Bottles overtaking bf- can I go back?

[NumNumMum]

When my ds was 9wks I started giving a couple of formula top-ups per day. This increased as I Was frustrated with how long feeds took-(him nodding off etc) and worried he was'nt getting enough. Now he's 16weeks and he has 2 7oz bottles of first milk and 3 7oz bottles of second milk per day. I breast feed him first thing every morning and did feed him in the night when he woke, though that seldom happens now. If I try to feed him pre-bottle now, he will only for a minute or two then gets quite impatient and refuses to feed any more though I know milk is still there. I'm afraid that he's got used to the easy flow of bottles and can't be bothered with me now. I really don't want to be edged out of breastfeeding. I worry about my supply diminishing. Ideally, as he comes to be weaned, I would like to breastfeed more again, not less, maybe first thing, last thing and snacks, at least. What can I do? I don't want to loose it altogether.

Hi.....best thing is to call one of the bf lines and talk to someone about this.

It's possible to relactate (and you can google on relactation) but he's having a lot of formula .... you may have some milk left but honestly, I don't think there can be much because of the way the formula has increased over the weeks. The breastmilk dwindles when it is replaced with formula. So to bring it back you would need a lot of motivation, patience and a co-operative baby.

You will need to offer the breast to him many, many times a day - don't fight when he comes off, though.In addition, you will need to express as often as you can.

It's not so much the bottles he is used to, as the fact that the bottles are productive in a way that the breasts just aren't....and that's what you will need to work on!

Good luck!

Doesn't sound very promising. I still get that tingly "ready to feed" feeling frequently though. I suppose I was hoping if I could just hang in there... then when he weans and needs less formula he may be less impatient and hungry and bf more. Maybe give formula, solids and then finish with bf and build back up my supply? What about putting a little less in the bottle and then offering the breast after? Could this be possible or am I being unrealistic?

It's late, Num, so excuse brevity....but yes, put less in the bottle and put him to the breast, that's fine.

If you want to save your supply, you really have to act now! Don't wait until weaning....to be honest, I don't think you will have a supply to work with if you leave it any longer.

The main thing is frequent, effective removal of milk from the breasts.

PS You will have to go cautiously at reducing the formula - maybe get your HV to help you work on a plan.

Thanks, Tiktok. Things are made more difficult because wind makes it uncomfortable for him to lay down and feed, he struggles to get up. The shape and size of my breasts make it difficult to feed him in a more upright position. Seems circumstances are working against me. Will try though.