Combination feeding/infant formula??

[Kilminchy123]

Hey guys,

I am pregnant with my second baby and do wish to breast feed, however I am very conscious of the effects on my toddler son and would love the option for dad to give baby a bottle (expressed or formula) depending on how I manage. I suffered quite badly with my mental health after my son and don’t want to put too much pressure on myself especially with the two of them and I don’t want to not be able to spend time alone with my son either because of breastfeeding etc .

so just wondering if any has opinions/suggestions?? I’d love to establish my supply before pumping and/or formula? Or is it best to introduce a bottle early??

also, any opinions on formula? I heard Kendamil is great (I used SMA with my son, based in Ireland)

thanks in advance

Get some support from la leche leagueto discuss your optiond. Some people can easily introduce bottles/formula early on, most people need 4-6 weeks to establish supply though so they have all their options. Re: not having 1:1 time with your toddler, that comes. I have 4 kids and EBFed them all, dad can just as easily cuddle the baby while you read to the older child, or they do tend to understand that you're feeding the baby while they cuddle in the other side, or at your tummy. Side lie feed in bed while your toddler cuddles into your back fir bed time, with an audio book. Honestly it's not as stressful as you think. Easier than compromising your milk supply with a "top up trap" early on, and being tied to the cost and hassle of making bottles.

Your eldest had the benefit of your 1:1 attention all this time, no reason the baby shouldn't take priority while your OH tires the toddler out and takes the lead. Just be open to your mindset changing when you have this tiny newborn in your arms. Exciting times! X

We introduced one bottle a day from week one with DD2, hadn't had an easy time with her latch once my milk came in unlike with DD1, so had to do expressed milk anyway for 48 hours. Had a loan pump from the hospital. Ardo calypso which I ended up buying myself from vinted and was really happy with it. We did one bottle a day initially then increased it as she got to six months as my DH was taking over the leave at that point. Was a mix of formula and breastmilk, when I went back to work I continued to pump for two months and breastfeed and stopped at 8 months.

I also worry about that but see my friends and also being a younger sibling 15 mo ths age gap and had 0 affect on my older sibling or any of my friends kids.
While baby nurses you can interact with toddler and even use a wrap and go hands free etc. Eaecially in the newborn stage wraps are the go to for my mates. They all have 3-5 kids each and no issues with bonding or alone time etc.

I'm breastfeeding and still spending plenty time with my son so don't worry about that