Supplementing now I am at work

[Droflum]

My dd is almost 18wks and I went back to work last week having stored enough ebm for a frozen feed per day and a few spares but she pretty much feeds every 2 hours still and I have found it difficult to express enough now I'm back at work. She also has reflux so sometimes needs more if she's been sick lots. In addition to what I can express (usually 2 -3 4/5oz bottles a day) She is now needing 2 frozen feeds a day (I'm home just in time to stop it being 3!) so my stores are getting low!! I simply do not have the milk to give her. I need to introduce another feed in place of a frozen one so she will have about 3 bottles of ebm (including one frozen one) then be bf when I am at home but my question is whether to introduce a formula bottle when out of what has been left each day or start baby cereal just in the morning and see if that helps. Advice please?

[Droflum]

I really don't know which is better to give, formula or baby rice. I think if baby rice can just stretch one feed back by an hour or hour and a half, I wont need the extra bottle as I'll be home. Then, I think maybe milk, even if formula is better - any ideas??

[mrsmugoo]

Formula will be better than baby rice at 18 weeks for definite. Baby rice is nothing but bulk, no nutrition in it whatsoever.

[AGruffaloCrumble]

Formula over baby rice every time.

[Droflum]

Thank you. Out of interest then, what about if I skipped baby rice and tried something like banana. I was only saying rice because I read its a good first food for first few days for a bf baby as you add milk and it tastes similar and just introduces texture. I don't want to use jars or baby porridge as there are too many ingredients and I plan to home cook all fresh foods. Really the question is milk or solids. I dont want to replace a feed, it wil be in addition if I introduce solids, it might just help me get home in time to prevent a second bottle of frozen milk being used.

[mrsmugoo]

As per the current medical advice, the best thing for your baby until six months is milk whether that be formula or breast milk.

[AGruffaloCrumble]

They get so many more nutrients from milk than food at this age. 100% milk. She is only tiny and her gut doesn't need anything but milk at this stage.