Hi IMs,
I'm due with baby number 1 in 3 weeks and would love to hear any experiences from mums who started to mix feed straight away or early on - by 'mix feed' I'm talking about breast feeding and bottle feeding expressed breast milk, not using formula.
My main concern is that I'm confused about how to pump without creating an oversupply, is there a secret to it? I'd love to hear how other mums have done it. The midwives I'm dealing with during my prenatal care are not very helpful, they are completely against bottle feeding and have made it very known.
Also, please don't think that I'm wanting to do this because I don't want to breast feed! My husband works away a lot and I want him to have some special bonding time before he heads away again after the birth :)
3 Replies
I think he can bond in other ways, bathtime, massage, daddy skin to skin cuddles.
Ive tried mix feeding as you described and breastfeeding is full on enough without also being pressured to be on a pump when babys not on boob. Especially if time with dad is kimited, i would go the least stressful way. If youre set on it, pump after a feed and then also pump when you feed that to baby thats the time baby would naturally be stimulating your supply and you dont want to go too long without especially early on. Honestly its really hars, nobody tells you how hard and full on and painful establishing breastfeeding is, i think thats why the midwives dont really agree with you messing arounf with it, the most important thing is to establish your supply and get breastfeedding working for you and baby, its really ok that this is only your thing, not dads, dont add stress or expectations to yourself
Good luck and enjoy
I expressed to feed while I was at work (I worked 8 hrs). I did it from first few weeks or emergencies. It was just for one or two bottles a week and the odd night out. No issues at all. I've never heard of over supply!
I just expressed a little bit after each feed.
I mix fed for the first 6 week, I would pump twice a day max. I found medela twin pump to work the best for me and worth the investment (some chemists will hire them).
I never had an oversupply issue but I did check for lumps and bumps twice a day (in the shower).
I went on to breastfeed my son until he was two.
Good luck and do what is best for you, your baby and your family.