I don't have enough breastmilk to feed my 2 and 1/2 month old boy?

Question

how do i add a little formula to his routine so he is gettign enough food.

Answer 1

How about just supplementing with formula or giving up on the breastfeeding??? Your baby is going to be fine and healthy regardless of the feeding method, besides, you have already given your son the essential immunities from your breastmilk anyway. Good luck.

Answer 2

Is your baby losing weight, or dehydrated? Why exactly do you feel that you don't have enough milk? I'm not attacking, just trying to figure out what's going on that led you to this point.

It's impossible to tell from the little info you've given, but many moms feel like they've "lost their milk" when their bodies begin to adjust to making milk. The breasts seem less full between feedings, and might even get a bit smaller, feel softer. Then, baby decides to have another growth spurt almost simultaneously! So it seems as though they aren't getting enough because they are fussy & unsatisfied after feedings.

I've seen this scenario too many times, which is why I bring it up. This may not be your situation, but it is a common one.

You can always easily gauge whether your baby is getting enough breastmilk by simply keeping track of wet & dirty diapers over a 24 hr. period. If your baby is still wetting 5+ disposable diapers daily, and having regular bowel movements that are NOT solid, dry, and obviously painful to pass, your baby is getting enough milk. :)

If there is anything else going on in your situation, you need to be working together with your baby's doctor or a La Leche Leader, or lactation consultant, to try and figure out what's going on.

Introducing formula is often the beginning of the end for breastfeeding. One ounce after a couple of feedings quickly becomes a couple of ounces after most feedings, and soon the baby is actually nursing less, and the mom's body produces less breastmilk, requiring more formula, meaning less breastmilk... So the perception of inadequate supply becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

If there *is* actual medical reason to suspect failure to thrive, of course you need to be having this conversation with baby's doc.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You can surely introduce formula, just check with the doc on which one. As for the milk, you may FEEL that you dont have enough, but you may in fact be fine.
Does he appear to be hungry after eating? If he eats every 2-3 hours and has a wet diaper every change then he is fine.
If you are pumping, the pump always produces less than a baby would get (freaks me out all the time)-but babies are very good at getting what they need.

If you want to naturally produce more milk you can do two things:
take FENUGREEK, it is a natural herb that stimulates milk production - take one with each meal. It may make you gassy and it will surely make your sweat smell like maple syrup - but that it totally normal.

you can also try to pump in between feedings - the more your stimulate production, the more you will make.

also, make sure you drink about 12-16 oz water every time you nurse and dont wear a tight bra.

Answer 4

This is the time when your breast are starting to adjust and so make just enough milk. So they may feel 'empty' compared to previously (softer and not leaking so much). They are not empty just not overfull anymore!Feed your baby whenever he/she will have it.
If you start on formula you will not be stimulating your boobs to make more milk. This can be the start of the end of breastfeeding. Ifyou want to keep breastfeeding, which I highly recommend then build up more milk by taking more out (either by baby feeding or expressing).

has your baby got a positive growth trend. 5-8 wet nappies a day, urine that is not concentrated and real smelly?

If so just keep feeding. Remember demand equals supply.
You may even be rewarded with a settled, sleeping through the night baby once your boobs adjust to what the baby needs. (usually only about 2 days)

Answer 5

First, make sure you really aren't making enough milk. I thought I wasn't because my daughter was nursing so often. Turns out she was going through a growth spurt. Second, check with a lactation nurse but mine recommended a combination of Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle. These are found at health food stores. I had a problem with milk production during a time of stress and I took these. My milk supply went up in a day. Of course, the most important thing is that your child is getting enough food... but see my first note. Supplementing with formula has led many of friends to lose more of their milk supply because the breasts respond to supply and demand. They supply milk when there is more demand. If you supplement too much, your breast will not have enough stimulation and think that milk is not needed. Good luck!

Answer 6

What are the signs that you do not have enough milk?

There are plenty of ways to boost your supply.

First, try eating oatmeal and drinking more water.

Take a "nursing holiday" get into bed, or comfy on the couch and just nurse your baby as often as possible for a day or three.

Always let your baby have free acess to the breast. Do not make him wait for a feeding. If his diaper is dry, latch him on!

Pump in between feedings.

Get some "Mother's Milk" tea by Traditional Medicinals and drink 3 cups a day.

Get some fenugreek capsules, some goat's rue tincture, or a special tincture called "more milk plus."

There is no need to add fake milk to your baby's diet. Please try to boost your supply first. Formula is a slippery slope and caould cause your supply to drop further.

Answer 7

Try pumping every hour. That should increase your supply of milk. As far as the formula thing goes, I suggest starting small...maybe 2 oz. a few times a day. Generally itty bitty babies should eat every 2 to 3 hours. Just remember the more often you feed him..the greater your supply will become. If you are still worried about it, I suggest calling the pediatrician. (Breast Milk is so much better for your baby, plus it is such an important bonding experience..so I suggest doing all you can to increase your supply.) Good Luck!

Answer 8

Don't add formula until you talk to your Dr. Your baby could be going through a growth spurt. Is baby wanting to nurse more do your breast feel soft and the baby still wants to nurse. That's how a baby gets your breasts to make more milk. Try finding the La Leche League in your phone book. There the breast feeding experts.

Answer 9

I have the same problem with my 1 month old girl..her doctor told me i can breastfeed the baby and after i breastfeed the baby give her some formula but i recommend talking to your doctor about it before you try what i am doing with my own baby..since your baby is 2 and 1/2 month old i think he will be able to handle the formula. Just introduce it slowly to him.

Answer 10

You can mix the two little by little.First day mix 1oz. formula with 3oz. of yours.Then 1 1/2 oz formula with 3oz of breast milk.The 3rd day 2oz.formulad+2oz.breast milk.