breast and bottle?

[pinkcowprint]

i have decided i am going to try breastfeeding,i dont want to but i think its a bit selfish of me to deprive the baby of the best nutrients its ever going to get,even if i can manage to do it the first few weeks,i have read in a couple of books its possible to then do a bit of both,breastfeed morning and nights and then bottle during the day,as this is my first i have no experience and books arent always that reliable so hoping for some motherly knowledge,is this possible has any mums fed like this with no problems?greatful for any advice,thanks.

[natalie_1982]

I am breast and bottle feeding my 3week old. Be prepared to get lots of disapproving looks, rolling of eyes and tuts from midwives and health advisors! I started purely breastfeeding but the paediatrician at the hospital advised me to "top up" my baby with 1fl oz of formula when she came away from the breast as I was not producing enough milk, in fact my milk hadn't even come in so baby was starving and only getting small amounts of colustrum - she weighed just under 9lb and had a big appetite. Some professionals have told me the paediatrician was wrong to tell me it is ok to breast and bottle feed, and some have been ok with my decision. But ultimately it is YOUR decision, don't let people make you feel bad into breast or bottle feeding, whatever suits you and your baby is best.

I was lucky in that my little girl hasn't been confused (this is what I kept being told, that baby will be confused and find it hard to latch on correctly if I swap between breast and bottle, for me this hasn't been a problem), but she latched on properly immediately and I haven't had any problems brast feeding, only that I can't seem to keep up with her appetite but that is where having a breast pump and using formula has been a God send! My little one has been gaining weight brilliantly and the health visitors are so pleased with her, she didn't even lose any at her first weigh so please don't be pressured by people telling you you can only do one or the other, it is your choice. Best of luck xx

[natalie_1982]

P.S. I tend to breast feed from breast during the night, then formula feed / express breast milk to bottle during the day. I would advise that you express at least some breast milk during the day if you intend to use formula as your boobs will get sore and your milk supply may decrease if it is not being used so frequently, hence the reason I tend to express some during the day into a bottle.

[redcrx]

hi
I did both but only managed 4 days as i bought a pump which didnt work and couldnt get back to swap it. My engorgement was rather painful and i started to dread feeding.

I never had any problems at all with my midwives, some is better than nothing so i just told them what i would do and that was that. Its your decision at end of day, how can anyone make you breastfeed, or even exclusively breastfeed.

I would suggest that if you are to go ahead that you ask for help with latching at the hospital and have a read up on engorgment and how to express so that you are prepared.

Many women feed like this, your body will adjust to the amount of milk your baby needs and when.

I had no problems with nipple confusion either, my daughter and son both new what to do.

good luck

[Goodsoulette]

Breastfeeding is a wonderful bonding experience. I think doing both can interfere with your milk production a bit, it must be hard to be that disciplined. Some think its physically easier to bottlefeed but I can't see that myself. It's good that you are going to give it a try though, but to start with its hard work, painful and takes time. Try not to give in before you start, if you give it a month and get over the pain, possible complications etc you will realise its much easier to breastfeed than have to deal with all that feeding equipment.

TO be fair to midwives the tuts and eye rolling are only for the "greater good". Breast milk keeps babies healthy, it also contains a prebiotic that keeps them from getting tummy illnesses that formula cant mimic and the bottle fed babies cost the nhs 1 billion a year in treatment for gastritis alone.

So go for it, but make sure you are prepped for it... breast pads the works.

[pinkcowprint]

thanks for all your advice,i will give it a go and see what happens,i may be a natural at it!!i just dont fancy getting my boobs out or going in another room to feed ,and i would like my partner to help with the feeds,i think i will invest in a breast pump aswell then ive got every option available,its all very daunting,i only found out i was pregnant at 19 weeks so the whole thing as been a bit of a shock and surprise!!theres so much to get your head around before the babys even here!!aaagghhh!oh well im sure we will cope,thanks again!xx

[natalie_1982]

Pinkcowprint, I felt exactly the same - I don't like the idea of breastfeeding in front of people (othere than my hubby) and found that formula / expressed milk feeding during the day really helped with that. I know you shouldn't have to feel strange about breastfeeding in front of people, but despite doing it for 3weeks I don't think I do it very discreetly so couldn't be one of those mums where you don't even notice they're feeding their baby!

Best of luck with everything xx

[MrsTurner]

Hi Pinky.

Try not to worry too much about breast feeding. If you need advice, your midwife should be your port of call. Of course she will advise that breast is best, but it doesnt work for everyone, and if it doesnt for you then you shouldnt feel guilty. After all, the main aim is for the baby to gain weight and be healthy, which formulas are a good substitute to breast milk at doing. After all, thats what they are made for! Interestingly, The Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital have just set up a programme (with Southampton Hospital) to establish a breast milk bank. If you are in the area or are just a little interested, its a rather good idea to gen up on. If you find (for whatever reason) that you can not talk feeding options through with your midwife, you may be able to seek more impartial advice from these amazing Westcountry ladies.

Kind regards, Mrs T x