Mixed feeding from birth

[BigCatFace]

Hey,

Just wondering if anyone has done mixed feeding from birth and how it's affected their milk supply?

I have bipolar disorder and it means that after birth I'm going to be spending 5 days on the postnatal ward getting rest. They would like my husband to do night feeds so I can sleep, but obviously, he doesn't make milk. I am really worried that doing mixed feeding from the beginning is going to mean I can't breastfeed, and apparently can't pump before 6 weeks.

I'm a first time mum so really new to this- any advice appreciated.

Thank you

EATmum - I think you are missing the point slightly. Yes, mixed feeding can be a great option. It is, in reality, the way the majority of bf babies are fed in this country. It can work really, really well. I don't think anyone on this thread has talked as if a 'bit of formula' is a forbidden topic. The issue here is the very specific one of planning not to do any night feeds. That is for massively important health reasons, but in terms of potential issues it is rather different to someone who chooses to add x number of bottles spaced through the day and night.

If you really want to bf, be aware that you can express colostrum into a syringe and freeze it in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Then your DH can feed it to the baby while you rest. like many others have said though, there is no substitute for real life BF support in a situation like this - your health and your wishes will both be taken seriously.

Hi,

I can't pretend to be an expert in mental health but unless there's a specific reason relating to your situation, I'm not sure why they've said no pumping for the first 6 weeks. I started pumping as soon as my milk came in.

I'm fortunate enough not to have MH issues but I did have supply issues in the beginning and was forced to mix-feed from 2 weeks onwards.

My daughter will be 2 in January and I am still breastfeeding (in combination with a bottle - which we'll have to stop soon!). Admittedly, I did do night feeds (in fact, every feed consisted of both bm and formula), and I think those are quite important for your supply, but rest assured you can mix-feed successfully.

The most important thing is not to put yourself under too much pressure - your health is the highest priority. And don't feel bad if you decide bf is not for you - I hope I don't come across as patronising but I think you are a really brave, strong person for wanting to give it a go under the circumstances.
Good luck x

I mix fed from a week to around 9 months - my milk never fully came in but tbh it had dwindled to almost nothing by the end - a combination of supply and finding formula easier so there not being the demand to draw down a bigger supply. I liked breast feeding but always had the attitude as long as my mini was fed I didn't mind how!

Hi, big cat Face, I know this is a long shot as you initially posted 4years ago now! I am in the same boat as you, I have bipolar, under the perinatal team, and wanting to try mixed feeding, so I was just wondering how you got on??