dropping BF's... how permanent is this??

[Scarlett175]

seems like a really silly question but...

have been EBF'ing DD up til last 10 days when have introduced a formula feed at night ( and sorry but yes has helped her sleep despite even my doubt). I am really proud of myself for feeding DD for 5.5 months- like many really struggled at first following a c-section and low weight gain so really feel I have achieved something, and the FF seemed like a good idea, plus many friends are planning to wean and stop BF/introduce FF instead. My big worry was always how much is she taking (she took 4 weeks to regain birthweight so has always been an issue) so I guess I like the control of knowing how much she has had.

So why do I feel like crap that she has one formula feed?? also now paranoid that my supply is lower in the day when her FF is at 6pm....so my question is, when you have 'dropped' a feed how permanent is this?? If I change my mind can I produce more milk again??

milk is made on a supply and demand basis. so, if she feeds frequently you make enough milk to cover it.
if she stops feeding for a long period, or if you miss a feed due to supplementing your supply will drop so that you don't end up hugely engorged and having loads of un-needed milk

it isn't permanent at all. if you want to cut out the formula feed you can, and your supply will adjust.

if you want to keep the formula feed AND increaase your milk supply (which shouldn't be necessary, you should still be making the right amount for the rest of her feeds) the easiest way is to increase the number of feeds she has

Regarding your supply and going back to just breastfeeding, what thisisyesterday said. You have been breastfeeding for nearly six months and so your supply is well established...so your body is quite able to make more milk in response to your baby feeding. It is no different to how things would work, if for example, she were ill, or had a growth spurt. More feeding=signal to your body to make more milk. Less feeding= the reverse.

It is also worth bearing in mind that the warnings about supplements affecting supply are most relevant in the early weeks and months of breastfeeding

As to how you feel, well that's different...it sounds as if you didn't expect to have strong feelings about something that other people around you are doing, apparently without difficulty. If introducing a formula feed is making you feel unhappy, then ask whether it's bringing you the effects you expected.

Best wishes whatever you decide.

First - big well done for BF. Your story sounds a lot like mine - c section, taking 4 weeks to regain birth weight, and DD was on or just below (eeek) 2nd centile until recently. You should feel really proud of yourself for BFing much longer than many people do.

So less guilt! If the FF makes you feel better because you get to sleep more then you'll be a happy mum and have a happier baby, and honestly, one FF a day isn't going to do any harm, especially as you'll be introducing solids soon so LO will have all sorts of different things in her tummy. But if it's making you feel worse then I'm sure you can go back to BF without any problems.

FWIW I constantly worried about my supply and tried to give formula dream feed to DD but she rejected the bottle so that was a no go. And since we've been weaning her weight has gone up to the 25th centile so it does make me think maybe a bottle of formula wouldn't have been the worse thing in the world had we got her to take it...

If you want to go back to EBF just breastfeed and offer formula afterwards, if she still hungry she'll drink the formula, the amount if formula should reduce... she might take none at all.