Is it acceptable to breast feed and bottle feed, as money is short and have to go back to work?
2006-09-04 07:51:14 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
you can do both but it is usually tiresome, but if you feel that its the only way then you would be best buying a breast pump and bottles especialy for it, which means you can go to work knowing your baby is getting the best, and still be able to bottle feed
2006-09-04 07:55:05 · answer #1 · answered by TRACY M 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Whatever you want to do is "acceptable." The real question is whether or not it's possible. You can do both but it's requires more of a balancing on act on your part. Most women's supplies adjust.
Be aware that until she goes through the 12 week growth spurt, you want to pump (or hand express) a few times per day if working full-time. After that, you can probably adjust. To keep your supply up, try to be strict about not letting your baby get way too many bottles and dont' rely on "just one for now" for convenience (like for example a car trip). You have to be very committed to nurse as much as possible when with her, the exception being on the weekend if you nurse at a time when s/he usually has a bottle during the week and s/he is still hungry you can offer a little formula.
Common problems:
* on the weekends you might not make enough to fully breastfeed (spending Sat. morning in bed snuggling and nursing a lot can help with this; don't go overboard with bottles),
* some babies start to prefer a bottle (ask care provider to stop twice during bottle to burp; this can help b/c probably there's some time between let-downs for you),
* it's possible your baby could have a reaction to formula (try pumping or different brands),
* occasionally a baby will start to take big bottles and then expect larger amounts than mom usually puts out for one feeding (ask care provider to give smaller bottles more frequently).
All in all, it's definitely worth a shot!!! Oh, and you probably want to avoid pacifiers at least on the weekends (instead when you're available let him/her have it).
2006-09-04 17:20:11 · answer #2 · answered by MorningG 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's totally ok. All breastmilk it good breastmilk. If you can mange to pump milk for while you're at work, all the better (and cheaper!), but if you need to use some formula, that's totally fine too. Just keep breastfeeding as much as you can, when you and baby are together. Many moms feed from both the breast and bottle, and baby is far better off this way, than if he or she were only on the bottle! :)
2006-09-04 14:59:28 · answer #3 · answered by doxhaelend 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any amount of breastfeeding is good. If you decide to do the combination of breast- and bottlefeeding, it would probably be best to wait on introducing the bottle until you get closer to going back to work. That way, you'll be able to get your milk supply well established, and there will be less chance that the baby will reject your breast in favor of the bottle. Often, your local La Leche League will be able to lend or give you a pump if you'd rather pump while at work - which can be tricky depending on your work situation. Good luck!
2006-09-04 14:58:58 · answer #4 · answered by Jamila 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When she gets used to bottle-feeding, she will not accept the breast. Better to breast feed her and express milk before going to work. It can then be given with a cup and spoon.
2006-09-04 14:58:23 · answer #5 · answered by yakkydoc 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I pumped and bottlefed my daughter expressed breastmilk exclusively. Pumping was hard and cumbersome, but it was the best choice for my daughter and I at the time and I would gladly do it again for my next child. This way, your child still gets all the benefits of breastmilk, and anyone can feed him/her. You can pump and store your milk on the go as well. Breastpumps and supplies are very discreet and portable these days. Good luck.
2006-09-04 16:26:43 · answer #6 · answered by gspmommy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If thats what works best for you and your child then do it.
Breastfeeding is great for a baby. If youre going to work and the baby will not be with you then obviously the baby will need to eat some way.
2006-09-04 17:20:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
breast feed , i was a bottle baby and i just love big breasted women. WOW so don't do that to your kid
2006-09-04 14:56:55 · answer #8 · answered by dirtdevil215 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, but if you can pull off getting a pump and pumping at work that's even better, and it keeps the engorgement to a minimum.
2006-09-08 14:17:42 · answer #9 · answered by I ♥ EC 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes i can be done. You can also try expressing milk for someone else to feed your baby while your not there if your not keen on powdered milk
2006-09-04 16:10:59 · answer #10 · answered by baby 2 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋