I have been on mumsnet for a number of years now and although many Mnetters have successfully combined breast and bottle, I have noticed that the vast majority of mums who do it end up exclusively formula feeding.
I just wondered how formula top-up end up being introduced. It is always on professionals' advice? Do mums buy formula 'just in case' or do they end up finding a 24 hour supermarket in the middle of the night through desperation.
When I trained as a midwife mums were given a tin of formula home just incase they needed it. That was shown to seriously undermine breastfeeding and was stopped.
I read often of babies being offered formula after a breastfeed and baby 'wolfing it down'. They will. A baby stuffed with breastmilk will always drink formula when offered (when they take a teat that is) because it is something different. It is the same as us suddenly finding room after the maincourse when a sweet arrives. We don't necessarily need it because we are hungry - we make room for it because it is different.
I think it is so sad when women introduce formula because they feel their supply is anadequate. More ofetn that not there is nothing wrong with milk supply. Yes there are times when formula is needed to help mums and babies through a crisis but steps need to be taken early on to improve milk supply. Poor positioning, low milk supply and painful nipples go hand in hand. The cure is not formula - the cure is correcting the latch which will mean that the baby gets more milk and stimulated better milk production.
There is a myth that women have less milk in the evenings. That is not true. Babies tend to cluster feed in the evening because they like it. Mums are usually tired by this time of the day and 'feel' they have no milk. That is the time that partners, friends family can play a part by giving mum a break. Also womrn should try to go to bed earlier but they don't. Especially when you have toddlers throughout the day, you relish some hours of peace at night. However, early nights for those few early weeks could help prevent the build up of sleep deprivation so often described.
My philosophy was always if baby was crying, had a clean nappy, give them the breast. No timing, no clock watching. If I had other things to do then DH was handed baby if he was there. If not, babe got 'shoogled' in a pram. My 4th baby hardly ever got an uninterrupted feed. She got one boob, popped in a car seat to take brothers to nursery, play group etc. When I had time she got the other side. What a difference to my first baby who was permanently latched. No time for that when you are running around after a toddler. However, in the evening when toddlers were in bed I sat with babe latched while watching my favourite telly programmes.
I don't know the answer. I think the main problem is lack of confidence in our own body's ability. You can't knit that. It takes time but unfortunately the introduction of formula can be the kiss of death.
Sorry for this long post - was just thinking about it all as i did the ironing. Have slipped up this week and let the washing pile up. Need to get back on track...