How do I supplement some formula when I have EBF my 7 month old?

[Lincolns_Mommy]

I have exclusively BF my LO for almost 7 months. He latches well, that has never been a problem. However, over the past few weeks my milk supply has decreased and even after trying many natural remedies (including pumping), I have been unable to increase my supply.
My LO isn't getting enough to eat. He isn't gaining weight and I know that when he BF that he isn't getting enough to fill his belly.

We have decided to supplement some formula in order to fill him up. I didn't really want to do this, but I really do feel that this is our best option. I am hoping to continue to BF, but I know that if I supplement formula, that there is a chance that he will take to the formula, not eat as much on the boob, and then I will lose all my milk
I need some guidance on HOW and WHEN I should supplement. My husband thinks we should just give him a bottle of formula after every feed (we are on the 4-hour EASY). He says "it's that simple!". It's frustrating because he doesnt take into consideration how important BF is to me. He thinks that if my milk drops that we can just give him 100% formula, especially since he is over 6 months. This makes me soooo sad! It at all possible I want to avoid this.
Does anybody have experience or knowledge on the best way to go about this?

We also have started him on solids, but havent pushed it.Some days he likes it (he is fond of oatmeal and apple puree mixed) but other days he clamps his mouth shut. It makes it so we can't really count on solid food as a "tummy filler"

I appreciate ANY help as I am feeling very discouraged right now 

[Lincolns_Mommy]

Also, can anyone recommend a "good organic formula"?

[becj86]

I'd do BF as normal and supplement formula at the times when you'd do solids, as a drink but in a bottle so he's not having to learn to drink from a sippy. That way he's not going to work out that he gets the bottle straight after boob and hold out for a bottle IYKWIM.

Not sure about formula, I know we have an organic formula in Australia called Bellamy's Organic but not sure what's around in Canada.

[Erin M]

That's a good idea becj86 has for timing of formula.  I know someone was talking about organic formula on another thread recently, let me send a PM and see what I can find out.

[tigerlilly905]

((hugs)) hun. The best organic formula I have been able to come across is this: http://www.naturesone.com/dairy/?gclid=CM66rtXv36wCFciC5QodIQinpQ  It's all organic, GMO free, free of hexane and other harsh chemicals, rBGH free. This FF is from the States, but they ship to Canada within 2 days.  It says "Toddler Formula" on the label for ethical purposes. This company believes BM should be the used the first year, however this FF is completely compatible for babies under 12 months (as required by law). Click on the link above, they explain it on their website.

My other suggestion would be to do similar to what becj suggested, but instead of FF, have you tried BF'ing after solids? That can help increase your supply. I have a friend who is a LLL leader and her best advice to me when I was having supply issues while I was preg & bf'ing was to nurse more frequently. It really does help kick up your supply. Might not make for a "perfect" EASY, but if you fit in the extra BF after solids maybe it could help?

If you are worried about his weight gain, have you upped your natural fats intake (ex: avocado, olive oil, healthy animal fats ect) that can only help make your milk richer.

Also, as another possible option to explore, have you ever heard of "Human Milk for Human Babies"? http://www.hm4hb.net/about.html  They are a global milk sharing group with local chapters all around the world. I know of 3 in Ontario. You can find them here: http://www.hm4hb.net/communities.html  I'm not sure exactly where you are located hun, but I would be happy to give you what I have in my freezer stash if you would like it. Just send me a PM.

HtH

ETA the hyperlinks seem to be messed up, hope I fixed them...

[Lincolns_Mommy]

TigerLily....awwww...thank you so much for your kind words, advice and milk offer! I think that we are going to go with the forumula. I have been trying for over a week to increase my milk supply (tried pumping everyhour after feeding, tried nursing mothers tea, doubling my water intake, eating specific foods, ect) I am just feeling as though it is time to try something else. I am a huge advocated of BF if possible! But I also recognize that my the fact that my baby needs to eat more needs to come before my views on BF. It's a struggle, but I am ready to try to supplement. Also, my husband does not hold as strong views as I do when it comes to BF. He was FF and his family doesnt really support BF as much as mine does. That being said, he has been very supportive since the beginning, and recognized that it was important for me. He agrees that the first 6  months it is better to BF if you can. Now that LO is almost 7 months, he really wants to try formula. He is concerned that LO is not gaining weight, under weight and my stress level from not being able to provide the nourishment he needs is affecting our relationship. It's time for a change!
Thank you for recommending the organic formula. We want the best for our baby

[tigerlilly905]

You're welcome sweets - and good luck.   I'm sorry to hear it's been so difficult for you. I know it can be so hard when it feels like your body is working against you in some way. I had my share of challenges while Preg & Bf'ing - but I'm so glad I worked through them. (as you can tell by my ticker we've been BF'ing for 20 mos +)

FWIW, I find my supply dips once in a while when I have any sort of hormonal changes - but I'm lucky it's not enough to effect my boys and what they need.  I upped my calcium and it's helped a great deal. I take 2,000 - 3,000 mg of Cal/Mag per day (throughout the day of course - not all at once)  The calcium really helps my supply, especially around AF time.

Don't give up on the Bf'ing. Every ounce little Lincoln can get is beneficial. The WHO suggests BM for up to 2 years and beyond for full immunological benefits. Even if it's not exclusive BM, whatever BM you can give him is better then none.

Also, I forgot to mention in my last post - if you are going to supplement w/ FF, I would suggest getting a high quality probiotic to mix w/ the FF. Probiotics aid in proper digestion, as well as greatly boost the immune system. Even though Ds2 is exclusively Bf'ing, I still give him probiotics (Ds1 too). Here's the probiotics we use: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001PYXMV4/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new    I order from Vitamin Partners (the 6th company on the Amazon list) They ship quickly to Canada and also pack the probiotic with extra ice packs to ensure maximum potency.

Have you considered contacting a LLL leader in your area for some more RL support while you're BF'ing? I'm in Durham Region and as I said, have a friend who's a LLL leader - she's AMAZING! If you're around this area, or even want to chat with her on the phone I would be happy to connect you with her.

xo