8 mth DD - I don't think I've got enough milk - will it be really bad to introduce some formula for the first time?

[whattheheck]

DD is 8 months, have bfed her up to now but I think my supply must have gone down. Complicating factor - am 8 weeks pregnant, she has been ill and I think is now teething but wants to nurse all the time. Fed at 1am,4am, 5am and 6am today and I just don't think is enough there for her. Would it be so very very bad to do evening or dreamfeed as formula? Or will I undo all the good I have done?

As I understand it, the lining of the gut which is initially permeable to let the good stuff in BM through, will have sealed by 6 months and therefore they're able to deal with other foods - solids or formula - without affecting this.

I wouldn't rush into offering formula but I'm about 6 weeks pregnant and am noticing that DS (21mo) doesn't seem to be getting as much milk as he was so I can sympathise with that. If you feel like she needs the milk and isn't interested in upping her solids to make up for it, then I don't see why not.

Of course you won't undo the good you have done! She is 8 months old, presumably having solids including cow's-milk products like yogurt and cheese? Some formula will not do her any harm at all.

Having said that, if you want to keep on breastfeeding her, giving her formula will not help with any supply issues you may have. It's possibly that she wasn't having as much while she was ill and this has led to a decrease in your supply, or that your supply is fine but she is just more in need of comfort and feeding more frequently at the moment.

Whatever the reason, you must be exhausted. Could your dh/dp do any night feeds necessary with formula for a couple of days, and then see how you feel?

not an expert, but i would say that your supply is probably absolutely fine, but if your DD has been ill, is probably wnating to nurse more for comfort, rather than because she is not getting any milk. it might well settle down when she is feeling better and the teething calms down

at this stage, i don't think a bottle of formula would impact your supply too much, but again, teh pregnancy might be affecting things too,but it should be ok to feed all the way through and tandem feed if you want to

maybe see how it goes for another few days and if she is still feeding lots in the night, look at offering a bottle?

i think you are right lulu it may be comfort but it is exhausting....

just one night off feels like the biggest wish fulfilment in the world. I am on my knees.....will ask dh

no doubt ! in that case go for it! hope you are feeling refreshed soon x

DH gave her a bottle last night at 11 and she slept through til 5 when she had a feed then went back to sleep til 7.30....

oh it was lovely....