Formula, but sometimes breast?

[pestopot]

Hi! Bit of a weird one.
I have to formula feed for various reasons.
But while I make up the bottle, is it okay to give my baby the boob as a sort of distraction? I know very little will be coming out of them, but does anyone do anything similar to this? Like a comfort thing or something for them? Or if you formula feed as opposed to breast or combination feeding, can you not use your breasts in any way?
Thanks!

If it works for you, there's nothing wrong with it. It's the same mechanism as a dummy, really.

Yes, a lot of people comfort nurse if they can't breastfeed fully.

If you want to breastfeed but have a very low supply, have you had a look at supplementary nursing systems? I produce very little milk so my baby has to be fully formula fed, but he has all his feeds at the breast instead of a bottle. So he gets the tiny tiny minuscule amount of milk I do make, plus all the other lovely benefits of breastfeeding, but he won't starve. I do often put him on the breast for comfort at other times as well.

If it's something you're interested in, Medela make one or you can make your own with a feeding tube and any bottle.

@addler

Yes, a lot of people comfort nurse if they can't breastfeed fully.

If you want to breastfeed but have a very low supply, have you had a look at supplementary nursing systems? I produce very little milk so my baby has to be fully formula fed, but he has all his feeds at the breast instead of a bottle. So he gets the tiny tiny minuscule amount of milk I do make, plus all the other lovely benefits of breastfeeding, but he won't starve. I do often put him on the breast for comfort at other times as well.

If it's something you're interested in, Medela make one or you can make your own with a feeding tube and any bottle.

Ah I'm so glad to hear that! Happy to hear that something like what I'm thinking exists! :-)

It's really cool, and I do suggest it as something to think about on a lot of threads because I've met so many mothers who couldn't breastfeed when they wanted to and they didn't know anything like this existed.

It definitely takes a bit of getting used to, but there are lots of tips and tricks on Google. But I love it, I'm so glad it exists and I'm able to feed him this way. The best of both worlds when I don't have enough of my own milk for my baby!

@addler

It's really cool, and I do suggest it as something to think about on a lot of threads because I've met so many mothers who couldn't breastfeed when they wanted to and they didn't know anything like this existed.

It definitely takes a bit of getting used to, but there are lots of tips and tricks on Google. But I love it, I'm so glad it exists and I'm able to feed him this way. The best of both worlds when I don't have enough of my own milk for my baby!

That's so reassuring :-) Are you able to clarify any search terms I can use on google or point me to information? I'm struggling to find what I mean on there at the moment

This is the one Medela makes:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Medela-009-0005-Supplementary-Nutrition-System/dp/B00JZF8LHK/ref=mpssa111?dchild=1&keywords=medela+supplemental+nursing+system&qid=1612885172&sprefix=medela+su&sr=8-1

Here are some tips:

milkandmotherhood.com/2019/06/top-tips-for-using-an-sns.html

watanabe.fastmail.jp/sns.html

www.adelejarrettkerr.com/practical-tips-for-using-a-supplemental-nursing-system-sns/

You can try Googling 'supply line breastfeeding' 'supplemental nursing system' or 'at breast supplementation'.

There's also a Facebook group called supply line feeders of Australia, it is full of experts and not just for Australia, anyone can join. There's also a Facebook group called IGT and low milk supply support group, again a huge wealth of information there and the members are always happy to answer questions.

And this is what it looks like:

I find it easier now to not use the necklace cord or the tape