Topping up breastmilk

[MonkeyTrap]

My baby is four months old and exclusively breastfed. He’s a big baby born 8lb (height rather than round although he’s solid). He’s been getting a little fussier in the evenings especially and not settling so well at the breast.

I have a niggling feeling that he’s hungry and that maybe I ought to supplement my breast milk with a bottle of formula but am worried that would be the beginning of the end.

He has plenty of wet and dirty nappies, he hasn’t been weighed since 6 weeks but I’m confident he’s a healthy weight.

I’m wondering if this is usual for his age?

You don't need to top up- your body will make enough milk following the demand your boy puts on it. Formula isn't more filling than breast milk, in fact breast milk is the most calorie dense food you can provide. 4 months is a big development stage and they do get fussy for a while and sleep can regress but it's just a phase. Well done on breastfeeding and trust nature!

Thanks Breaker, I do wonder if Ive just heard that he’s big and so he’ll be hungry once too often! My family are insistent he ought to start weaning but I’m waiting for advice from HV before starting earlier than recommended.

@MonkeyTrap defo don't start weaning ! If he won't settle topping up with formula is fine, I did with my DD she was 8LB 9 she still breastfed fine,it also helped her sleep through a bit longer x

Breastmilk works on a supply & demand basis - if you choose to top up you’ll be reducing your supply. If you follow the babies lead in terms of when they want feeding (could be a growth spurt) then your body will make more milk/more nutritionally dense milk etc. Just do whatever feels right though - he sounds like he’s doing great (& as for ‘helpful’ advice from well meaning relatives re weaning, just nod, smile & ignore!)

Nothing wrong with topping up, my DS is combi fed and it works really well for him. I’ve never had a problem with him going to the breast after a bottle. There’s also nothing wrong with weaning at 4 months, contrary to what many would have you believe! We’re weaning and both loving it! That being said, do what you feel is right for your baby.

HV has encouraged me to top up with formula due to slow weight gain with my 4 month old but I regret listening to her.

He’s not gained weight faster, he doesn’t sleep better, my supply has reduced and he has become more fussy when breastfeeding. I’ve only been giving 1 bottle on a night for 2 weeks.

I went for lunch with friends and their 4 month old babies and everyone of them were being fussy, crying and pulling away when breastfeeding. It must just be their age and they are so aware of what’s going on around them now. Try not to listen to other people, if his weight is ok. Keep going!!

If he's consistently big since birth it's your breastmilk that's done that and clearly he's well fed if he's growing so well. There's a lot going on for them at the 4 month mark, sleep regression etc. Just feed in demand and he should be fine once he's having enough wet and dirty nappies.

Thanks everyone for your replies

8 pounds really isn't that far from average op.

Do mixed feeding if you wish but don't feel like you have to due to his birth weight.

Young babies breastfeed regularly to help boost your supply. Don't be tricked into thinking something must be wrong. If your baby is putting on weight, healthy and producing lots of wet and dirty nappies then all is well imo.

Obviously I'm no expert. Talk to a healthcare professional if in doubt.

Good luck whatever your decision