BFing a newborn and formula top ups?

[Daffodilly]

My SIL has a 10 day old baby and BFing. She is gaining weight, though slowly (only just back over birth weight). Midwives have recommended giving her DD formula top ups and then expressing after feeds to stimulate production.

I am no expert apart from feeding my own. But would reckon that giving formula will slow her own production? And pumping likely to be more stress/hassle and less effective than letting baby suckle?

However I am reluctant to undermine 'professional' advice she's been given by midwives. Anyone have any advice I can pass on to her?

Back up to birth weight by 10 days is fine - anything up to two weeks is ok.

And yes, you're right, that giving formula can a) cause nipple confusion and b) reduce her supply.

The tricky thing is, though, it's hard to stick your oar in on these things. How close are you with her?

Can you suggest she post on here, to ask for help?

Or can you suggest she call one of the BF organisations (NCT/BFN/ABM/LLL) or the national breastfeeding hotline?

Does not sound like good advice, back at birth weight at 10 days I think normal (thats what DS2 did).

If it was my SIL I would say something like, that doesn't sound like good advice if you want to continue to exclusively breastfeed.

Pumping less effective than baby sucking, and giving formula will reduce the amount the baby wants to suck and could at that stage cause nipple confusion.

I agree, suggest she calls one of the BF organisations.

If a midwife gave me that advice I would complain about them to their bosses.

TBH if a mw gave me that advise then I would ignore it

In fact I did DC3 did not regain birth weight till nearly 3 weeks of age. Lots of pressure for me to 'top up' with formula. I ignored. He was and is fine. Still BF at 14 months.

It's always difficult to judge a situation at one or two removes.

There may be some good reasons why your sister has been told this, though there are no obvious ones so far.

I agree - ask your sis for a full explanation of why she has to give formula and why she has to express. She can also phone any of the helplines.

The weight is normal. But of course this is not the only sign of the baby's well-being.

Argh. They always give this stupid advice. Baby is much more efficient than a pump. The top-ups will lower her supply. The faff with the bottles and BFing and pumping will be a PITA and she may well decide to just give up and bottle feed. Seen it happen a hundred times.

My advice would be bunker in, get in bed, skin to skin, snuggle, feed, relax, etc. Offer breast frequently and feed whenever baby demands.

Just an alternative view. I had C-section at 36 weeks, baby lost lots of weight and jaundiced. I was told to top up with formula after every feed and that we wouldn't be allowed from hospital with more than 10% weight loss,

Just did it, had no idea could affect or risk BF then or later

After 4 weeks weight re-gained and gaining so I just stopped formula and wondered why DS spent next 48 hours feeding all the time

Between us, without really knowing or understanding, we got BF production back up. He was fully BF to 7 months and I still fed him at lot until about 2.

No nipple confusion/ production problems at all. I know if can be different but the advice may not be the end of the world. HtH

Thanks for all replies. She did ask my thoughts - so not totally an interfering so and so! I had such problems at first feeding both of mine, but overcame to have a very rewarding experience. Would hate to see someone struggle with what I feel is not great advice.

Will direct them to one of the expert organisations for real help.

NCT have a breastfeeding helpline. Kellymom also do great online information.

MWs are not always well trained and up-to-date on everything, especially breastfeeding. Top-ups and expressing are going to make increasing supply harder not easier.