BF mamas - a question, and pep-talk needed (long)

umdbride · January 2012

I just got a stomach bug this weekend that tanked my supply and I just used my last bag of frozen milk for DCP today My supply is slowly making a comeback, but I think I'm going to be 2-3oz short for DCP tomorrow - WWYD? (DS is 11 months)

Would you give him formula? (he's barely tasted once to see if he'd drink it but he didn't really care about it) WCM? (he's never had it but has had many milk products with no issue) Water with some extra yogurt or something to make up the dairy/calcium/vitamins for the day? (in other words, chill out 2-3oz is not a big deal at this point)

I don't really want to give him formula - I have zero logic to this and I know it, but something about it makes me feel so disappointed. I would totally prefer to give him WCM or even water - and then I feel crazy because logically formula is the alternative to BM, and I have no idea why I'm so anti-formula for DS (especially since I was FF and know tons of other FF kids that are bright, happy, loving, etc.) I also think this is probably not nearly as big an issue as I'm making it, it's 2-3oz for a day or two! ugh. talk some sense into me, please!

FWIW he eats a vareity of food and will gladly sub food for nursing or a bottle if we let him. He's about the 50th percentile so I'm not worried about him losing weight and I think my supply will be back within a day or two.

amh_navyblue · January 2012

I vote WCM, IF he needs more. You were planning to transition him to that anyway, right? Why do a transition to formula and then a transition to WCM at this stage?

And a day or two with less, whether it's BM or WCM or formula will not make a huge difference.

Jitterbug2668 · January 2012

ditto PP. If you need reassurance that what you're doing is ok then call the pedi and just run it across them but I really don't think they'll have a problem w/ it.

WinesNotWhines · January 2012

I think 2-3 oz less milk for a day or two is not a big deal and I'd try to sub yogurt or other foods to make up the calorie difference. Don't beat yourself up - he'll be fine!

Personally, I'd want to try giving WCM for the first time over a weekend or other time when I can observe him to make sure he doesn't have a problem with it. But I may be over-cautious, because M had a dairy sensitivity as an infant, and we were very careful when introducing dairy.

MrsPhilDunphy · January 2012

Is it possible to throw in an extra pumping session today? Right before bed or when you get home from work?

Are you already giving him other dairy, like yogurt and cheese? If so, then WCM seems like the best option but I agree with pp that you might just want to run the idea past the nurse at the pedi's office.

Hey Jellisy · January 2012

I would do WCM or yogurt and waters. 3 oz isn't a big deal and you are well within the age range where WCM is introduced.

alliapistor · January 2012

I am clueless about introduction of WCM, but if you do decide to go the formula route - I would consider doing half and half with the breastmilk in each bottle so it isn't such a big change. When we've tried to give LO straight formula, he refused after one sip.

Sofka · January 2012

I wouldn't give formula either but I also wouldn't give WCM. I would instead send a cup of YoBaby yogurt and try to add in a pumping session over the next few days. Intro cow milk at home, just in case. And since the taste is a lot different from BM, he may take a while to get used to it; we had to mix it w/ BM, slowly increasing the ratio of cow milk to BM until it was all cow milk.

KelXoXo · January 2012

alliapistor:
I am clueless about introduction of WCM, but if you do decide to go the formula route - I would consider doing half and half with the breastmilk in each bottle so it isn't such a big change.

This can be dangerous. I did 75%BM to 25%F, and LO was so distraught, she wouldn't drink any, and it wasted the BM. Which made me distraught.

For 2oz, and I'm assuming this is a one time thing, that you're hoping supply is back to normal after this, I'd let them give water or extra snacks, and nurse as soon as you get home. It seems like such a small amount that I definitely wouldn't go buy a cannister of formula, to use one or two times!

umdbride · January 2012

Thanks ladies - you said what I needed to hear. I def don't want to mix formula or WCM with BM because it is most likely only for a day or two and I absolutely don't want to waste the BM.

I'm adding in as many extra pumping sessions as I can - yesterday was 5 times (in addition to nursing twice). I'm creeping up by an ounce or two a day, but it's slow. I think I'll just give some extra snacks with full-fat yogurt and cheese until I recoup my supply.

Thanks for the advice and support, and for not making me think I'm crazy to be aganozing over 2-3oz for a couple of days - you guys are great!

2vthokies · January 2012

I think your plan is a good one. Since it's only a few ounces, I'd add more water, cheese or yogurt (or other food since it seems like he's a good eater). If after a few days, your supply doesn't come back, then I'd talk to ped about supplementing with WCM...but honestly, if you're only a couple ounces short I wouldn't worry - just give him more food/water/yog/cheese.

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BF mamas - a question, and pep-talk needed (long)

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