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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

What are the downsides to introducing mix feeding at 6 months?

8 replies

MrsOtter · 02/04/2011 13:36

I return to work when dd is 27 wks old. I only work 4 hrs a day and dh lokks after dc then. I dislike expressing so was considering just using formula to get her through till I return. My hours are 3-7pm.

What wwould the downsides of doing this from a health POV and also re. issues like my milk drying up etc?

OP posts:
RitaMorgan · 02/04/2011 13:54

Does she need a feed during those hours?

AnnieLobeseder · 02/04/2011 13:58

If it's just a 4-hour gap, and you feed/express either side of work, I shouldn't think your supply will suffer. Milk supply just adapts itself to your schedule anyway. Also, can't think of any health reasons not to - mixed feeding is a wonderful thing in my book. It's the best of both worlds and I'm very sceptical of those who firmly believe feeding a baby needs to be strictly one or the other.

Original poster
MrsOtter · 02/04/2011 14:04

ATM she is feed on demand and is still feeding every 3 hrs, so she could want a feed when I'm not here. She is 22 wks atm

OP posts:
RitaMorgan · 02/04/2011 14:42

By 27 weeks she could just have some water/banana/porridge or something if you'd prefer that to giving formula. My ds started doing 4 hour sessions at nursery at 6 months and I just feed him before and after, and while there he has a snack and a drink and then a meal and pudding.

If you do give a formula feed while you're away you can always make it a small one - one 4oz bottle of formula 5 days a week won't hurt your supply. Once a baby is on solids anyway formula is just another kind of food so their aren't any health risks.

Original poster
MrsOtter · 02/04/2011 14:58

Thats a great idea Rita, that way I could avoid formula at all

OP posts:
cece · 02/04/2011 15:00

Personally I wouldn't bother for 4 hours a day. By 6 months she will be starting on solids, so if she is hungry she can have some porridge or something filling. If she is thristy she can have water. Then just give a feed before work and straight after you get home. Should be fine.

yama · 02/04/2011 15:07

Does she take a bottle? Ds is 7.5 months old and a bottle refusnik. He loves his food though so can go 4+ hours without feeding easily (and he is a big boy).

japhrimel · 02/04/2011 15:46

I really wouldn't bother. Maybe get her used to a cup so she could have water or a little cows milk if she was really thirsty.

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