Combi-feeding

[KateTTC123]

My ds was born 11 weeks early so was tube fed expressed milk, then bottle fed by the nurses with expressed milk, then bottle and breast fed at home with expressed milk until 6 months before changing to formula. He never had any issues with teat confusion and the nurses assured me that he wouldn't.
This time (if I make it to term!) I really want to mostly breastfeed but also would like to give baby 1 bottle of formula a day at bedtime to help with sleep, give Dad a chance to join in and get her used to bottles so I can have a break and/or get her to stop breastfeeding easily.
I know all the stats about exclusivly breastfeeding etc but tbh there are no stats on combi-feeding because the ratios of breast to bottle vary so much from baby to baby so I'm happy with my choice.
Any advice on when to start introducing a bottle? I feel totally out at sea as my expert with dc1 was so different because of his prematurity (and the fact that he was allergic to both soy and dairy, had prescribed formula and needed meds several times a day!) Thanks!

I had to combi feed DS from 6 weeks as he fell to below his birth weight - horrific 😢 But he was getting the odd expressed bottle from 10 days old so was used with the teat. Moving onto mix with formula at 6 weeks was s breeze. My friend introduced the night formula feed with her DS from 3 weeks. I personally wouldn't want to leave it much longer than that as each baby is different and some could refuse the bottle if too fond of breast. Unless you try expressed bottle early on so when you move to formula the bottle is fine.

Also thoughts that I'm having after the issues with DS (I've told HV I want dc2 weighed regularly so weight loss/low supply isn't missed)

3 weeks sounds good. Worried about messing up supply etc as last time I was pumping for months until he could take the breast so it's all so new to me!
I just have a few friends who's almost 2 year olds are showing no signs of coming off the breast and have always refused a bottle; would be fine if thats what the mum's had chosen but both are back at work and babies still waking up in the night a lot, which is really tough.
How far along are you?
I'm also going to use dummys again. Last time I thought I wouldn't; most of my mum friends don't, but ds was given one in the nicu to help him breathe and learn to suck (we weren't asked) and it's been a godsend! He still has it to go to sleep at night but it really helped with calming him and sleep I think.

Yes couple of friends back to work and their 1 year olds wouldn't take bottle at creche or formula from a cup. I think official advice is EBF for 6 weeks to establish supply but I'd like to have bottle teat introduced before that even if its expressed milk.

I'm 36+3 today! I've bought the aptamil starter pack it's dated to July so I'll not have to rush into it if BF actually goes well this time.

I had blood transfusion last time - they're only telling me 6 years later that's what probably affected my supply

DS had silent reflux and the dummy was great couldn't have been without it especially soothing for sleep. He loved Nuk. I've Nuk and Mam to try this time. How far are you?

Blood transfusion affects supply?? No one told me that either!

I combi fed last time from the start as baby had jaundice but I don't think my supply ever got fully established and we tailed off at three months. Hoping to last a bit longer this time round but will absolutely be combi feeding - following for hints and tips!

Hi! I've mixed fed one baby, then ebf two (one still going as he's only 4 months). With DD she ended up being fully formula fed because she refused the breast. I think the mistake I made with her was to size up to the next teat so the milk was coming out faster! DS1 refused a bottle and it took a lot of perseverance to get him to take one. I've just discovered for DS2 that lansinoh make bottles which mimic breastfeeding so he's taken to them without an issue. I'd maybe wait a month before subbing in a bottle to make sure your supply is established. I'd also avoid missing night feeds initially as this is when babies feed most to start with to stimulate your supply!

My milk took a week to drop after having my DD so we had to combi feed from the start really. I was conflicted about this but in the end the midwives advised it. My wee girl is thriving. Do what you feel is right for you x

@Angel i am 29 and 4 today. My ds was born at 29 and 5 so today is a very anxious day tbh!
Yeah he had silent reflux too; it's a tough one! He would only take his ranitadine when mixed with milk so he had at least 3 small bottles of expressed milk a day for that reason.
Mam was great for us too; definetly using again!

Following as I want to try and mix feed too. First timer here.