i've been doing this for his last feeding, and pumping at this time. he sleeps pretty well, so i am hesitant to change this routine.
i feel horribly guilty though, and i wonder if i am harming him....he does have refulx issues, although i don't thing that has to do with introducing outside bacteria (formula)
thoughts on this?
Re: one bottle of formula a day?
I guess my question would be why are you giving a bottle of formula? Why not give a bottle of breast milk since you are pumping anyway?
My LC and the LC who taught my bfing class both told me that there is a lower percentage of breastfed reflux babies. For that reason, I'd be hesitant to offer a bottle of formula. There is also no research to backup that a bottle of formula makes a baby sleep longer.
Its your baby and you are the only one to know what he needs. My question is: If you feel guilty why are you giving the formula? In the begining I would pump and then give my son a large bottle for his bedtime feeding. He nursed for all his other feedings but that way I knew how much he got and felt confident he would be full and sleep as long as possible. But thats my baby and my situation. You do what works for your baby.
My baby has reflux also and its terribly annoying but doesnt hurt him. I have heard that babies are prone to spit up more after a bottle than nursing becasue they get more air out of a bottle.
My post wasn't at all intended to induce guilt. I was looking for more information is all. Please don't think I'm judging or guilting you for ff your child a bottle a day.
I nursed my first for just over three months while heavily supplementing with formula from day one. I'm much better informed this time around making me giving formula unnecessary. Clearly I am the last person to judge.