Will it affect my supply if I replace a few feeds each week with formula?

[tullyma]

DS is sleeping through now and only has 5-6 breastfeeds each day. If I offer a bottle of formula every now and then and don't pump for that feed, will I reduce my supply? I'm only talking about replacing probably 2 or 3 feeds per week (when he's with my mum). I truly HATE pumping and rarely have the time or energy to do it now that I have 2 children to care for . I don't even know if he'll take formula but DD used to so I'd like to give it a try.

[lisi's mum]

in a word - maybe! Some find this no problem, others find that they have to pump at the missed feed to keep up their supply. If you try not pumping you will soon see if it has an effect on your supply, which if caught quickly is easily fixed.

[Miasmummy]

I don't think so. I know it didn't affect my supply. I know I did it cause I wanted my kids to get used to the bottle so that when I went to work I didn't battle to get them off the breat.

I know some ladies who have had to go back to work early still give the morning and evening feed and their body just adjusted to give at the time when they could if that makes sense.

Kate

[tullyma]

Thanks, I'll give it a try. If it does affect my supply I'll be posting here again to see how to build it up again . Probably just feed more often if I can get away with it for a few days?

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

Just wanted you to know that it DOES affect my supply if i don't pump. I know pumping is a pain but i pump in the evening about 9ish and that gives me a bottle (i had to pump a couple of times at first to get a bottle but now getting enough from one pump). The kids are in bed at this time so i do it watching the tv (it passes the time).

Kate x

[Mommymac]

it could affect your supply if you don't make a lot of milk to start. I hate pumping too, I feel like a dairy cow! I over produce so getting away with not pumping is ok for me.