Breastfeeding/bottlefeeding help

• 07-24-2008 12:11 AM

  Heidi2519159 Joined on 07-24-2008 Posts 1

  Breastfeeding/bottlefeeding help Reply Contact Hi all I was breastfeeding for 4 weeks and now in my 5th weeks but have decided to give my new bub formula as she always seems hungry! I am also giving her the breast twice a day as I am confused at what makes her happy? Boobie or bottle? Bottle seems to fill her up more but I feel like I am letting her down if I don`t give her the breast milk, I still have some breast milk left when she feeds but not enough to feed her the way she wants to be feed! What is your opinion??? any advice? Kindest regards Heidi

• 07-24-2008 6:08 AM

  In reply to

  Shannon1983 Joined on 05-23-2004 NY Posts 1,120

  Re: Breastfeeding/bottlefeeding help Reply Contact  Breastfed babies generally feed more often. Breastmilk is much easier on their stomachs and contains no waste in it. If you give her formula, you are more than likely going to end the breastfeeding because it is all about supply and demand. There are certain ages where it seems like they will be nursing all day, but that passes as soon as they end the growth spurt. I nursed my son for 22 months and wouldn't even consider giving him formula because I loved the closeness. I also thought it'd be stupid to pay money for something inferior when the best is free. He is going to be 4 in January and still does a lot of the comfort things he did while nursing back then, rubbing my arms as we sit together, etc. If you still have breastmilk left when she feeds, then there is no supply issue and she may just be wanting something else. Some babies are fussier than others. I think part of the reason bottle-fed babies are more satisfied is because they almost always suck air down with the formula/breastmilk which makes them feel fuller even when they aren't. You can try pumping and giving it to her in a bottle if you can't stand to feel like a human pacifier (that's what I called myself for the longest time because he came to nurse even when he was just upset, because it's comforting to them). I'm due in December and am hoping that it is as easy to nurse this one as it was my 3 year old, but even if it's not, he will not be getting formula unless I can't squeeze a drop out.

• 07-25-2008 3:17 AM

  In reply to

  Shannon2342217 Joined on 07-24-2008 Posts 1

  Re: Breastfeeding/bottlefeeding help Reply Contact The best way to see of your little one is getting enough to eat is weight gain at her doctor appointments. I have a 3 1/2 month old and exclusively breast feed. There were times in the beginning that I worried he was not getting enough to eat because he rooted alot. My doctor said sometimes babies still have the need to suck even when they are done eating. He siuggested doing 10 minutes on each breast and not letting my little one "hang out" on my breast. The doctor said that I could offer a pacifier or help the baby get his fist in his mouth to help with the continual need to suck. I worried about nipple confusion with the pacifier and breast feeding but the pediatrician said that it was a myth. My little guy will take the pacifier after feedings and doesn't have trouble remembering how to nurse. I have returned to work so I pump and he can take the bottle during the day and has no problem returning to the breast at night. He's over 14 pounds now so I know he is getting enough to eat. If you supplement with formula, you run the risk of your milk supply getting low. Your body will likely produce what your baby needs but if you skip nursing for formula, your body will make less. It is about supply and demand. Just be patient and give yourself some time to figure things out.

• 07-25-2008 1:08 PM

  In reply to

  ChristieBFAP Joined on 02-09-2004 www.SweetPeaRingSlings.com Posts 7,143

  Re: Breastfeeding/bottlefeeding help Reply Contact Babies nurse a lot during the first 6 weeks in order to increase your supply.  Everyday at this age is a big growth spurt for them.  They nurse often to insure that you will make enough milk at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, etc.   Formula is much harder for them to digest so it knocks them out.... like after a big Thanksgiving dinner.  I would never give my children formula simply because of the risks and illnesses assosiated with it.   http://www.promom.org/101/  Good luck to you and your decision!  There is also a breastfeeding board under the baby section if you need more help.