Is it okay to alternate breastfeeding and bottle feeding

[Jodie T]

Hi, Im really hoping someone can help me with this as it has been something i have been trying to work out on my own with no one really to help me im kind of in the dark.

So here i go, i would like to know if it is okay to alternate breast feeding and bottle feeding as i have had a few problems during my first pregnancy and im concerned that well my biggest problem of low blood pressure will effect my ability to breastfeed constantly.
I would like to here from anyone who can help me with this so i know for when i have my baby.

Thank you Jodie:(

[buzzing bee]

I wouldn't think so, I think that if you alternated between the two all the time you might not have the milk supply to breast feed. I may be wrong so don't take me as gospel. What about asking the aba? They should be able to help you, it might be good to take something to boost your supply. I took fenugreek with my first and it really helped me. I am sure less frequent bottle feeding would be ok but not one for one.

Hope this helps

[MimiGrace]

I hope you don't mind me replying.

As far as i'm aware, yes you can alternate between breastfeeding and bottlefeeding, but its not advised to do so for the first 6 weeks, because that can lead to nipple confusion, which will make it harder to breastfeed.

additionally, they've just brought out a new breastfeeding hotline (1800-mum-2-mum/1800-686-8-686).
Its run by the Australian Breastfeeding association, but it will give you a real person, who will be able to talk to you (instead of just receiving a lifeless, typed response to your questions).
I hope that helps at least a little bit :thumbsup:

[*alison*]

Hi :wave:

Yes, you definitely can alternate b/w bfing and ff, however if you don't manage the breastfeeding side properly you may find that your supply will be affected.

I agree with pp, if you introduce the bottle too early, your little one will have nipple confusion as there are two different sucking motion with bf & bottlefeeding. Three of my friends introduced the bottle too early and ended up ff full time as bubs got confused and taking the bottle was easier and didn't want to bf. Ideally, if you can put off introducing the bottle for a few weeks this may help.

At the time you give the bottlefeed, you should also express - you don't need to empty your breasts but enough for to 'trick' your body so it continues to make the same supply of milk.

Also given that you will not exclusively breastfeed, I would also recommend that you take fenugreek. This may also help with maintaining your supply. You can buy these tablets at any helath food shop.

All the best :)

[justmum]

I did with my son - I gave breast first and then topped up with bottle after the breast each feed. My supply was fine really, although obviously not enough to solely breast feed.

I think if you did one feed breast only and then the next bottle only you might end up with a battle as your supply would dwindle and bubs would be more likely to refuse the breast for the bottle.

However only time will tell - you won't know until you try.

FWIW I've never heard of low blood pressure effecting BF. I have low blood pressure and have no problems - this time I am 100% Bf my baby and it's going great.