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Infant feeding

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

Original poster

Formula feeding for just one day

13 replies

ChasingStaplers · 06/06/2013 08:50

I have a work event tomorrow which is for the whole day and as a result I'm not going to be able to feed DS (5 months).

I've pumped off some milk but there's definitely not enough for the whole day so we're going to have to supplement with formula.
We've tried a bottle before and although he took a little coaxing he was fine so I'm not worried about that.
I am worried he'll get constipated or not want the formula or he'll then prefer the bottle and reject breastfeeding when I get home. I'll be out of the house from 8am until 6pm and he's also never been without me for as long so I'm pretty anxious (he'll be with his dad)

Please give me stories of reassurance/advice.
Already think I'm going to have to pump off milk in the toilets otherwise my boobs will probably explode!

OP posts:
DoingItForMyself · 06/06/2013 08:57

I'm sure DS will be absolutely fine if he's had a bottle before. He won't get constipated in just one day and he'll definitely not prefer the bottle to you, don't worry - its lovely that he'll spend all day with his dad.

The only thing I was going to say is that you will need to pump as otherwise, after couple of hours it may start coming out of its own accord, so make sure you have plenty of breast pads to hand (and perhaps a trusted friend to keep an eye out in case you don't notice!)

tiktok · 06/06/2013 08:59

Staplers, all your concerns are possibles, though it's v. unlikely he will reject bf when you return (though even this is just about possible - sometimes babies do have a temporary 'strike' if they have been confused or upset). The other possibility is that he will be just fine and he and his dad will have a nice day (presumably his dad has had him on his own before?) :)

You will certainly need to express during the day. No need to go to the toilets - ask for a private room.

Is it not possible for your baby to be with you some of the time ie for your partner and baby to come with you, and to meet up for feeding?

Original poster
ChasingStaplers · 06/06/2013 23:01

Thanks for your replies.
Have tried him on a small bit of formula today and he seemed to be fine about it.
It'll be me that's more anxious and stressed than him!

OP posts:
KatAndKit · 06/06/2013 23:26

You will need to pump at least 3 times in that period - get in touch in advance and ask for this to be accommodated.

your baby will be fine. Of course he will miss you and yes, he'd rather have a boob than a bottle, but babies are adaptable and it won't do him any harm. You will find the day harder than he does.

Good luck :)

NinjaNotGeisha · 06/06/2013 23:30

I did something similar last week and DS was fine. Perhaps a bit more happy to have the boob back on my return, but no negative side effects! Grin

NinjaNotGeisha · 06/06/2013 23:32

(I did have to 'pump and dump', but that was for my comfort iyswim.)

Original poster
ChasingStaplers · 06/06/2013 23:36

Thanks ninja - that's what I needed to hear! Have already warned my boss I'll be sneaking off every now and then (luckily it's a networking event not an actual day's work so I'll have plenty of opportunity to pump!)
Do feel a bit guilty as I never left my other two until they were at least 12 months but I suppose guilt is one of those things you expect as a parent!

OP posts:
katei25 · 07/06/2013 02:50

Hi ChasingStaplers,It is good that you have started formula feeding as you are being away from him.Slowly slowly DS will adjust with it.You can be assured that infant formulas are made to meet your baby's nutritional needs.Also check how much formula your baby needs, and how often baby needs to be fed.Usually 5 months old needs 4 to 6 ounces and
6 feedings/24 hours.

Formulas are all pretty similar, but stay with one if it's working well for your baby. In a few cases, switching formulas can help settle little digestive problems, but usually not. Talk to your health care provider before switching your baby's formula.

katei25 · 07/06/2013 03:05

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by Mumsnet for breaking our Talk Guidelines. Replies may also be deleted.

tiktok · 07/06/2013 09:14

Katie - are you in the UK?

In the UK, infant formulas are not fortified with iron. We don't have liquid concentrate formula either.

I have reported your post because you are promoting an infant formula brand - one that's not even available in the UK, so it's a bit useless for this OP.

Please take your advertising of formula elsewhere.

tiktok · 07/06/2013 09:18

And Katie's post is lifted from elsewhere on the web!!

I googled it - it's from Pampers US.

tiktok · 07/06/2013 09:20

Your first post on this thread is a lift, too.....so I have reported that one, as well. It deserves to be reported for innaccuracy, too.

tiktok · 07/06/2013 09:22

Katei, sorry - misspelled name.

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