Formula Supplements

[TeenyT]

Wanted some non-biased advice on giving my DD formula supplements as I havent had any luck with any health professional so far - all I get is the usual "dont give your baby any formula as just one bottle could give them asthma etc" garbage. I have been too scared in the past to give her the formula incase something does happen but both my partner and I were FFd and neither of us has ever had a major illness (touch wood) and we are both in our 30s.

I have been breast feeding DD since she was born but there are days lately where my milk supply is low or baby isnt satisfied with usual feeds and I just dont have the time to sit and feed her hourly. I have bought some formula and would like to give her a bottle every now and again when she has these unsettled days but wasnt sure how to go about it. Do I need to give her bottled water as well with these feeds if she is still being breastfed anyway? Does formula cause constipation for the first few feeds?? She is 3 1/2 months old and not yet ready for solids.
Any help with this would be much appreciated!!

[the_queen]

Breastfed babies, being that they are fed the absolute best food in the world, digest breastmilk really easily. If they're going through a growth spurt (which yours probably is at 3.5 months) then they will need to be fed more often.
One bottle of formula probably WON'T give bubba asthma - but it does change the babies gut forever, and could lead to nipple confusion which could lead to early weaning. Lots of people will say that they comp fed with no problems - but there's just as many for whom comp feeding began a sad road into fully weaning from the breast.
Low supply is not really that common - if bubba seems unsatisfied it's probably because your milk is so fantastic that she's digested it really quickly and wants more of that magic boobie juice!! If you're worried about the amount she's getting, try expressing so that you can rest easy in the knowledge that she's had 120mls or however much. I expressed as well as breastfed my daughter, and I found that it was easier to express from one side while she was feeding from the other.
You could try the ABA for some one-on-one advice, they are fantastic support.
My advice would be to just try to get through this growth spurt, soon enough her feeds will be more regular.
:)

[GIZMOE]

I agree with The Queen teeny. Even though I went to formula after 4 weeks - I regret doing so. I had major problems with constipation and tummy aches, not to mention the cost of formula!

I would recommend you express after you breast feed. That way you can keep your breast milk in the fridge for up to 12 hours I think??? not sure on that one but I know you can leave it at room temp for 6 hours. Ask your nurse for a guide on storing breastmilk.

Good luck and stay strong.

Amy

[misskittyfantastico]

If you want to continue to BF, just be aware that bubs can wean themselves off the boob completely after formula is introduced.

At 3-4 months I was feeding DD every hour and it was bloody horrible. Now though it's a distant memory.

You can also express as the other ladies mentioned.

If you do give her formula, just go by the guide on the back of the tin...you don't need to give any additional water.

Good luck with it all:)

[Rell]

I think its terrible that health profesionals use "scare tacktics" to keep people B/F.
Both my kids have been FF DD from 6 weeks, DS from 2 weeks. Yes DD has asthma but considering ALL the females in both sides of our family also have it I belive (as do the Drs) that it is heredetory. Neither of them are overweight (another thing they like to scare mothers with), both have excelent immune systems (get sick less then some BF babies I know) and both are very bright.
While breast milk may be the "optimum" milk for babies, formula is an excelent substitute.
You know best what your baby needs, if you feel she needs supplements it won't do her any harm.
Oh yes it is common for formula to cause constipation at first if it doesn't settle down you might need to change formula to find one that better suits your baby.
Aslo there is no need to give extra bottled water.

Good luck

[Goosie22]

Hi,

The CHN and others are only informing you of the potiential risks involved, Exclusive Breastfeeding for the first 6 months is the recommenation through WHO and BFHI (Baby Friendly). The introduction of Breastmilk substitute has potiential risks not only to the health of your baby but to the length of breastfeeding. If you give you baby Formula when your supply is low and the baby wants to feed frequently then your supply will not keep up with the demand. Therefore you will end up needing to give more and more supplemental feeds due to more frequent feeding demands and unsatisfied baby. Also your baby may start to like how easy it is to drink from a bottle and you will then have to deal with breast refusal.

Growth spurts and supply building are difficult times maybe instead of viewing it as a problem maybe see it as a normal part of your babies life and something that is going to benifit him/you in the long run.

PS.The associated risks are not garbage they are well documented facts, if you have a family history of Allergies or Asthma giving formula is increasing the risks your baby will develop these problems/diseases. Sure people say "I gave my baby formula and its fine" but it dosnt change the fact that your baby hasnt been given any yet and you need to be aware of that risk. If you judge that risk as minimal and you dont think the other things I have pointed out above are of any concern then do go ahead and give the bottle of formula hes your baby and your making the decisions for him.

[MariaO]

I occasionally gave a formula feed when Aoife was little, especially at first. I always expressed and froze the EBM. Even when my supply was fine, I did this sometimes, so that if I did decide to wean her she would not object to the taste.

As it happens, she rejected the bottle completely at around 6 months and would only breast feed from that point.

[reAllytee]

Try expressing first if you can as the others have said this is your better option yes but if not then try introducing a nite feed of formula.
You may find bubs gets constipated that may be due to the formula but remember to give it a chance first & not chop & change as this may do more harm than good.
I wouldnt worry about the bottled water as she should be fine just see how it goes.
Good luck i know this is a hard decision but only you can make it & as mum you know whats best for both of you.

[TeenyT]

Thanks guys for the advice. I should have mentioned that she is slightly underweight and is already taking EBM in a bottle occasionally. She has had no problems with transition between the breast and the bottle. No-one in either of our families has asthma, diabetes or any major illness so while I understood that the risks need to be pointed out, I also wanted some advice, not a lecture, so I could make a fully informed decision myself.

I might wait a month or so before introducing the formula incase of self weaning as by then I am due to return part time to work anyway. Hopefully we get through this unsettled period soon!!

[JorBai]

IMO its disgusts me that so called Health professionals feel the need to use scare tactics in relation to feeding a child formula.

Im sorry to sound harsh but it really s**ts me when Drs look at formula feeding as a potential health risk to babies, if it was bad for babies it wouldnt be out on the shelves.

TeenyT sorry for my little vent there but my baby is 6 months and has had to be FF from nearly day 2 of being born as i had huge problems breastfeeding. He was mixed with EBM and Formula for first month. He is healthy. I was FF from Day 1 and i have never had a health problem at all...and i dont have asthma.

FF is not going to make your baby sick or get Asthma, babies who are exclusively BF can get asthma too. My best friends lil bro was bf and he has been really unwell for about 5 years with bronchitis, chest infections and he has asthma...

If you need to use formula to keep bub full then you do what you feel is right. Personally isnt it better that your baby is fed and full with formula and BF than just BF and still hungry???

Again, im sorry to sound nasty, its definately not directed at you, but more to the health pros that come away with stupid comments like FF can cause asthma:mad:

[JorBai]

TeenyT just read back through properly and missed your comment about not wanting a lecture, sorry love, I hope you know that I am just stating my opinion not trying to lecture you.

[Goosie22]

Baileys Mum,

Its not scare tactics to tell you the facts, Health proffessionals do it all the time. Sids/Child restraints/Diet/Smoking are prime examples. Its your "Choice" what you do. Just because you dont like what they say dosnt make it less relevant.

Asthma (http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/asthma.html)

[JorBai]

Goosie22, I know my post sounded a little harsh but I was just stating my feeling on the matter.

Please dont think i am against breastfeeding in anyway, i tried very hard to breastfeed Bailey and even though he is FF i will be trying to BF the next baby.

I understand that your saying this is facts but TeenyT was told the risks of asthmas associated with Formula feeding. If they have to let people know the risks then they should be telling people that there is also a risk of asthma with breastfeeding. I have many friends that were BF and have asthma.

I value your opinions and have read many of your posts, but in this case i just feel that its wrong for a health professional to tell someone that bottlefeeding can cause asthma when there are many other factors associated with asthma.

[Briswegian]

I guess it's not the advice itself but sometimes the manner in which it is delivered sometimes misses the mark and leaves new mums feeling guilty.

[reAllytee]

I guess it's not the advice itself but sometimes the manner in which it is delivered sometimes misses the mark and leaves new mums feeling guilty.

BINGO ! :thumbsup: