Breast milk at night and formula during the day? My nipples are sore from breast feeding, and I thought that perhaps sparing them during the day would work better for me and the baby...but is this a good idea?
2007-07-29 02:27:54 · 8 answers · asked by MandaCollins 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I wouldn't do this. It will make your milk supply decrease. Try Advil or similar for the sore nipples, I found it to help immensely. It's safe wile nursing.
You could also try a breast shield, this helps too. You can get them at babies r us.
You can also pump, this shouldn't hurt too much and give the baby a bottle of breast milk, but be sure to offer your breast too at times to avoid nipple confustion.
Just stick with it, I know how hard it is but it will be better before you know it and it's SO worth it.
If you have the choice I would suggest you not give your child formula. Their bodies are made to accept breast milk, not formula.
Breast milk is far superior over formula.
Please don''t give up, I promise it gets better!
2007-07-29 04:33:42 · answer #1 · answered by OrganicMom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing wrong with doing this from a safe-for-the-baby- perspective. However, you will have a tough time being able to breast feed at all if you do this now. Your milk supply is just beginning to come in and your breasts will end up not producing much milk if you limit his nursing by this much now. Also, it is much easier for your baby t get milk from a bottle than it is for him to get it from your breasts. The hole(s) in the nipple in a bottle is much larger than in your breasts and he has to suck a lot harder to get milk from you. He will easily get used to receiving milk from the bottle and will end up not really knowing that he has to suck a lot harder when he is breastfeeding just to get anything. At this point, most people will tell you not to even supplement your breastfeedings at all for just this reason. The baby needs to get used to how to feed from your breasts and your breasts and your milk supply all need to get adjusted for this to work long term. Any interruption with bottle feeding now will only slow down the process and maybe jinx it completely. You will likely end up having to just bottle feed him pretty shortly if you try this. I'm sure you don't need the lecture about the benefits of breastfeeding since you decided to breastfeed in the first place. It is worth it by far if you can continue! I don't have any real suggestions for sore nipples but, I'm sure there are some out there. Good luck!
2007-07-29 03:13:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You might want to call a lactation consultant - call your hospital where you delivered and ask if there is one on staff you can talk to.
Your baby might not be latching properly, causing your nipples to become sore. A breast shield may help.
Everyone else has already said it, but it bears repeating - if you give formula during the day, your milk supply will decrease and probably eventually dry up because you won't be stimulating them to make milk.
I know firsthand how rough the first couple of weeks are when breastfeeding, but it will get better. Try to hang in there!
2007-07-29 04:38:25 · answer #3 · answered by Take A Test! 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I had to do the same thing for a little bit. The problem is, the less you breast feed, the less milk you will make. Sore nipples is normal at first. It usally last for about 2 weeks at first for some moms. If it feels like needles though, or there bleeding or cracking see a dr. for cream. You dont want an infection, if you get sore in any areas and they get red areas on them, see your dr. Good Luck.
2007-07-29 02:33:31 · answer #4 · answered by mommyof4 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
NO, it's not unsafe, but it's not a good idea either.
Breastmilk is created by supply and demand. If you are feeding formula during the day, you will produce less milk for your baby.
2007-07-29 02:31:29 · answer #5 · answered by L A 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
it may mess up the baby's belly a bit. why not get a breast pump, qand pump some into a bottle when the baby is not eating, so you have some for later?
2007-07-29 02:36:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
That's fine, as long as you don't keep switching formula brands. Also, be prepared for more dirty diapers for a while until baby's system adjusts.
2007-07-29 07:02:10 · answer #7 · answered by zippythejessi 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Supplementing is fine if you need too. I tried breastfeeding w/ the aid of lactation experts and they gave me the same advice to supplement if needed...
2007-07-29 06:37:57 · answer #8 · answered by steveangela1 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋