EBF.... help how to introduce 1 bottle of formula a day

[Sesamechick]

Hi,

Hope someone can advise please.
Baby #4 is 13 weeks old and not gaining. He is very petite and this breastfeeding journey has been very difficult and painful from day 1. I've had the cuts, the bleeding, Mastitis and currently on thrush for the fourth time. My other kids I breastfed for 2.5years and it was straightforward.

This has been incredibly difficult decision to make and we have seen so many Lactation consultants etc

We are going to offer him 1 bottle a day while continuing to breastfeeding.
I don't know how and when..do I nurse him first then offer bottle? Bottle first then nurse?

Usually by bedtime , he has a feed, bath, feed with storytime with my other kids and then bed.

What's the best way to do this please?

Thanks x

a lot of mums have success with introducing it slowly and not as a ‘feed’ as such. Start with an oz here or there during the day to get them used to the bottle and the taste. You can also mix formula and breastmilk together to help with the taste if you want.

Personally I’d avoid a bed time bottle as your breastmilk has sleep hormones and the act of feeding also sends them to sleep. Plus, if they don’t like the formula or it doesn’t digest as well it won’t be at bed time.

If they like the bottle you can swap out a day feed for the bottle.

they can also take milk from an open cup if they struggle with the bottle.

We had the best results offering the bottle when LO was slightly hungry. Waiting until she was really hungry didn’t work. It was usually about 2 hours after her last feed. It also helped if we dipped the teat in breast milk.

@Fivemoreminutes1 @Twizbe

Thank you both so much. Really appreciate your help and advice.
He is okay with a bottle because I pumped a little in the beginning but I hated pumping!
I'll try during the day to replace a feed slowly with formula and see how he gets on!

Thank you again x