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Infant feeding

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

Original poster

Considering resorting to formula. Or a double pump?

17 replies

CaringForPod · 06/05/2011 20:20

Basically, my 5 day old (I know, I know it's early days) isn't getting enough from my breast, so I'm having to express and then bottle feed him this to top him up after he's finished on the breast.

The whole process is wearing me out - I'm exhausted enough as it is, and leaves me with just about 30 mins/1 hr between feeds, after I've gone through the whole lot.

We've already given him a bit of formula, as he really wasn't taking anything during his 1st 24 hrs at home so the support/key worker/whatever they're called told me to give him some formula, just so he got food in him.

I've got a pretty chequered past when it comes to mental health and I don't think I can cope much longer the way we're going.

Everything I read makes out that formula is like poison and that I really should be breastfeeding. Believe me, I want to, in an ideal world. But my mental health isn't ideal. I feel like I'll be failing him if I switch to formula, but deep down I want to for my sanity.

My other option is to get a double pump so I can express quicker and then just purely bottle feed him this. The bf-ing is exhausting me. Physically and mentally. Has anyone got experience of a double pump? Are they worth the money?

Likewise, anyone got any tales of formula?

Would really value advice/your experiences.

OP posts:
RitaMorgan · 06/05/2011 20:29

If you feel like formula is the best choice for your family then go for it - it isn't poison. Breastmilk is better nutritionally but sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture too, and feeding isn't everything.

Do you know why the baby is having trouble feeding? Sounds like you have milk but he's having trouble getting it out?

Original poster
CaringForPod · 06/05/2011 20:39

Hi again Rita.

I don't know why he gives up on the breast, but he just does. I have plenty of milk to give and he will take it from the bottle.

Am going to sleep on it, well, will try to sleep, and come to a decision soon.

I really do value you taking the time to reply, thank you.

OP posts:
MaryMungo · 06/05/2011 20:45

Is he just falling asleep at the breast or is he getting upset like it's not coming quick enough? If the latter, you might want to express for a minute or two before feeding to get things moving. Has anybody checked out his latching for you?

RitaMorgan · 06/05/2011 20:48

Get someone to check for tongue-tie too, as that can make it hard for them to feed.

mandoo · 06/05/2011 20:50

I agree with Rita. If you are struggling and stressed then choose what is best for you all, and if it is a bottle of formula then so be it. Don't feel bad. Plus you can do both. I did it that way from 6 weeks to 6 months.

NonnoMum · 06/05/2011 20:53

Do what is best for you and the baby.

Congrats on your beautiful newborn by the way!

MigGril · 08/05/2011 07:34

You have to consider how you'd feel if you gave up and just formula fed also. I think a phone to one of the breastfeeding helplines is really in order. They can see if you have problems that can be sorted or councile you through your decision to stop to make sure it's right for you.

I think this is important given your past mental health problems. I think people don't realise they are not just there to help you breastfeed but to help you come to terms with stopping to if that's what's right for you.
National Breastfeeding Helpline
0300 100 0212

NCT Breastfeeding Helpline
0300 330 0771

La Leche League Helpline
0845 120 2918

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
08444 122 949

Cheeseandbiscuits · 08/05/2011 07:42

Congrats!

Do whatever is best for you and formula isn't poison. I do a mixture of bottle and breast and it works well for us at the moment. Don't feel bad, happy mummy, happy baby!!

3rdtimesacharm · 08/05/2011 08:05

I had terrible trouble bf dd2 and agonised over switching to formula and now don't understand why I didn't just do it. The upset of trying to bf a baby who wanted a bottle instead caused unnecessary stress on the whole family. Bf is great if it works but isn't easy and you shouldn't put too much pressure on yourself to continue if it is causing stress and upset. Totally agree with previous post - happy mum = happy baby whether bf of formula fed. Good luck.

NotQuiteCockney · 08/05/2011 08:06

Are you finding breastfeeding directly unpleasant? Does it hurt, or is it a more complicated problem?

If the problem is pain, or that the baby is taking too long at the breast, these problems can often be fixed by adjusting the baby's position and latch. The smallest change in how you hold him can make a huge difference to how well his latch works, making it more comfortable for you, and meaning he gets the milk he needs much faster, and with less work for him.

Pumping, even with a double pump, and then giving the bottle is (imo) more work than breastfeeding, but some mums get on better with that.

southmum · 08/05/2011 09:00

I felt the same OP and agonised over switching to ff. For me it was the best decision all round, I felt happier, baby was happier. Def speak to some of the bf groups linked to above as it might be something that can be worked through but if not ff is there and ISNT poison.

Tryharder · 08/05/2011 09:48

Why do you feel that he isn't getting enough milk from you? Because it is normal at this age for babies to feed a lot. And by a lot, I mean nearly all the time.

Pumps are not as efficient as babies and giving him a bottle may confuse him. Expressing is a PITA and very time consuming. Do you really nice to express? Why not just feed him directly?

You need to see a bfc as quickly as you can. It may well be that you don't have a problem at all but are mistakenly equating frequent feeding for poor supply or poor latch. Breastfeeding is a learning process for you and your baby and sometimes it can take a while for both "partners" to get to grips 100% with the process.

There may well be a problem as others have suggested but you give no indication as to why you thought there was a problem. BF is difficult in the early days but easy later on and while ff may seem like the answer to your prayers, you will have the hassle of preparing it plus it can bring it's own problmes - constipation/wind etc.

Tryharder · 08/05/2011 09:50

Sorry keyboard playing up hence typos. I have been in your position myself with DS2 and ended up mixed feeding him. I really, really regretted it which is why I am advising you as above.

Emandwilliam · 08/05/2011 10:11

Formula isn't poison. Do what's best for you and your family and Don't beat yourself up, your doing great.

Good luck x

Zimm · 08/05/2011 10:13

I second Tryharder - why do you feel he is not getting enough? Babies that age feed constantly and fuss a lot - they have just been expelled into the world! And it's normal for them not to eat much in the first 24 hours. Sounds like you just need more confidence, real life support and a better health visitor/midwife!

More skin to skin (just go to bed with baby) and offering the boob at the slightest squeak will help.

AlpinePony · 09/05/2011 16:33

Formula is not poison.

What you perhaps need to consider is that hooking yourself up to a double pump 8 times a day is time-consuming and you may not be able to hold your baby. Where is the sense in doing "best" by proxy?

There is a great ff support thread on this board.

Personally I believe that big struggles with bf are not conducive to positive mental health. I speak as a ff former lunatic. ;)

TheVisitor · 09/05/2011 16:36

If you want to change to formula, then do it. It definitely isn't poison. Yes, BF is the absolute best way, but you won't be harming your baby by switching. Indeed, if it means that your mental health can stabilise, then all the better.

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