF once... so I pumped and she got that and was supplemented with formula for the rest of what she needed. After going home, I tried to BF but it didn't exactly work out well... so I pumped until my supply went out.

This time, I'll try again to BF... I hope it goes much better this time around. But if for whatever reason it doesn't work out then yeah... I'll be supplementing with formula. I couldn't just let my child go hungry like that.

Temp785382312506150 · October 2009

If I'm unable to BF, I'd certainly be open to supplementing with formula but only after discussing my issues with a LC.

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