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October 2012 Moms
legalbeagle1
member
XP from BFing: Supplementing with Formula?
legalbeagle1
member
If anyone supplements with formula, can you let me know of a good brand to use? L is six months old and I am consistently pumping 10 to 12 ounces at work and he drinks 15 ounces while I am away. We are slowly going through the freezer stash I had built up when I had oversupply, but will probably have to switch one bottle to formula soon. Also how did you figure out how much formula to give your LO since five ounces of breast milk and five ounces of formula aren't the same? And this might be a stupid question, but does anyone still feed some formula on the weekends when they are home? I just keep putting him to the breast but can't tell if he is full sometimes and just don't want him to be hungry. Sorry for all the questions. Have been feeling a bit guilty about supplementing, but I am already not sleeping at night and can't fit in anymore time at work to pump so this is where we are. I still want to nurse for as long as he wants so he gets the benefit of breast milk.
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Re: XP from BFing: Supplementing with Formula?
Ive been in your situation for months--pumping 10-12oz but needing 15oz. I have tried several formulas but Gerber Goodstart seems to be most agreeable with her, and is commonly recommended as the closest to breastmilk. Ive used their "soothe" and "gentle" versions and both are fine for her.
I send 5 oz bottles whether its formula or breastmilk, but I do mark the formula bottle so daycare knows that it has to be tossed sooner, it can be shaken but the rest cant etc. I assume that at some point I will have to increase the formula ounces but thus far, daycare has not mentioned that she seems unsatisfied after the 5oz so Im sticking with it. Since you have some freezer stash, you could also gradually get LO used to the formula by mixing both formula and breastmilk in the bottles--just make sure to mix the formula with water first and THEN add it to the breastmilk.
I hate pumping and I simplify my commute by leaving my electric pump at work (I have a manual one at home for "emergencies") so I nurse her whenever possible on the weekends and avoid using the pump or bottles as much as possible.
Finally, dont feel guilty. Some people ONLY give their children formula and their babies are just fine. Youre not supplementing rubbing alcohol, youre supplementing with a perfectly fine substitution that still meets baby's needs. If your experience is anything like mine, the stress relief provided by supplementing instead of counting breastmilk ounces and fretting over squeezing in pumping sessions, will make you a much better mama, and thats good for baby too!
I still have a freezer cushion and pump MOTN to help make up for shortages... When it runs out I will have to rethink things, but right now I would rather offer formula at home after nursing and let daycare just have BM.
We starting supplementing at daycare right after 6 months. She gets 5 ounce bottles - normally 2 a day of breastmilk and 1-2 a day of formula (sometimes I have a third breastmilk bottle to send). We just started her with the same amount of formula as breastmilk and it has been fine. My provider mixes the bottles for me as needed. Really it has been NBD. I dwelled on it BIG TIME but it was taking me pumping 3x a day at work plus once before bed to keep up with her and I just couldn't do it anymore. Now I pump 2x a day at work and never at home, and I'm still able to fully breastfeed without formula when we are together. I am so much more relaxed.
Good luck with your decision.