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Infant feeding

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

Is there a point to me breast feeding?

6 replies

emmarose1991 · 23/06/2014 03:25

My son in 6 weeks old. He is combination fed after a tricky start to breast feeding. I've just fed him his 2am night feed for half an hour breast feeding and he's still downed 5 ounces of formula after. It's taking an hour all in all and just seems pointless with him drinking a whole bottle anyway.

It's the same throughout the day but he snacks on his bottles rather then has it all in one go.

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NutellaLawson · 23/06/2014 04:33

According to Kellymom, downing a bottle doesn't necessarily mean baby was famished.

This is because teats leak milk when suckled on. This makes the baby swallow, which triggers more suckling, so more milk comes out, so another swallow which triggers more suckling and on it goes.

On the breast, baby has more control so can suckle for comfort without a mouthful of milk to swallow. If baby is on the boob for comfort suckling, and you try to offer a bottle, baby will use it a dummy but get milk milk and more milk, no control.

kinkytoes · 23/06/2014 04:42

Yes of course there's a point, there are many good reasons as I'm sure you already know.

I never mix fed but as I understand it, this could affect your supply. Now you've mastered bf would it be worth trying exclusive bf? I've read stories on here by many mums who did this. At 6 weeks your baby could be having a growth spurt and seem permanently hungry. It's hard work but it does get easier.

Shahsham · 23/06/2014 04:51

DS is 7 weeks and EBF. The past week he seems to have BF without stopping and get frustrated, hitting my breasts, always wanting more milk. My breast always feel empty tho I can hand express a bit of milk.

So from this Im assuming its a growth spurt period!

purplemurple1 · 23/06/2014 05:19

I mixed Fed for 6 weeks and felt similar as he was screaming for and taking at least 90ml every 3 hrs as well as up to 8 hrs breastfeeding (and taking a dummy when not hungry). At 6 week's he just refused to breastfeed any more and the jump up in the amount of formula was crazy he started taking upto half a litre at a time (def not just wanting to suckle we tried fingers and dummy time and time again, but he wanted food).
So don't be fooled into thinking you're not providing any milk.

Of course if you mean is it worth the effort and time given he has formula anyway that's a whole different thing and really your decision only, I was kinda glad when we stopped bf.

Thumbwitch · 23/06/2014 05:22

Yes, there's a point - more than one, but none will be enough if you have had enough of breastfeeding him and really wish to give up.

Primarily IMO is the health reason - you are still helping him to stay healthier by giving him what he needs. There is a theory that when you kiss your baby, it somehow gives your body knowledge of what antibodies your baby might need to fight off whatever is going on with them, and that you then make these antibodies for them and pass them on in the milk. I don't know how true it is but certainly you would be able to pass on antibodies in your milk (not sure about the specificity of them though!)

Your milk is still going to be the best source of nutrients that your baby needs, however good the cow's milk-derived formulae are (and they are), because it is specifically designed for your baby. Your milk takes all the nutrients first, you are left with what's left over once the milk has been made, so your baby will be getting what he needs from you.

It's comforting for the baby to feed from you, especially if it's what he's used to. My DS2 is still having a night feed, sometimes more than one, and first thing in the morning - but the last one at night will frequently be straight after a full bottle of cow's milk, and the one in the morning will usually be followed by a full bottle of cow's milk. He doesn't really need the breastfeed for filling up purposes now, but it comforts him and helps him sleep (at night) - and is his first drink in the morning.

Apparently hitting the breast is to make the milk flow faster, Shahsham - I remember reading that on here when someone asked her verbal toddler why he did it - so I squeeze mine myself to produce milk faster since then (nicer than being hit!)

emmarose1991 · 23/06/2014 06:59

nutellalawson he has special bottles were the
Milk will not flow unless he sucks, I do think he stills gets more per suck though.

I feel a lot better now I've read everyones replies. Don't feel like I'm wasting my time so much. Sometimes just feel like your fighting a loosing battle with the formula!

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