Switching to formula
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I switched after I went back to work. I just couldn’t keep up with pumping and just wanted help but didn’t at the same time lol. I loved breastfeeding but it was way too much with working. I combo fed for a while then just made the switch fully about 2 month later. I don’t regret it. I just feed him the bottle nice and close to me like I’m still breastfeeding him and we both like it and now anyone can feed him.
I don't regret it.. plus after a year when they're on whole milk and solids you won't even think about it.. such a faint memory for my first kid who was barely breastfed.. for my 2nd kid I've had a bit more guilt trying to switch but I remember how I totally did not have regrets switching with my first so I'm always reminding myself that too.
I tried breastfeeding for about 6wks. It did not work it was miserable for both of us so I stopped. We've both been thriving with him drinking just formula.
If you aren't 100% sure, you can mix breastmilk and formula. Pump or feed as much as you want and supplement with formula. With my first, that was the most liberating thing I could do. I felt tied to the pump and constantly being the only one feeding the baby. Giving myself permission to pump as much or as little as I wanted was exactly what I needed
Thank you so much ladies! I'm just having a really stressful pumping day and this definitely helps to hear. Combo feeding may be a good idea as well, how would I go about that? Do I make the formula with water then add the breastmilk? Or use the breastmilk for the liquid?
Combo feeding is switching off between breastfeeding and formula. As in one bottle would be formula the next would be breast milk. I have struggled with an undersupply of breast milk the entire time. I breastfed for 5 months and finally switched to formula two weeks ago. I felt like a failure at first but I’ve come to accept it because I have so much more energy now. For the first two weeks my girl did not sleep well at all but now she is getting back on schedule thankfully. I hope this somewhat helps :)
Combo feeding is switching off between breastfeeding and formula. As in one bottle would be formula the next would be breast milk. I have struggled with an undersupply of breast milk the entire time. I breastfed for 5 months and finally switched to formula two weeks ago. I felt like a failure at first but I’ve come to accept it because I have so much more energy now. For the first two weeks my girl did not sleep well at all but now she is getting back on schedule thankfully. I hope this somewhat helps :)
I get that! Pumping is super stressful and more of a burden than a lot of people realize. You would make the formula from water according to the formula directions. If combo feeding, you can add breastmilk in addition to the prepared formula. Whether you switch over completely or combo feed, you should do so slowly to help prevent tummy upset and help gauge the baby's tolerance of the formula. I'd do a 25% formula/75 breast milk mixture for 2-3 days, then 50% formula for a few days, 75% formula for a few days, then 100% if that's the goal. To combo feed, you basically pump as much or as little as you want, still adhering to the rules of weaning off the pump (like, you wouldn't be able to stop cold turkey one day or you'll end up with mastitis) gradually reduce to your desired pump sessions and then top up the rest with prepared formula.
To combo feed you would do the following. Say you make your baby 6 oz bottles you would in your head say how much Breastmilk you want to serve let’s say you have 4 oz frozen or fresh! So you would start with 2 oz of formula mad in a bottle according to the formula you are using. When that is mixed well you just poor the 4 oz of breast milk into the bottle. Then you have a 6 oz bottle. Always make the amount of formula first in the bottle or you can get a big mixer and have a pitcher of formula made for the day as it is good for 24hrs in the fridge mixed. Then you add whatever you want to the bottles as you go and then the breastmilk.
I’ve combo fed from the beginning and what I do is mix my breastmilk with ready-to-feed formula. It makes it easy!
We’ve been EFF from the start which while a tough decision at first, has been great for our family as I love that her dad and grandparents can also comfort her with a bottle so all the pressure isn’t on me. This has also allowed me to go back to work and maximize productivity while minimizing time away from baby as the sole income earner in our family. Also a huge plus mental health wise personally to be able to sleep shift and get 5-6 hours of consistent sleep. Do whatever you think you and your baby would enjoy most!
I switched and have no regrets. Although, full disclosure, I only breastfed for like 3 weeks, so maybe I don’t count. But it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made as a mother.