Trying to increase supply whilst FF

[Roisinsmummy]

Is it possible to increase your milk supply after you have introduced the odd bottle of formula? I've been trying to improve my supply for my dd as she's not been satisfied with my milk in the evening (during the day she's fine) so the MW said to give her one or two bottles of formula to help her. In addition she is a hungry baby too and at 5 weeks old she could put 7oz away! She's almost 7 weeks now and her appetite is increasing but I want to keep up the bf for her.

I'm trying to continue the bf in the night and so that I don't go too long without attaching her but I'm worried that I won't be able to increase my supply for her and I'm not ready to give up the bf yet! Help!!!

Giving formula will have a negative impact in supply. Sounds like bad advice tbh - best way to increase supply is to nurse lots. Did the MW not know about either growth spurts or evening fussy babies? it's very normal.

You need to bf her frequently. Giving more formula at this stage will reduce your supply. Totally normal for your DD at her age if she's feeding more in the evening (cluster feeding), it will get easier, honest! Have you got a bf cafe/support group nearby that you can try going to?

There's some info on cluster feeding and fussy evenings here. Both totally normal in a breastfed baby and doesn't mean there's a problem with your supply or your baby is unsatisfied.

If I were you I'd drop the formula and breastfeed as much as possible if you want to continue.

I had oversupply. DS2 put on 1lb 4oz one week and STILL fed constantly every evening for about 8 weeks. It's normal. Your MW isn't very clued up on BF is she, so I would disregard anything she says. Bacially you need to feed feed feed to increase supply, but if you rang one of the BF helplines you might get some specific advice tailored to your circumstances.

How much formula are you giving? 7oz in one sitting is a LOT so if you are giving two like that a day, you won't be able to just drop the bottles and BF straight away. You might need to increase your supply with expressing (which you can obviously give instead of formula) and feeding much more often than you normally would - if she will take it. Some people use a nursing supplementer.