Breast feeding and formula

[cole]

Does it work doing both? I don't want to stop BFing I just need a break and can't express enough everyday. Olivia feeds every 2-3 hours and takes at least an hour to feed, wind etc. Was thinking OH could give her formula on 1 feed a day. Anyone done this? Would I need to express at the same time? xx

[DrP]

I don't have any experience of doing both but I did introduce 1 ebm bottle feed per day to let OH join in when Freddie was little. I expressed while he was giving him the bottle feed to keep my supply up for those days when he wasn't around to bottle feed and so that I would always have a bottle feed in the freezer ready for the next day or two.

[cole]

Thats what I wanted to do but I don't seem to be able to fit expressing in. I am now expressing after every feed even if it is only a little and see if that helps. It is so hard with the other 2 as well

[rachaelmae]

Livvy used to have 1 formula feed at night up till she was about 2/ 3months old... she then point blank refused a bottle.
Worked ok for us till then xx

[sarahdavid]

Both mine had mixed feeding, Finn started on one formula feed a day at about 2 months, Ruby a bit sooner, about 4 weeks and never had a prob.
Ruby was a mare at taking the bottle at first but perserverance paid off and now she is only on formula x

[cole]

Thanks xx

Olivia takes a bottle from OH of EBM I just dont seem to be able to express enough for her. The more I express the more she has (little piggy). I only want to give her formula if I dont have enough EBM so I can have a bit of me time. Will give it a go xx

[ladybug]

I would give her formula after she's been on boob, offered more and not taken it? See if she take it then, until your supply can catch up with her? People are often more successful bf in your situation when they mix feed for a while, and express. So, you feed her then as you are expressing a little off OH can offer a bottle? Once a day? Then she won't take loads but it might give you a wee break cause she won't need the next feed so quickly? Only problem is you risk your supply y using anything other than yourself so it's a bit of a catch 22.

I know LOADS of people who breastfed all the time except for last feed of the day which daddy did, with either formula or ebm. It doesn't lead to exclusive breastfeeding, but it can lead to sane mummy and helpful daddy. Means you could tuck the girls up too. xxx

[cole]

Since posting this she has gone 5 hours between most feeds I had a chat with MW and she showed me how to latch her on better now she is a bit bigger and it seems to be working

[DrP]

That's wonderful.

[isabellasmum]

Yay Cole xxxx