Alternating breastmilk with formula?

Question

Is it ok to alternate formula and breastmilk?

Answer 1

I didn't produce enough breast milk to feed my baby from the beginning so I had to alternate. You can do it w/out harm to your baby. Formula requires less work from your baby and so they may be prone to prefer it, but if you keep the majority of it as breast milk then you should be fine. Formula may produce more gas and Mylacon is a good recourse for that. W/my daughter we found Carnation Good Start was better than Similac for her because it was pre-digested, but my daughter also has issues w/sensitive stomach. (Carnation Good Start is cheaper than Similac also.) As long as you take cues from your baby you should be fine. My little one never had nipple confusion and I would suggest using only one type of bottle though so that would help eliminate any confusion.

Answer 2

It's your baby and your choice. Some babies cope with the flucuation in milk styles just fine, others don't.
The most important factor here is how your breastmilk supply can be affected. The less often your baby nurses at your breasts, the less milk your breasts will produce. I would keep the formula supplements to a minimum. Breastmilk is not something that is "just there". It's supply and demand, you have to nurse your baby frequently to maintain a good supply.
If you're just wanting to introduce some bottle feeds, why not uses expressed milk instead?
Also, you might want to wait at least 6 weeks after birth to introduce any supplements, this will give your breasts a chance to get there production up to par before it competes with formula. This will also allow your baby to learn how to breastfeed properly before being introduced a rubber nipple.

Good Luck on your adventure and I hope your baby copes well with the transistion!

Answer 3

Yes it is fine to alternate them. I did with both of my children and they are completely healthy but I do have to warn you that formula is really hard a babies stomach and is alot harder to digest. Breastmilk is the best for them. If you do decide to alternate do not give her to much formula it will cause her to become constipated and have gas pains and the baby will just be in agony.

Answer 4

As long as it's coming from the same bottle, there's no reason to think he'll get confused. (Though he may be unwilling to take a lot of formula -- it doesn't taste as good as breatsmilk.) Ideally, of course, baby should get breastmilk alone. But if you're unable to pump enough to meet his needs (are you using a top-quality pump? Pumping often enough?) obviously giving a little formula is better than allowing baby to go hungry. Focus on increasing your supply as much as possible, and give a little formula if you have to.

Answer 5

Yes, but make sure your milk supply doesnt go low by pumping when feeding her formula. I alternated breastmilk with formula and my baby never got nipple confusion. Every baby is different...try it and see what works for your baby.

Answer 6

The downside to that is that your baby may suffer nipple confusion, she may like the formula better than your milk, and your milk supply will reduce. If you supplement use soy formula. If you are in pain and wanting to do that to have time to heal, it's better than quitting nursing, but it's best not to do that. Call La Leche League for a lactation consultant to help you. Good luck!

Answer 7

Absolutely Yes. No harm. they have all the components present in breast milk. what they dont have is immunity that comes from their mother's body. you can give few spoons or how much ever milk you get from the breast if its already getting lesser. rest of the time formula is fine.

Answer 8

Yes, although you baby might get a little gassy. If that happens you might want to get that baby gas drops. I did this with all 4 of my children and it worked great, and gave me a little rest!

Answer 9

if you are trying to slowly ease your baby away from breastmilk, that is what you should do. if not, then i dont think so. your baby might not like sudden changes.

Answer 10

Yes.