Hey mamas,
I am such a happy lady bc my wonderful husband is going to take me out next weekend to celebrate Valentines but my baby who is three months will need one last feeding before bedtime. I have no issue supplementing with formula for the occasionaly feeding or anything like that, but I have only done it with my older two when the baby was six months and older. I have always done absolutely nothing but breastmilk until 6 months. Actually with my first I never gave any formula until 9 months, but I digress... Anyway, what do you think, is a bottle of formula cool, just once in the life of an exclusively breastfed baby. I know the obvious solution is to pump but I have been so bogged down with my 4yr old, 2 yr old and newborn, that pumping has just not come on the radar. And now of course it is so much easier for me to feed then pump bc I am experienced and it just seems so much more simple to throw my baby on the breast than to drag out the pump and all that. And now that he is 3 months my supply is so well adjusted to him that I think even if I did wake up early to pump or something I might not get much bc I didn't ever pump when I was engorged when he was starting to sleep through the night. So what do you think, is a bottle of formula ok at this age? I was thinking of giving him one bottle while I am with him to see how he does, rather than introduce it for the first time when I am away. I do give him Prevacid everyday and he sucks it down no problem and when I had him tested for reflux he drank that nasty stuff in the bottle like it was delicious, so I think he will take a bottle ok. Anyway, let me quit rambling what do you mamas think?
The night before you go out- after his last feeding, pump a bit then do half formula & half breast milk!! Even do it tomorrow to test it out!!!
I think your plan is great. Give a test to make sure there is no allergy for bbsitter to deal with and that baby accepts taste. Other than that the occasional formal for a bf baby is no big deal. I wouldn't think twice about it.
I did an occasional bottle of formula with my 2nd, the first one was when she was only 10 days old. I really had no choice that night I was very sick and in the hospital. It did not effect my milk supply, in fact I breastfed until she was 2.
It would be a good idea to test it out beforehand to see if your little one handles the formula. You may have to have someone else give the bottle though, mine knew when I was home and would only have the real deal. However, if I was gone, she took the bottle just fine.
First, have a fabulous time! Second, your baby will be fine whatever you choose to do. Pumped breast milk or formula or both. All of which will work. You just have to see what baby will have a taste for. Since this wont be an ongoing thing it wont mess with your supply levels. Upon your return ONLY breastfeed (no bottles, no formula) boob only, for a few days as this will realign your supply with baby if it gets off. I am in the same boat..only I will be gone for 6 days. Have fun and don't fret.
I think and I know that supplementing is a slippery slope to your milk drying up. I also know that babies can have a reaction to anything new or differant and I would not suggest trying something new while you are out trying to enjoy your husband. If you do decide to do this, try it a few times while baby has your full attention first. As you said, Pumping is definately preferred. It will increase your milk supply as opposed to decreasing it. The more volume baby gets from formual, the less volume your body will produce, leaving you in a position where you have to give formula which spells the end of breastfeeding. I suggest pumping anytime baby isnt attached or you arent doing something for another kid.
I agree with other mamas, to do a trial feed---the night before. Have your husband give the bottle and don't be in the room or anything-- Pump anyways and give half breastmilk and half formula. Then for V day, do the same. Have fun!
Nutramigen formula in little Medela bottles-you should try it tomorrow to make sure it will be okay for next weekend-good luck and have a wonderul time!
My daughter's milk was slow coming in and she supplemented with formula during the first week after birth. Once her milk was in she breast fed. Worked for her and her baby.
You can supplement right from birth. But since you haven't done so, it might mess his tummy up a little bit. He might get a little constipated. If you have a pump, you should probably do the half breastmilk/half formula thing. Enjoy your outing next weekend!
I would pump and see if you can get him to take pumped milk vs the formula, especially if it's not a routine thing and you haven't tried the formula before to know if that brand will not give him reflux. I don't think it will hurt him, per se, but I think that you should try the pump since you already have problems with reflux. You would only need an ounce per hour you will be away and you can probably get several ounces double pumping or pumping a little after he's satisfied nursing if you start a couple of days ahead. Your milk will store fine in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just don't mix different temperatures. If you choose not to, give him an ounce of the proposed formula on another day so you can see his reaction.
I would test it out, especially since he is taking meds for his tummy already. I think pumping would be the safest route though.
