Breast-feeding plus a little porrige or formula instead?

Question

My baby is now 16 weeks old and has been mostly breast-fed since birth.

She eats every 2 hours and I am drained by breast-feeding as my let-down is really slow and each session takes 30 minutes, sometimes more, added to which my baby now has decided she will only breast-feed lying down and screams until she is in that position

I have introduced a bottle of formula a day in the last couple of weeks, and yesterday she had two bottles

Now she is pushing and pushing, crying all day, probably a bit constipated from the formula

So my question is -

Would it be better to introduce a little oat porridge now (as it's less constipating than rice, she has always had problems with pushing out poo, despite it always being of a very runny consistency)

Or would I be better off sticking with formula and waiting on the oats?

Are oats very constipating?

I really need a break from this endless breast-feeding - she wakes 4 or 5 times a night and spends much of it pushing with her tummy in spasms, as she gulps air on both the breast and bottle

I am at my wits end with it all, any thoughts gratefully received but please spare me the 6 month no-solids lecture, I was fed from 1 week old, so was my brother and no ill -effects

Answer 1

You could try giving her some cooled,boiled water and gripe water to help her constipation. Also, I'd maybe try a different brand of formula as some can cause constipation (SMA White is most known for this, I'd recommend Aptamil). If that fails, then go ahead with the oats.

Good luck.

Answer 2

firstly GOD!  Aren't people judgemental!!?!?!!?

We all know that breast is best blah blah but for goodness sake!!  You've done really well to get to 16 weeks.  Breastfeeding IS draining, particularly if it isn't going well.

oh yes and you are NOT being selfish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

You have to do what is right for your baby AND what is right for you!  A tired, crabby mummy isn't best for baby now is it?!!?!

you could try giving her a bit of water if she is on some formula, my little boy took a while to get used to it but loves it now.  Even if she will take one or two sips, it's better than nothing and will help with the poos.

Have you tried expressing a little at the beginning of a feed, just to get your let down going? - just a thought

I cut down on the breast feeding and went over to formula gradually from about 16 weeks because DS was so hungry and he was SO much more settled once I did!  He was like a completely different baby, happier, less hungry, slept better etc etc

Also, DS's wind problems seemed to sort themselves out around that time.  I winded him after breast and bottle until I got at least 2 big burps up and that seemed to do the trick, otherwise at night we were up every half hour or so with him screaming in agony.  not good.

I started him on baby rice at 20 weeks which he took to really well and onto veg a week after that.  He hasn't looked back and seems a lot happier in himself.

I would try the HV (good luck!) and see what they say.  the other thing to try is cranial osteopathy or a homeopath.  DS had cranial osteopathy as did another friend's DD for windy p**p type problems and it did both of them (and therefore us!) the power of good.  I would really recommend it.

good luck!

Answer 3

Well, first off... congrats on successfully breastfeeding :-)...

My daughter is 5 months... and is the same way!!! I started her on oatmeal cereal at 4 months, and she did really well on it!!!! No constipation... but every baby is different!!!  

Answer 4

Keep breastfeeding, I know that's not what you want to hear but I think you are being selfish.

"Now she is pushing and pushing, crying all day, probably a bit constipated from the formula"

I called you selfish because you have the ability to make her better but you "really need a break from this endless breast-feeding"  She probably really needs a break from this constipation and you have the means to end it and you won't.  That's why I called you selfish because you are putting your needs in front of your daughters.

Answer 5

No one said breastfeeding is easy but its the best!

If she is constipated and uncomfortable try giving her fennel tea and drinking it yourself its great for settling stomachs.

If she is suffering from the bottles then surely you arent getting any rest and would maybe be better going back to breast all the time?

The length of time of feeds and amount of times she feeds sounds normal for a breast fed baby.

Mum of 3 breastfed babies.

Answer 6

I weaned my son at 16 weeks he was on 3 meals a day by 5 months and eats very well now feeds himself I am still breast feeding  he used to feed for and hour at a time but only every 3-4 hours. I would start weaning if she seems hungry all the time and I would ask your HV its there job to help you .

good luck  

Answer 7

Just formula will be fine! Wait on the oats till she is used to the formula...don't listen to that rude weirdo who called you sefish! What a cheek! You've given the baby the best start and now your baby deserves a happy and stress free Mummy.

Answer 8

I'd still not try not to wean onto solids before 17 weeks as her little system is not ready.  I didn't show any effects from being weaned too early until my early thirties - now I've got IBS and my sister has collitis.  

Are you using breast feeding as a way of soothing her to put her to sleep?  I made this error and ended up breast feeding all the time.  I did a little bit of controlled crying (I know I will get thumbs down for this as there are so many martyrs out there but some of us can't cope without our sleep) but it saved the day (google Sleep Sense Programme).  We got onto a breast feed every 3 - 3 1/2 hours and I got to sleep through the night as baby could sooth herself without needing me to feed her.  

PS A little cooled boiled water might help with constipation.

Answer 9

It sounds to me like your baby and yourself would be better off getting qualified help so you could move past whatever the real problem is.  Possibly overactive letdown, possible a poor latch making breastfeeding take longer, possibly painful reflux, possibly pain from thrush/yeast.

The fact that she is gulping air during breastfeeding sounds like either she has a poor latch or you have an overactive letdown.  Sidelying is the best position for overactive letdown as well.

If its runny it isn't constipation.  It is normal for babies to grunt and push.  However the fact that she is having a lot of trouble again brings us back to: improper latch meaning she isn't getting enough fatty hindmilk or overactive letdown meaning she isn't getting enough fatty hindmilk.  Or because formula makes is worse a milk protein allergy to the cow's milk protein in your milk from your diet and in the formula.

There is so much more to your story, I am sure.  There are so many more things I would need to know to help you find the problem.  But while I could ask a million questions on here, and I have done for some women and am willing to go through it again; the simple fact is help is easier and more effective in person.

What Are Baby's Stools Supposed to Look Like and How Often Should Baby Wet?

http://www.mother-2-mother.com/normal.ht...

The Importance of Newborn Stool Counts

http://www.llli.org//llleaderweb/LV/LVDe...

http://www.umc-cares.org/health_info/art...

. It is important to know, however, that almost all infants grunt, groan and turn red at this moment. Remember, they have to p**p while lying down, without the assistance of gravity. Therefore, if they seem to have a hard time passing, but what comes out is soft, it is most likely to be normal.

http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/gas...

Some causes of gas in babies

    * Many young babies have a certain amount of gas and seem to strain as it is passed or as a bowel movement occurs simply because of the immaturity of their digestive system. This doesn't always indicate a problem. Most babies' bodies manage gas more easily with growth, maturity, and greater activity. As long as your baby is not overly bothered by the gas or has no other symptoms of food sensitivity or other problems, then "tincture of time" is likely the best solution.

    * Too much milk too fast, so that baby gulps and chokes and takes in too much air along with the milk. See forceful let-down.

    * Anything that causes baby to take in too much air may result in a gassy baby (what goes in must come out!):

          o Crying - Babies swallow air when they are crying, so crying is more likely to be the cause of gas, rather than the result of gas. Respond to baby's feeding cues promptly.

          o Bottlefeeding - Babies usually swallow more air when drinking from a bottle. When using bottles, use the slowest-flow nipples so baby doesn't get overwhelmed with the milk flow. To reduce air swallowing, keep baby at about a 45 degree angle (rather than lying down), make sure baby has a good seal on the base of the nipple, and keep the bottle tilted so the neck & nipple are filled with milk. There are also varieties of bottles that aim to reduce air swallowing. Don't let baby suck on an empty bottle. Burp baby more often if he seems to be swallowing too much air.

    * Overabundant milk supply. See Too Much Milk?

    * Thrush can cause gassiness in babies.

    * Babies who skip several days between stools tend to be gassier. Older breastfed babies (after the first 6-8 weeks) can go several days without a stool. Ten days or more is not uncommon! The long periods between stools in a baby who is obviously thriving is not a cause for concern if the baby's abdomen remains soft, baby is content and alert, and the stool is soft and profuse if several days have gone by.

    * Sensitivity to something in mother's diet, including any vitamin/iron supplements, etc. See Dairy and other Food Sensitivities in Breastfed Babies. If this is the reason, you will most likely notice other symptoms, such as excessive spitting up or vomiting, colic, diarrhea, rash, persistent congestion or runny nose.

    * Anything that baby is eating/drinking other than mother's milk, including vitamins, formula, teas, medications or herbs, solids, juice. Any substance (other than breastmilk) has a much greater potential to increase gassiness rather than reduce it.

    * Formula feeding tends to cause more gas and digestive upset for most babies because it is not specific to the human baby. Formula-fed babies overall tend to spit up more, be constipated more, have more gas, be more colicky, have more intestinal illnesses, etc. Remember, too, that supplementation most always undermines your milk supply and may result in premature weaning.

http://www.askdrsears.com/faq/fit3.asp

You might argue, "Well, my kids started solid foods at three weeks, and they turned out just fine." The truth is, very few adults have perfectly working digestive tracts. Just look at all the commercials for heartburn remedies and stool softeners... "ever feel gassy and bloated after a meal?"

Answer 10

She is old enough for cereal so the oats should be fine.  I gave my son some right before bed to hold him over and right when he would get up in the morning.  Also maybe try to give about 2 oz of water a day to help with the constipation.  They say that the baby won't need water at that age especially if you are breastfeeding because it is empty calories but it won't harm the baby so its fine.  

Answer 11

u can breast feed and bottle feed at same time  but never give a baby cereal til its 5 or 6 months old  could cause problems.

As for constapation problem  ur docter should be able to give u ideas  like mine told me to *** a lil bit of brown sugar to her formula nothing else  and of course u need to let them drink water it hellp flush them out !  and used non iron based formula

Answer 12

I really don't know to much about the oat thing but my only suggestion is the bottles you maybe using I myself nurse my almost 3 month old as well as give her formula and I use the PLAYTEX DROP-IN type bottle that way I know she isn't going to get any air because you push all the air out before you give it to them and repeat during feeding also the formula I use is ENFAMIL  LIPIL  it is the closest formula to breast milk.  My daughter also pretty much sleeps through out the night as well. Another thing if your milk supply is low go by your local organic store and pick up some FENUGREEK seed capsules a Nature's Way product. In about 48-72 hrs your milik supply will increase. I don't know if any of my information will help but just remember you are a loving mother and try not to get to upset you just love her and want her to be happy don't forget the RIDING THE BICYCLE MOVES WITH HER LEGS when she poos(my girl face is lobster colored when she goes, she gets so mad) just let her know it's okay and help her ride the bike. GOOD LUCK

Answer 13

hi

well done for breastfeeding! You have done such a good job. I know it is tiring- i also had one who liked doing it lying down! lol

I would proceed to weaning at this stage- 8 years ago i was told to wean from 12 weeks. and infact i introduced baby rice at 10 weeks as i was so shattered from this constant feeding!!! She refused a bottle completely- even with expressed milk!- so it was never an option.

I found solids did settle her down a lot, but she loved feeding and i breatfed her for *years* (seriously) but not all the time of course! The solds helped a LOT.

I would use baby rice & puree fruits (pear is good) as that helps with constipation no end, and you could give her a cooled boiled water to drink with a little prune juice if she will drink it so constipation will never be a problem again!

My daughter took to yoghurts at about 20 weeks, so she did need the prune juice as she had about 3 a day.

I know there is lots of reading about delaying weaning & what you should give, so you may prefer to follow professional advice but you need to understand these facts & figuers are guides and change regularly- i was given 3 different sets of advice for my 3 chidren and of course our parents did things differently and we 'all grew up fine'.

As ideally a baby should not consume ANYTHING but breastmilk i dont think it matters to move to oats if you have already started formula...good luck!

Answer 14

There are pros and cons to both.  Formula has a higher potential for allergy (milk is a major allergy), but is more nutritious.  If I were in the position of needing to supplement a baby this age, I would probably go with a little formula rather than starting solids this early.

(If she is having trouble with the formula, try a different one, maybe a hypoallergenic.)  

Answer 15

Possibly not all that helpful, but have you tried those Doctor Browns bottles for the formula feeds? They are meant to be helpful in not allowing the air gulp thing you describe. I fed my babies too, one exclusively til 4 months, by which time she stopped gaining weight and in came the formula milk, with a couple of breast feeds each day until about 6 months old. The other I fed until 6 months, stopping due to him biting me! Ouch. Anyway, what I wanted to say was that you will have done your baby the world of good by breast feeding for this long. I know they say 6 months but you are important too, and if you need to take a break from all the breast feeding then you mustn't feel guilty about that.

I too had to feed frequently, on the hour every hour, including night times, so I know how tired you must be. Thing is, we're all different, mums and babies. If you feel you want to add in the oats to try, then do it. Have you tried giving your baby cooled boiled water to drink too? It will help with any constipation problems.

I am sure you know all too well, the benefits of breast feeding, boosting immunity, less infections etc, but you're doing very well. Don't feel bad about wanting to ease things for yourself. Go with your instinct, I think us mums often do know best when it comes to our own children.

And good luck.

Answer 16

i have a 4 1/2 month old that just went to the doctor. his mom has been breast feeding for the entire time but we introduced 8oz of formula a day by the 2 month mark. and then increased if from there. for the past 2 months he has been mostly on formula with only one breast feeding before bed. the doctors told us to start putting solids into his diet now at 4 months.  they did recommend the rice cereal as the body normally accepts it better than grain and oats so yeah i'd say start putting some solids in and start weaning off the breast by using a bottle she may still want to be in the laying down position. also try using an "AVENT" brand bottle very good about releasing air before it gets to the nipple.

Answer 17

When she HAS a bowel movement, what does it look like? It should be like peanut butter.

You need to speak with your doc about this. You may need to contact the lactation consultant at the hospital where you gave birth. There is usually no charge for this service.

We are taught in nursing school that breast is best, but formula can be necessary. We are also taught to NOT give cereals until at least 6 months because of allergy issues.

It really sounds like you need some help with the breast-feeding. Lots of mother's do, but not all are smart or courageous enough to just ask for help. I hope you do.

The "endless" breast-feeding" can be remedied. Remember, it gets better. It will not ALWAYS be like this.

Good luck and best wishes.

Going poo is a new experience for babies. The pushing you describe is likely the norm. I know my son did and he was breastfed. If the poo isn't thicker than peanut butter, it is doubtful she is constipated. The gulping on air is probably making her gassy. This may be a latching issue.

It REALLY sounds like you need a break. I remember what it was like for me, I had NO ONE to help. Is there ANYONE who could watch over your daughter while you get away for an hour or so?

http://www.llli.org/NB/NBmilksupplyissue...

Answer 18

I have a birth defect and was unable to breastfeed my daughter.  As a result she had terrible constipation from the formulas she was given.  I switched brands many times and found the ones that have the most broken down proteins work by far the best.  Try Nestle's Good Start.

Answer 19

The fact that there were no ill effects from you being fed solids young doesn't mean it's safe.  I crossed the street a few times while I was a child without looking both ways and I had no ill effects...does that mean it's safe?  No, it's means I was lucky, and so were you and your brother.

Solids should not be given until 6 months, 4 months at the absolute minimum.  Considering that there are 4-1/2 weeks in each month, your baby is not yet 4 months.  And 4 months is the absolute earliest, and it's better to wait until 6 months.

Why do you need a break from breastfeeding?  Isn't this what you signed on for when you decided to have a child?  I don't mean to be rude, but as a mom, you have an obligation to keep your child happy and healthy.  Your current formula use is not doing that.  

Keep in mind that your child will begin weaning herself in a short while.  Don't push it!  This time will be over in a flash and you will miss it later!