One bottle a day; EBM vs formula

[catinboots]

DS2 is 7 weeks old and breastfeeding like a trooper. Luckily for me I've found BF straightforward with both DCs. Sadly, I HAVE to introduce 1 bottle a day fairly soon as I have to return to work part time. I tried expressing milk with DS1 and found it frustrating and labourious. The time and effort put in just didn't match the amount of milk I was getting!! What are the disadvantages of using formula once a day as opposed to EBM??
Advice much appreciated...

I don't think there are any disadvantages to using just 1 bottle of formula a day catinboots but don't rule out expressing altogether. It may have been the pump you were using/time of day you expressed etc. Talk to your hv, you may be able to try some different types to find one that is more efficient for you. xxx

You might also find that the volume you are expressing is perfectly fine - 'portions' of EBM and formula are not equal in volume, there is a lot of wastage in formula what you don't have with EBM.

I assumed by the time DD was 8 months I'd be knocking out 10oz at a time, which didn't happen - just as well, or my cup size would have been phenomenal! Breastmilk becomes more concentrated/tailored to your baby and the age they are.

I also found that I have to build up an 'extra' feed to express efficiently i.e. pump at the same time every day for at least 3 days so there is more milk there to be taken off.

My understanding is that for some women, dropping a feed can mean BF is at risk of being undermined so expressing would avoid this as demand is being maintained. Not the case for everyone it would appear but 7 weeks is early doors so my priority would be to protect my supply and express.

I needed to express during the day at work otherwise I'd get really uncomfortable.

I would try a different pump and just express when getting full because of being away from your baby. This way your supply is maintained and you'll have some EBM to give then next day. If you don't get quite enough, you can always top up with formula.

It is laborious at first, it took me weeks to get any decent amount- I was amazed the first time I managed 4oz. I never managed much more than that in one go (would get bored as I had a rubbish hand pump, am getting an electric pump next time).

You could also post again asking for expressing tips/ pump recommendations.

Good luck.

catinboots, I agreee with the others that exprssing can be easier and more productive at different times of the day, it took me a week or so to experiment and find the best time; after breakfast for me.

I believe there is something about the virgin gut and introducing even one bottle of formula can change that but hopefully someone wit hmopre knowledge can explain that. But you have to do whta is best for you all and majority bf is definitely great for your baby if you can.

good luck back at work, i hope you find a solution that works for you.

i found this?