September 2013 Moms
Bamgal25
member
Toby, my furry baby
XP: Help with formula supplementing
Bamgal25
member
I have come to the conclusion that I am going to have to supplement with formula. I am just not producing enough milk to meet my DD's needs and she is a lazy nurser. I am looking for any advice/suggestions on what I can do to produce more milk or get DD to nurse better AND the best way to go about supplementing with formula.
Background: Around the 6 week mark, I noticed/realized that DD wasn't gaining weight at a very fast rate. I met with a lactation consultant and did a weighted feeding and she did not consume very much at all at that time. The LC recommended I nurse her for 15 minutes on each side, then pump, then supplement her with what I pumped. I tried to do that, but it was very time-consuming and DD was not content to let me pump that often. So I modified what the LC told me and started weighing DD before and after each nursing session. Then I determined how much to supplement feed her (ie, if her weight increased by 1.5 oz, I would give her another 2 oz or so of previously pumped milk). I was still pumping, but only about 3 times a day. That seemed to be working for a couple of weeks. I did not think there was a problem with milk supply, but rather DD is a lazy nurser. I got her checked for tongue tie and she doesn't have that issue.
So fast forward a couple of weeks and that system is no longer working. I think the reason is two-fold: she now requires more ounces per day and I am struggling to keep up with her needs and since she is sleeping for fairly long stretches at night we are usually doing 6 feedings per day so she needs more ounces at a time. I am still weighing her before and after every nursing session to see how much she takes in (in the am, its around 3 oz, but as the day goes on it is less and less, sometimes only about an oz). Since last Friday, I have been pumping after almost every nursing session in an effort to boost my supply. Right now I am trying to make sure she gets 24 oz per day. I started taking Fenugreek on Saturday and have been drinking water like crazy. With all of that, I'm just barely keeping up with milk production. And the whole feeding process can take over an hour which is starting to take a toll on my sanity.
So, I've realized that I'm going to have to supplement with formula some, but I want to use formula as little as possible. I plan to keep up with what I'm doing in hopes that something will click. I am hoping she will start consuming more at the breast as she gets stronger/ less lazy (??) But in the meantime, if I can't pump enough to keep up with what she needs, I am looking for advice on the best way to go about supplementing.
Would it be better to:
a. pick one feeding per day and do all formula for that feeding, then pump?
b. when supplementing is necessary, mix formula and breast milk in same bottle?
c. weigh/nurse/weigh, then supplement the difference with formula?
I know there isn't one correct answer, but I am looking for suggestions on the best way to supplement with formula and keep my supply up as much as possible. Also, how to be more efficient so we aren't spending the entire day feeding. I know this is really long so if you read all this, thanks. And thanks in advance for any help!!!
Background: Around the 6 week mark, I noticed/realized that DD wasn't gaining weight at a very fast rate. I met with a lactation consultant and did a weighted feeding and she did not consume very much at all at that time. The LC recommended I nurse her for 15 minutes on each side, then pump, then supplement her with what I pumped. I tried to do that, but it was very time-consuming and DD was not content to let me pump that often. So I modified what the LC told me and started weighing DD before and after each nursing session. Then I determined how much to supplement feed her (ie, if her weight increased by 1.5 oz, I would give her another 2 oz or so of previously pumped milk). I was still pumping, but only about 3 times a day. That seemed to be working for a couple of weeks. I did not think there was a problem with milk supply, but rather DD is a lazy nurser. I got her checked for tongue tie and she doesn't have that issue.
So fast forward a couple of weeks and that system is no longer working. I think the reason is two-fold: she now requires more ounces per day and I am struggling to keep up with her needs and since she is sleeping for fairly long stretches at night we are usually doing 6 feedings per day so she needs more ounces at a time. I am still weighing her before and after every nursing session to see how much she takes in (in the am, its around 3 oz, but as the day goes on it is less and less, sometimes only about an oz). Since last Friday, I have been pumping after almost every nursing session in an effort to boost my supply. Right now I am trying to make sure she gets 24 oz per day. I started taking Fenugreek on Saturday and have been drinking water like crazy. With all of that, I'm just barely keeping up with milk production. And the whole feeding process can take over an hour which is starting to take a toll on my sanity.
So, I've realized that I'm going to have to supplement with formula some, but I want to use formula as little as possible. I plan to keep up with what I'm doing in hopes that something will click. I am hoping she will start consuming more at the breast as she gets stronger/ less lazy (??) But in the meantime, if I can't pump enough to keep up with what she needs, I am looking for advice on the best way to go about supplementing.
Would it be better to:
a. pick one feeding per day and do all formula for that feeding, then pump?
b. when supplementing is necessary, mix formula and breast milk in same bottle?
c. weigh/nurse/weigh, then supplement the difference with formula?
I know there isn't one correct answer, but I am looking for suggestions on the best way to supplement with formula and keep my supply up as much as possible. Also, how to be more efficient so we aren't spending the entire day feeding. I know this is really long so if you read all this, thanks. And thanks in advance for any help!!!
Toby, my furry baby
This discussion has been closed.
Re: XP: Help with formula supplementing
I dont have answers for all your questions but there is a porridge you can make from millet that increased my supply. I use a lot of sugar bc it doesnt taste great but my supply shot up. If you are interested I can pass on recipe.
BFP#1 April 12, 2011, EDD December 24, 2011, strong heart beat at 7w3d, d&c at 10w6d
BFP#2 Oct 24, 2011, natural miscarriage, EDD unknown
After RPL testing my losses and subsequent infertility are considered unexplained.
Cycle #22: Femara, TI, and progesterone = BFP!!
BFP#3 Dec 21, 2012. Beta #1 @14dpo = 134, progesterone 67.8. Beta #2 @ 17dpo = 664! Team green, EDD 9/1/13, healthy baby boy born 9/12/13!
Congratulations to the fabulous KGS2003! Her sweet boys are here! Grow boys grow!!!