May 2014 Moms

Supplementing

Question regarding supplementing with formula... Has anyone heard on opinion on whether it's better to do a combo of BM and formula for longer or all BM for a shorter period of time.

I'm basically substituting one feed w formula, pumping and freezing so that I can give LO BM for longer (more months).

Thoughts?

Re: Supplementing

  • It's a personal choice. What do you want to give your LO? You really don't need to supplement a you can pump to build quality stash. You can just breastfeed unless circumstance requires you to stop.

    It's the grand ol formula vs breast milk debate. But it comes down to what you want to do and how you view your breastfeeding and pumping future. If it's better to give formula then that's up to you. If breast milk is importance then that's up to you.

    Sorry. No real answer from me :( more just of another thought process. No one will judge here how you feed your LO, we just offer support. :)
  • Loading the player...
  • I never thought about this, but it makes sense. Good to know.
    I am supplementing and am trying to pump and build up a supply, also.
  • Just so you know @florassecret‌, some do have to supplement so when you say you do t have to, that is actually hurtful as I have agonized over having to give formula. I know you probably don't realize it, but be careful Bc a lot of us are super sensitive. Thanks!

     

  • @anations

    Perhaps I didn't come across correctly as it was posted during a MOTN feeding and sleepy-ness gets the best of me. My intention was not to bash formula or make anyone feel less of a person for using it. The way I read it was that they were asking IF supplementation was necessary, and if so, should formula or BM be used. One does not have to supplement unless wanting to, or having to. I know a lot of people feel they need to. But regardless of the reason, the choice is up to the mother.

    Also, its important to see those who EBF too. I do envy those who have the freedom in which others can feed their children, or go longer between feedings and sleep longer at night. Nonetheless, the choices we make have consequences and however you reached it is up to that person, I have no judgement regardless. I chose to EBF and all the commitment that comes with it. Some days I love it, some days I feel tied down.

    I hope I've clarified. I was merely asking a question.

    PS. I have no idea why that font changed up there.
  • The only thing I feel you do not understand is that some people have to supplement. I do not want to, but you repeated that one doesn't have to if you don't want to. Some of us don't have that freedom of choice and I have read this opinion before and it has caused me and I'm sure others a sharp pain in our hearts. I don't want to have to try to BF for an hr just to turn around and have to give them each a few ounces because they didn't get enough. I have tried fenugreek, drinking water, oatmeal, etc. I just don't make enough for both my twins. I have cried over it, ha a lactation consultant come out and everything. I don't want to try Reglan because a side effect is possible depression when I already feel I have symptoms of PPD and am scared to death to feel any more depressed. BF is stressing me out, but mainly because I have to feed them 2 ways at each feeding on top of feeding 2. I was not pointing out wether you judge one for doing one or the other, just your opinion that you don't "have " to supplement. Some of is do, unfortunately. Please don't voice that opinion on these boards. I hope no one else in my shoes read it. Please understand other peoples struggles. We all are struggling in one way or another.

     

  • I don't think know your getting what I'm saying so let's let sleeping dogs lie.

    That being said. I'm sorry you're struggling. Being a mom is hard. Don't I know it.
  • @anations‌ , sounds exhausting! I have supply problems, too, and have to heavily supplement with formula -- and I've only got one baby to feed. I hope you know that all the effort you've put into feeding your babes (whether BF or FF) is an act of love for them and their future.

    @florassecret‌ , you're so right -- this mama business is hard work!!
  • For me, supplementing is a choice. Which is why I was asking whether a longer duration of using BM or a higher concentration was more beneficial to LO.

    IMO, Fed is best. Regardless of if it's BM or F. Mamas taking the time to read this board obviously love their LO and feeding choice is personal.

    Thanks ladies for your thoughts!
  • For me, supplementing is a choice. Which is why I was asking whether a longer duration of using BM or a higher concentration was more beneficial to LO. IMO, Fed is best. Regardless of if it's BM or F. Mamas taking the time to read this board obviously love their LO and feeding choice is personal. Thanks ladies for your thoughts!
    I was actually just thinking about this. I EP and can pump just about enough in a day for my LO, so we supplement just a couple ounces a day (usually in the evening when he is eating more). But EPing is a lot of commitment, especially trying to pump while I'm home alone with LO. If he doesn't take a nap at a certain time, it screws up my pumping schedule a bit. Since I'm not making enough to stash away yet, we just decided to supplement a but more than required day now, so that I can stash a couple of ounces per day into the freezer. My thoughts are that around 6 months I can slow down on pumping and we'll have a bit of a stock to keep up going with breast milk a bit longer.

    I also heard somewhere (it might have been on this board) that babies need as little as 5 oz of BM a day to get the health benefits. So anyone that is feeling bad about needing to supplement because of supply issues can reassure themselves that any amount of breast milk is providing their LO with the benefits they envision from breastfeeding.
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    When Fluff Mail Arrives:
    image
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"