i am nursing my son and things are going well. however, we want my husband to participate in feedings and i also want to start freezing a good supply for when i go back to work.
anyway....i tried pumping for the first time today and i had no problems with the pumping or the let-down. the problem is that i can't get ahead of the game.
would it be an issue to use formula for about 2 feedings so i can get a supply started and get ahead of his feedings??
any thoughts appreciated!
thanks!
2006-10-01 15:40:33 · 14 answers · asked by joey322 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Use formula as needed, no worries!
However, most women will start producing more and more milk as they pump frequently. So for now, just nurse as you have been and pump after wards as much as you can. Or pump and let your husband give a bottle. I did that and it was great bc he would stay up and give a bottle at 11 pm so I could get more continuous sleep.
Also -- once you go back to work, don't freeze too much milk. Since you can keep it in the fridge for seven days, just keep it labeled and work through the rotation. Frozen is fine too, but once it is defrosted you can only use it for 24 hours so it is more likely you will have to throw some away. (These times vary slightly by lactation consultant I think)
2006-10-01 15:46:03 · answer #1 · answered by Katherine 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm not totally clear on the situation. Are you bottle feeding right now? When I started building a stash, I pumped in addition to breast feedings, not instead of them. Since the majority of the milk your baby gets is made on the spot (and not stored in the breasts, like cows do) you can't really run out of milk.
So, try pumping before or after you nurse your baby at the breast, and then put all the pumped milk into your stash instead of feeding it right away. Good luck! Here's some info that might be helpful, as well.
2006-10-01 15:58:53 · answer #2 · answered by kalirush 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What I found easier was to pump an ounce or two at a time at the beginning of a nursing session. He will want to eat a little more often since he will be missing out on a couple of ounces of milk, but your supply will soon catch up. That way, you will always have some frozen. You can combine the collections for a full feeding. It works well to thaw the bags (I used the disposable bottles and froze the milk in the bags) under warm water.
2006-10-01 15:52:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That should be fine until you get a supply going. There's absolitley no harm in that but try this first and see how it goes:: after the first feeding in the morning, wait an hour and then pump. This is when your breast are the fullest, then just feed him again at his normal time. Do this a few days in a row and you should be able to get a good start on your frozen supply Just make sure you pump every time he's being fed by a bottle.
2006-10-01 15:46:25 · answer #4 · answered by melashell 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You may not be able to get ahead with pumping. Many women just don't get as much milk and their baby isn't as satisfied when drinking from a bottle so tends to eat more. Drinking from a bottle is easier too.
Giving formula now to pump for later doesn't make a lot of sense. Giving formula so dad can help feed makes some sense. Think about what your priorities are. Do you want to exclusively breast feed? Since you are heading back to work, it is a great idea to get your baby used to drinking from a bottle.
Love your baby and do what works for you. Formula is not evil and breast feeding and pumping is A LOT of work.
2006-10-01 15:51:28 · answer #5 · answered by therego2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
EVERY TIME the baby eats, you need a good double pump, pump for about 5 minutes, then put it in the fridge. Keep adding to that. As he gets a little older, he will skip some feedings, but don't you skip any pumpings!! Also,
Morning time you have the MOST milk!! Pump then!! Breast milk is supply and demand, if you demand more, you will supply more!
2006-10-02 19:06:30 · answer #6 · answered by tasha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The more you pump and feed the more milk you will produce..your body only supplies what is demanded of it. You can also use the formula for a couple feedings, but your baby may not take it. I was told by the doctor to pump in between feedings so as to increase my milk supply.
2006-10-01 15:47:37 · answer #7 · answered by **KELLEY** 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have a 16 month old daughter who couln't breast feed at first. So she was put on formula. When I saw she was sucking right, I tryed breast feeding again. So for one month, she was on formula and then for 8 months on the breast most feeding and on formula, with her dad, just before her 2 naps. She slept 8 hour nights. So I never really froze my milk. And then at one years old no more formula or bottles. She loves her sippy cups. Then I went back to work... the funny part is there is still milk in my breast but she shows no interest.
2006-10-01 16:28:10 · answer #8 · answered by dragonmoondaulphin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It might give a little belly ache from switching but nothing to worry about. the more you pump the more you make keep pumping in between feedings even if you don't get anything out at first. This will help get the milk flow going good.
2006-10-01 15:49:33 · answer #9 · answered by brunette 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not an issue at all! Many women do this to supplement breast feedings if their boobs can't keep up with the kid! Let alone the extra! It will take a couple times for him to get used to a bottle and the strange taste of formula. I suggest getting special nipples that are made to mimic the breast. Gerber makes a wonderful one. I had to do this myself, and it worked out fine.
2006-10-01 15:48:29 · answer #10 · answered by glitz_and_glitter 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋