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South Florida Babies
October Siggy: Then & Now
At The Pumpkin Patch
BF Advice Needed (long)
I am currently BF my DD and have not been able to build a freezer stash as I thought I was going to do. I only have about 12oz in the freezer. I still have until the end of October before I go back to work but am having a hard time finding time to pump. My DD still wakes up every 3 ? 4 hours at night & takes short naps during the day unless she?s being held (we?re working on this). I?ve been trying to pump after the morning feeding while she plays in her swing but am only getting an ounce at a time.
I also want to get her used to bottles to make her transition to the sitter easier and if need be get her used to some formula. I would love to be able to just provide bm for her until at least 6 months but right now it doesn?t seem like I will be able to. I?m going to try to pump at work although it?s not something I can fit in on a schedule at work so I?m scared it might not work. I love bf my dd but want to prepare her for when I?m not with her. My pedi said that DD most likely has allergies since I have them and that we should use soy formula when we start giving her formula. I can?t help but feel bad/guilty since bf is going well but I would want to get her used to formula before I go back to work.
So I wanted to ask you guys for advice/recommendations ?
- - What is the easiest way to transition her from breast to bottles?
- - Would I still be able to bf her at night?
- - How to introduce formula?
I?m going to call the dr & ask as well but wanted some
real experiences from moms.
October Siggy: Then & Now
At The Pumpkin Patch
This discussion has been closed.
Re: BF Advice Needed (long)
I think it's wonderful that you're enjoying BFing and trying to research how to handle things once you return to work.
Getting an oz after nursing is good. It takes time to increase your supply on top of what your baby is getting. Pumping approx 2 mins after your last drop of milk signals to your body that you need to make more. You can also pump one side while nursing on the other. Your baby is able to extract more milk than you can with the pump.
First, you may want to investigate some more about pumping at work. The law is actually on your side regarding pumping break. You can make some print outs from the below links to discuss with your HR or supervisor.
The Affordable Care Act amended the Fair Labor Standards Act to require employers to provide ?reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for 1 year after the child?s birth each time such employee has need to express the milk.? Employers are also required to provide ?a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public, which may be used by an employee to express breast milk.?
Here is a link to the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, the place where a mother may file a complaint if she feels that she has not been afforded the proper time or place for milk expression as guaranteed under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
https://www.dol.gov/wecanhelp/howtofilecomplaint.htm
DOL?s ?Fact Sheet? addressing the new law. https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs73.htm
You may also want to visit the DOL FAQ on this topic. https://www.dol.gov/whd/nursingmothers/faqBTNM.htm
If you can pump at work (lunch/breaks), on the drive to or from work, etc, you don't need a huge freezer stash. Fresh pumped milk is actually a little better for nutrition and immune benefits. Some moms are able to pump for the next day's supply.
I'm not sure exactly what your allergies are (and I'm not a doctor!) but the breastmilk is probably going to be the easiest tolerated for her. Dairy and soy allergies sometimes run together so be aware of that.
You can mix breastmilk and formula together in a bottle. They have different shelf lives tho so that is something to consider so you don't waste BM. Unfinished formula bottles need to be thrown away while unfinished BM can be ok to offer at the next feeding. Formula is only good for 24 hrs once made. BM is good refridgerated apprx 6-8 days.
You can absolutely formula feed while she's at childcare and nurse when you are with her. That's a very valid option for you! Even if you feel that she's getting a small amount of BM, you are stil providing important nutrition and immune advantages.
Please don't feel guilty for making these hard decisions. It's wonderful that you've been able to provide milk for her the past two months! Any additional is also a gift.
If you do feel that you need to supplement with formula, it might be best to introduce it during the day. That way if she has an upset stomach, at the least it won't affect your or her night time sleep.
For introducing pumped breastmilk, it can be good for it to be freshly pumped so it's close to your body temp as possible. It's best if your DH or someone else offers it so she doesn't smell you and only want you.
Some moms find it best to leave the house even!
I think you would find a lot of support and how to knowledge from a local LLL group. They are very helpful in providing information on how to reach YOUR goals. You can also call the SE FL hotline to leave a message to speak to a leader. (954) 574-6600
I think the most important thing is to enjoy your baby now while you're home with her. Try not to stress about all the details now. It will work out. Go ahead research and make plans now. But don't let that take away from your joy of having a new baby. You will feed your baby whether it's 100% BM or formula, or some where in between.
Good luck with everything!
October Siggy: Then & Now
At The Pumpkin Patch
I completely agree with TayLynn! Definitely talk to your job to see how you can make pumping work out if that's what you want to do, because it is completely reasonable to be able to feed your baby on a day to day basis by pumping, you don't necessarily need an extensive freezer stash. If you and baby can synchronize your feeding/pumping sessions during the day it also makes it easier and once you get out of work you will be on the same schedule and can BF her once at home. I really don't have much more to add because TayLynn said it perfectly! Good luck and take it a step at a time...enjoy all the bonding time with your little one!
BFP #3: 01/28/12, EDD: 09/23/12, MMC (BO), D&C 2/16/12 at 6.5 wks
BFP #4: 05/23/12, EDD: 01/31/12, Early MC at 5 wks
RPL Workup: + LPD (7DPO Prog = 7.8, Endometrial Bx = out of phase)
Elevated Alpha 2-glycoprotein IgA and antiphosphatidylserine IgM -->
Hematologist said not to worry and no need for treatment!
Dx: LPD
Cycle #1(08/2012): Clomid 50 mg CD3-7, Ovidrel CD13 + Progesterone = It worked!
BFP #5 on 09/10/12 (11 DPO). HCG #1 @ 14DPO = 131.6 HCG #2 @ 16DPO = 509
EDD: 05/23/2013
Hi, I was pretty much in your shoes a few weeks ago and I understand your concern. I felt horrible about having to supplement with formula, but luckily I haven't needed to so so yet. I started working 3 weeks ago, and so far I have been able to pump at work for the next day's worth of feedings.
I didn't have a freezer stash and couldn't pump very much (maybe 2 -3 oz at a time) when I was home because my son was nursing often, however now that I am at work I pump once in the morning, and once in the afternoon. I am getting about 5 oz each time. I pump once more about 2 hrs after my son goes to sleep and as I said, so far so good.
I recommend you nurse as much as possible in the morning, after work and on weekends in order to keep your supply up. Also, my lactation consultant recommended Fenugreek, and I think that helped too.
Hopefully you will be able to pump at work, and I hope that it will work out for you.
As far as introducing the bottle, I have been giving my LO pumped milk in a bottle since we came hoem from the hospital and it was never an issue, but i have heard it best to try when LO is not terribly hungry so they are more cooperative.
Best of luck!