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EAT => Breast Feeding => Topic started by: grhrva on September 03, 2006, 15:59:43 pm

Title: Fomula at Night?
Post by: grhrva on September 03, 2006, 15:59:43 pm

Anyone have any experience with mixing in a bottle of formula at night? Our 5 week old is is just breastfeeding, but won't go more than 2-3 hrs (lately more like 2) at night in between feedings. Friends and family suggested giving a bottle of formula at night to tide them over. Any suggestions? Thanks!!!

Title: Re: Fomula at Night?
Post by: RachelC on September 03, 2006, 16:12:45 pm

I would suggest sticking with the breastfeeding, if that is how you want to continue.  The first 6 weeks are so crucial.  Your lo may be experiencing a growth spurt and in order for your body to adjust, your lo needs to nurse.

How often are you feeding during the day?

Title: Re: Fomula at Night?
Post by: Samuel's mum on September 03, 2006, 16:22:25 pm

Hi there
Welcome to the boards. Congratulations on your baby!

I would agree with the previous poster.

Are you familiar with the reasons why 'exclusive breastfeeding' is recommended for those who can manage it? I just want to check you are because I think it's important to factor that into your decision making process. Of course, not everyone is lucky enough to have the choice to exclusively breastfeed but those who can should appreciate the fact and just make sure they have all the information.
On the FAQ board there is a question that begins: "For those who have the choice..." but that is just part of the story.

Don't forget there is a big growth spurt that happens around 6 weeks (before or after) and if you were to start supplementing you might find that your supply never catches up to his required level. He could be feeding frequently now to build up your milk supply for the future.

I have a friend with a 6 week old who has found that expressing/pumping milk earlier in the day and then using that as a supplement before bedtime has really helped. The milk earlier in the day is often 'better' in terms of supply and it's usually a time people find pumping successful. I would suggest you try this first - if you can - rather than no longer exclusively breastfeeding. Then perhaps someone else can give him the last bottle - are you doing a dreamfeed? - so you can get a bit more sleep.

Title: Re: Fomula at Night?
Post by: grhrva on September 03, 2006, 17:49:01 pm

Thanks for the advice. We have had him on easy since he came home. Everything was going great, and he did 4 hrs at night at 2 weeks! Then he got a cold and that messed him up. Dr told us to sleep him in his swing or car seat to help with the congestion. We did and he started sleeping again. 3 nights ago we switched him from the swing to his crib (elevated the mattress), and his first night in the crib was AWFUL!! The next 2 were a bit better, but still not as good as in the swing. Dr says he can't get any bad habits this young, but we hate to put him back in the swing to sleep (He is still a little congested) and create a monster!!!

As for the dream feed, we have been feeding him around 7:00-8:00pm then a bath, and then to bed. By the time we do all that, it is usally 8:00-9:00.....so we can't get him up to eat again for the cluster feed at 9:00-10:00. So we do a dream feed around 11:00. Our Dr told us to keep him upright after he eats for 10 or so minutes after eating and burping to help him digest. Do you still do this after the dream feed?

THanks again for the help.

Title: Re: Fomula at Night?
Post by: Erin M on September 04, 2006, 00:38:52 am

I never had the need to burp mine after the DF - supposedly since they're so relaxed they don't swallow much air.  If you LO has some sort of digestive issue or if you find he's usually pretty gassy after eating you might want to take your dr's advice, but like I said I never found it necessary.  Like the PPs have said, I would keep BF if you can during the night -- hard at the beginning, but definitely paid off for us.

Title: Re: Fomula at Night?
Post by: Jonahs Mom on September 07, 2006, 15:40:00 pm

I agree with all of you. Keep in mind that BF can take up to 8 weeks to be established. At 5 weeks with my ds, he was having a growthspurt, but he was extremely fussy as well. Just feed when your LO is hungry for now. At 3 months, our ds started to get fussy with his last feed, so we introduced a bottle of formula at night at 4 months and it helps a bit, but not always. Of course, we only give him 4 oz max, so that is part of the reason!
I would wait a few more weeks before introducing a bottle everynight, and when you do start, try to use expressed BM.