is this the end :(

[MumNWLondon]

BFing DS2, now 7 months.

Did EBFing until 5.5 months, and since then (I went back to work) mixed feeding.

Day looks something like:
7am BF in bed
8am breakfast (only for last 2 weeks)
10.30am bottle drinks 4-6oz
12 noon lunch with protein
2.30 bottle drinks around 5oz
5pm tea - pureed veggies and yoghurt
6.30pm BF
10.30pm BF and formula top up (3oz)

Problem is that he is loosing interest in breastfeeding and as he is so nosy can only fed in bedroom curtains closed lights out (was like this even when EBF, since around 5 months).

I hate expressing hence giving formula during the day. I think my supply has really dwindled, on days when I don't work always try to give extra BF in day, today offered the breast before 10.30am and 2.30pm bottle and before tea at 5pm.

Also I am on a diet, have lost a stone in last month (eating around 1300 calories a day) but very sensible. Still have 2 stone to go....

Anyway BFs are getting shorter, he keeps on coming, I keep on putting him on and offer one side then the other, then the first, also do breast compression.

I estimate he's having 3+6+4oz so 13oz per day so he probably is having some breastmilk, but he seems to prefer bottle (and this would be case even if I was pumping and giving expressed milk) just then I might have more milk in general.

Should I continue, am a bit sad about stopping as he is probably last baby. Stopped BFing both DD and DS1 earlier (when I went back to work) as they were both biting so have only EBF before have never mixed fed, even with solids.

[ClimberChick]

I don't know the answer but kellymom says 1500-1800 calories is on the low side and you should stay on the higher side of this, so that could have started to impact.

He's probably just going through a naturally fussy stage (growth/development spurt, teething). 13oz doesn't sound a lot so that's a good sign.

I would just keep offering, not pushing the issue if he doesn't want and hopefully in a few weeks he'll be back to normal.

[MumNWLondon]

Thanks I just looked up kellymom re: calories, of course I didn't start the diet while he was being EBF and I guess although I am sad about stopping feeding am also feeling down about being so overweight, I am now after a month of dieting back to the weight I was 6 weeks after giving birth (ie I put on a stone when BFing).

I will keep offering, know to increase supply I should cut bottle top up at 10pm. It was 4oz, cut it about a week ago to 3oz (because he wasn't particularly huntry in the morning!) and will cut it further next week. This morning I woke him up at 8am so clearly still not that hungry.

[ClimberChick]

I understand about the weight, but 1300 calories is a bit drastic, arn't you exhausted?

Also around this age it isn't that unusual for babies to go to just morning and night feeds. So if he's still having two, that's not terribly bad either

[MumNWLondon]

re: diet, no not exhausted, I feel great, also doing 3 gym sessions a week, although do feel hungry sometimes generally when its approaching meal times! Am doing tesco diets, and I get 16 totals a day (roughly 1300 calories) - I input age, height, weight etc and that was what recommended.

Also getting 8 hours sleep each night is helping me feel great, hence not keen to cut out 10pm formula top up!

I thought that by 9 months he's have dropped both the 10.30am feed and also the 10.30pm top-up. Just have to work out how to get him feeding for longer. The 6pm feed is his worst one I guess as he is still fullish from his tea.

[ClimberChick]

very jealous of the sleep and I'm a greedy cow who can't imagine less than 2000 calories .

What about a 8pm feed instead of the 6 and then 10. Then he might wake up earlier as well.

Anyway your doing great with multiple kids, work, gym and BF.

[MumNWLondon]

no can't do 8pm, he goes to bed at 7pm hence 6.30pm feed, he's exhausted by 7.

he sometimes wakes between 10pm and 11.30pm. if he doesn't i pick him up just before i go to bed and he feeds in his sleep - and he feeds well at this time.

yes, managing fine with work (only 3 days week), gym (DS2 goes to creche and other DC at school) and 3 DC (older 2 at school reception and year 2), so quite manageable, basically only because i'm getting enough sleep .

I guess will continue, and try and offer breast as much possible on days off. Will het a BF boost over christmas as I have 2.5 weeks off work.

[LittleAmy]

Re: diets. I thought what the mother ate had no baring on her BFing capabilities?

[MumNWLondon]

Amy - yes, thats what I thought (that diet of mother shouldn't affect bfing) from the politics of breastfeeding, and I am only loosing 2lbs a week which is sensible weight loss.

I think less milk because he's just not inclined to suck (ie he is loosing interest) very much because he gets food from other sources eg solids and formula.