I am exclusively breastfeeding, but my supply is trying to keep up. Can I substitute one feeding with formula?

Question

My baby is going on 10 weeks. I work 8 hours a day and I pump twice while I am at work. I leave 5 bottles (2 with 2 ounces/3 with 3 ounces). My husband said that she is still hungry after every feeding, but I can't keep up with her. Is it ok to give her some formula while I am at work to give her some extra until I can get my supply up? I pump at home but she is wanting more and I want to make sure it is ok to give her a little formula as long as I pump when I get home?

Answer 1

Yes, that's fine. You can even add a little cereal to the breast milk. Because breast milk is thinner than formula, it will take more and more to become full. I used to add a little bit of baby food as well with the breast milk. You will need to make the hole in the bottle nipple a little bit bigger for her to be able to suck it through. If you use the cereal make sure id dissolves well so it doesn't get stuck through the hole. Good luck!! :)  

Answer 2

I don't think it can harm, but if you do that, your body will not get used to producing more food. Once the baby is 3 months old, 10 ounces will be good for 1 feeding. Talk to a lactation consultant, it is the one thing I didn't try and unfortunately my breastfeeding failed. If your baby demands more milk, your body should be able to produce it, given it has the chance.

Answer 3

I did and it didn't harm my supply one bit. as long as you are pumping for that one feeding then you should be okay. Maybe you should try to get more from a pumping. Like 4 ounces. She just might be hungry. So up her amount. And remember when your pumping you should try to empty both b*****s completely. But it never hurt my supply.

Answer 4

If you pump less, then your supply will decrease.  If you plan on using formula to supplement, then make sure you are pumping to make up for that.

Answer 5

ys it will be fine to give her some formula throughout the day

Answer 6

If you need to suppliment feedings with formula  go for it, no one will look down on you for it and if they do.oh well. I did a combinationn of both for my first child and straight pumping for my second as she wouldnt latch. You still get to bond, or you could talk to your lactaion nurse and see if theres a way to get stimulation to keep producing milk but just pump and  feed baby that way. Pumping does stimulate milk production I was told and according to a Lactation nurse my dad works with its still right. Also my nurses said cause my kids where both hungery eaters to give a little bit of rice cereal in their bottles to help fill the tummy up a bit more. Worked for mine, but ask your docs and nurses first to be sure. Good luck

Answer 7

You can even mix the formula in with the breast milk.  It dosent hurt them but formula tastes different, so mix if your baby does not like it!