Do you formula top up your breastfed baby? Chances have it if you do, there is a reason, and the doc suggested this before you left the hospital. As a new mom (or even a mom in general!) it is sometimes hard to tell if our babies are getting the nourishment they need. Does he produce enough wet diapers? Did he poop today? Is he satisfied? Did he eat enough? There are probably more questions running through your head than answers! If you are topping up your breastfed baby, here are some suggestions that might help.
Suggestions when you formula top up for breastfed baby
What does it mean to top up? Some babies are prescribed extra expressed milk or formula due to many different reasons. Some might have low birth weight, others are born early and just don’t get it yet. It doesn’t mean you will have to top up forever. You might feel like your entire day revolves around feeding your baby, or washing bottles, or pumping. That is ok. When you look at the long term, none of this is going to last forever, it just seems like it in the moment (kind of like when you were pregnant and you felt like you would never give birth!)
To stop or not to stop: If you are wondering you need to continue top ups, you want to discuss with your baby’s pediatrician and a lactation specialist. There is a reason your baby was prescribed this extra feeding, so addressing the reason is a good place to start. For example, if your baby had a bad attachment, work on it. Also, have your baby assessed for a tongue-tie that might need to be corrected. Babies love to sleep, and feeding often puts them to sleep. When he is feeding and stops to sleep, he might not be gaining enough weight. The good news is this is one that is simple to fix!
Switch feeding: Lactation specialists have suggested something called switch feeding. This is where you switch breasts 4 times during one feeding, in hopes of keeping baby awake to eat. A diaper change in between wouldn’t hurt either. When your baby falls asleep, use compression, it will send a squirt of breast milk into his tiny mouth, hopefully rousing him so he is starts eating again.
Start with your breast: One way to help make breastfeeding the first option, is to make it the first option. Don’t get discouraged and just remain calm. I know it is easier said than done. Your body is going to nourish your baby, but your baby is going to pick up on your stress. One thing you can try is to pay attention to when he is stirring from sleep, and use that opportunity to get him skin to skin, so he can wake up close to you and start feeding quickly.
The unintentional switch to formula: Sometimes breastfeeding stops unintentionally. Some moms find they are having to put more and more formula into the bottles for feedings and as a result, they are breastfeeding less and alas, their milk begins to dry up. It wasn’t really a conscious decision.
It takes time for your milk to come in. Be patient. Early on, you may be nursing more often (it might seem like it is all you do). Nurse, baby naps, you nap, diaper change, nurse, baby naps, you don’t nap, but wish you were napping, diaper change, you get the idea. What have you done in terms of topping up your breastfed baby and hopefully stopping? Share your stories below!
I have done a little of both. My first was pretty much formula fed, the second was mixed, and the last was breastfed exclusively. I was not educated enough the first time I feel and I try to help others who ask me with what I have learned..
My DIL is weaning her 2yr old. Her 2yr old is not at all down with it either. 😉 Working on it, slowly. 😉
I breast feed exclusively. Luckily I produced enough milk not to have to worry about this. I really don’t like the idea of formula- so many additives.
I think doctors have very little education when it comes to breastfeeding. And, unfortunately, so do women. It’s a lost art, and women don’t know what they are doing is sabotaging their breastfeeding by adding formula. Babies naturally lose weight as your milk comes in, and doctors tend to have a heart attack over it. My three children were exclusively nursed and gained weight just fine after the first couple weeks..
There are truly awesome and informative tips. For sure it will be helpful for many.
I exclusively breastfeeding my baby since day 01 and now was our 10th months journey of breastfeeding. When he is 5 months he can stand with support he have a strong bones and smart.
These are definitely some great information. I would love to share this to my friend who happens to be breastfeeding.
Awesome tips. I had to switch to formula when I was breastfeeding the twins because I didn’t have enough milk.
I used Similac when my kids were babies.
This is really helpful. I can imagine problems with feeding can be pretty common and it’s probably really stressful.
Such an amazing advice, I stopped breastfed to my son when he was one year old, and I switched in formula fed.
This is really interesting and great info! My first was all pumped milk and my second is all breast. I have no idea how I would figure out middle ground if I needed it, so I will share this with mamas who ask me!
I breastfed both kids, but these are great tips for those who are doing both breast and formula! I’ve heard that switch feeding can be especially helpful for many!
I formula fed exclusively and always used Similac. I was very happy with it back when my boys were babies.