Hi everyone,

My lo is just over three week and i have been breastfeeding from day one, with problems at the start, but was so happy that we had both sorted it, and were doing great. over the past week, my lo as been feeding off both breasts then crying the house down wanting more, but my breast felt eamty. My mil told me to top her up with bottle milk, which i had in just in case i had a problem like this. i top her up with 2oz to 4oz, then she settles straight away, i will say she is settling better then she did on breast milk.
Is it ok to top up with bottle milk? and is it something i am doing way she is not getting enough?

Thanks Helen

[Modified by: pink h on 01 December 2008 12:43:48 ]

It's fine to top up with bottle milk, my health visitor recommended it to me when my lo is having hungrydays and i can't keep up! Eventually your supply will catch up - you're only three weeks in, and if topping up keeps you breastfeeding for longer, i say go for it xxx

I do this with formula as my little one ( 3 months next week) has been unsettled for the last week or so, even refusing my boob on some occasions.

If you are keen to keep b'feeding and want to up your supply then try expressing for about 10 mins or so after a feed, you may not get anything but you are stimulating the breast so will eventually make more milk. If you keep using formula (if you are) your supply will just stay the same or even decrease if you use it more often.

I am now mix feeding as my little one is just to hungry and I cant keep up, I feed from the breast till she gets fussy (10 mins or so) then give her between 2-4oz just like your lo and she is much more settled.

Good luck hun xx

hi helen
just want to say congrats for getting his far, i went through exactly the same as you at 3 weeks, was so upset that libby seemed not to be getting enough milk, i spoke to a breat feeding support group and they were great, said it's hard but it's baby going through a growth spurt and it's nature's way of increasing your milk supply to satisfy them. It was hard but i stuck it out and didn't top her up with formula and eventually it did pass but i know how hard it is so if it works for you go for it but like amy says express as much if you can to ensure you don't lose your supply. em x

hi there hun,i gonna say the same as the others really.If topping up helps and means u continue to bf for longer then thats gr8 but do be aware that if you do it for a long period of time your body will not produce the amount of milk your baby needs as she grows.It is probably a growth spurt and it can be really hard but it does pass and it does get easier.Good luck you r doing a great job,hanna n grace xxx