Will I lose my supply?

[Sparklesandglitter]

From 3days old my DD, now nearly 6weeks, has been mix fed (3BF a day the rest FF)
I BF once in the morning, teatime and bedtime. The BF/FF split works perfectly for us and I don't want to change it. The HV is very pleased with DD, she is thriving and so far I have had no problems at all with supply (I am no longer suffering with engorgment either)
I am hoping to continue with the BF until she is at least 8weeks but my query is if I continue with my 3regular feeds will I lose my supply? Or will it maintain at the level I BF at?
Also when I do decide to stop do I just stop?
Thanks for reading

[smallone]

Hi, I'm afraid its too hard to say, supply is a personal thing. There is a risk that your supply won't increase in line with your baby's requirements as she grows. Your supply is stimulated by night feeding and those "growth spurt feed-athons" if you don't do these then you'll miss out on the order to make more milk. The easiest thing for you to do would be to research how to up your supply, and then you can implement these if and when you need to.

You could try feeding for longer at your normal feeds, so feed one side and then the other and then repeat on both sides. She won't get more milk initially but the additional suckling will send the message that more needs to be produced for next time.

You could also try adding in an expression of milk, where it's the most convenient, that way you will both stimulate your milk supply and be able to store some in the freezer. If you do then have problems with a reduced supply you could top up with expressed milk rather than formula so she has the breast milk for longer.

There are also other methods that you can look into if and when the time comes. However, I have to say none of this may be necessary as you may be able to maintain your supply without and problem.

Good luck, I hope you continue to enjoy your breastfeeding for as long as want.

[smallone]

Oh forgot to say about stopping, its normally recommended that you drop a feed at a time, so drop one and continue with two, till your supply settles down and then drop the next and so on. Its worth looking into self help methods for engorgement, and blocked ducts. Having too much milk left in your boobs puts you at risk of mastitis - which is no fun, but avoidable if your prepared.