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Infant feeding

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

Original poster

What to stop bf'ing at 6 months, is that when dd is 26 weeks?

15 replies

mrsotter · 05/05/2011 16:29

I want to b'f for the minimum 6 months that is recommended and then switch to formula, dd is 26 wks on Sat, is that the day I can switch to formula?

OP posts:
missnevermind · 05/05/2011 16:30

Why switch if you are happy?

Original poster
mrsotter · 05/05/2011 16:33

I am not happy, it's been a hard slog getting here. With dd1 I gave up around 12 wks but with dd2 I wanted to last the 6 months.

Just wondering if we will have reached it by Saturday?

OP posts:
NikkiTwinkle · 05/05/2011 16:48

Well done you for lasting for 6 months if you haven't particularly enjoyed it.

26 weeks is considered 6 months, so Saturday would be a good day.

You may want to phase your DD with a mix of ebm and formula, as she may want to get used to a new taste, but up to you completely. If you phase it in by using ebm then the impact on your body won't be so huge, but again whatever suits you and baby.

Best of luck.

OnlyWantsOne · 05/05/2011 17:38

Have the problems lessened at all? DD is 22 weeks and in finding it pretty hard too

Original poster
mrsotter · 05/05/2011 18:06

Onlywantsone DD feeds at least every two - three hours, through the night as well. I am hopeless at expressing so have done every feed and although it probably sounds selfish I am really struggling with the lack of freedom.

I am back to work next week as well so it seemed sensible to try her with formula from a bottle. I only work 4 hrs a day though so could possibly still bf'feed.

Is there a way I could introduce mix feeding to help when I'm at work and also give me a bit more freedom? Or is a straight swap over to formula a better idea

OP posts:
OnlyWantsOne · 05/05/2011 18:14

If you like breast feeding, ad you've done so well gettig this far - but you want some more freedom / flexibility re going back to work I wool just give her the odd bottle of formula when you need to - you will be surprised how just missing a couple of feeds yourself will give you that break you deserve.

I had to get out of the house 2 weeks ago so I got all 6oz of frozen breast milk I had managed to store up since DD was born - armed dp with a bottle of it and I went out!!

Original poster
mrsotter · 05/05/2011 18:18

I would love to be able to just go out by myself foa couple of hours, sounds lik heaven, some days I think my head is going to explode. I crave solitude like never before!

Will my supply be ok if I miss a few feeds?

OP posts:
OnlyWantsOne · 05/05/2011 18:34

Well if we are out and Dp is around and occupying DD we can some times go 4 hrs between feeds - this makes my boobs feel very full but she just feeds and problem resolved.

marzipananimal · 05/05/2011 21:19

yes you could definitely do a mixture of bf and ff.
In any case it is a bit risky to stop suddenly (risk of mastitis) - better to gradually phase out bf and increase formula.
I think it's quite common for people to do something like bf morning and evening and ff during the day - your supply will adjust to provide milk at those times

marzipananimal · 05/05/2011 21:19

Oh and well done for sticking it out :)

missnevermind · 05/05/2011 21:52

Sorry. Had to go out and left you with what looks like a sarky comment rather than the genuine question I meant it to be.

If you are going back to work then this is a good time to switch to mixed feeding. Remember now that your baby is older you can go straight to cups and beakers. No messing about with bottles.

Your body will adapt to whatever new routine you adopt.

MummyBerryJuice · 05/05/2011 22:00

By this age your supply is really well established and will not suffer if you miss a feed (or even 2 or 3). It would definitely be possible to mix feed from here on in and continue to give your DD the benefits if breast milk.

Original poster
mrsotter · 07/05/2011 10:32

Really appreciate the replies Smile

This morning I have given her a b'feed and a bottle. She drank 6oz's from the bottle so took to it very well!

Will it matter if I don't settle into a routine but feed by whatever means is most convenient at the time?

OP posts:
pearlgirl · 07/05/2011 10:44

With ds2 and ds3 I left them formula when I was back at work from when they were about six months - like you I worked about 4 or 5 hours at a time and when I was there i bf. With ds1 I could have fed the whole street and left ebm for him. By six months your supply is established enough to be able to miss feeds and pick them up again - it doesn't just have to be for work - although I am struggling to get my head round that concept with 1 year ds4 who is only left when I go to work - my birthday present request was that dh takes all the boys out and gives me a couple of hours on my own - so i do understand that feeling of wanting a bit of time.

MummyBerryJuice · 07/05/2011 11:24

It shouldn't matter if you just do whatever is convenient for you provided you do continue to feed a couple of times yourself. If you start going days without bf your milk will probably start to dry up

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