November 2014 Moms
mamaluzi
member
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Supplementing (BM and formula combo) moms
mamaluzi
member
Hi all! So I have a moderately low supply and have been supplementing with formula, usually in the late afternoon/evenings. Ialso try to pump 1-2 times a day (1xAM and 1xPM), usually getting 1-1.5oz each session (after a feeding). I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around my little ones' cues...sometimes she does hunger cues when she is wet, or gassy, or tired, so I never know if she's "satisfied" unless she is very obviously so. Sometimes she has a supplement after the morning feeds, but not always. I worry that the 2oz of formula I offer her is too much and will make her overfull...is this possible? (ie, is she fussy after a feeding because of tummy trouble and not hunger? So many things to worry about lol) Usually, when my hubby gives her a bottle, she takes about 3oz. We did a weighted feeding in the evening at around 2 weeks old, and it seemed she was getting 1.5oz from me. I'm not sure if this is still the case, and/or if it's different in the mornings when my supply is higher, but if it is, she should be only wanting 1.5oz formula after a BF session, if anything. Lately, if I've offered a 2oz supp, she's been taking the whole 2oz...is this because she's now bigger (1 month old), or because I'm offering the supp too much, or offering too much supp after each feeding in general...? I do paced bottle feeding, and use very slow flow nipples - she does really well, especially since I use a shield so she's used to the plastic feeling during both BFing and FFing. Also, it's hard for me to guage when she's "done" - it seems like she'll always take the bottle if I offer it, even if I sit her up and do paced feeding, and also sometimes when she's BFing, she'll pop off the breast on her own and clamp her mouth shut, but then 15 min later is giving me hungry cues (I think?) and will go back on the breast or want a supp...? I'm not quite sure what my question is here, but I guess I'm just looking for other supplementing moms and wondering what's worked for you, what your goals are, any struggles, how you read cues, and where you're headed? Thanks - sorry for the convoluded mess I made of this post! :-P
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October Challenge: How I feel about the 3rd trimester:
Throwback: Hubby and I on our first date (Nov 2007), and then again on our wedding day (Nov 2012)
October Challenge: How I feel about the 3rd trimester:
Throwback: Hubby and I on our first date (Nov 2007), and then again on our wedding day (Nov 2012)
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Re: Supplementing (BM and formula combo) moms
I found that there was no difference in the amount he wanted regardless of whether it was formula or breast milk, or a combo of both. We use the pre-mixed liquid formula at the recommendation of our doctor. At first he wanted two ounces, then 2.5. The last week has been 2.5-4.5 with a typical feeding being 3-3.5.
He is going through a growth spurt or at least a hungry phase- eating those 3oz much more frequently during the day, so right now my goal is pumping enough to keep up with his demands. If I can't, back to supplementing.