So while we (and the experts, WHO, until the time we can call ourselves the experts *insert winky face*) recommend exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months , sometimes this just isn’t an option. Maybe you are returning to work fulltime and can’t express enough to stash your expressed breast milk (EBM) for your work days, maybe you are returning part-time and still can’t express enough milk. In my case (it’s Lil here), I have been told by my neurologist that I should consider introducing a formula feed for the tiny foodie’s dreamfeed in the hope that it will help her sleep longer overnight. For me, due to a neurological condition, there are risks around broken sleep. We made it to three months without mixed feeding, but following some travels our sleep routine is a little rocky and we’ve started with just one formula feed at night.
There are a lot of opinions about switching to formula, or even mixed feeding, and as a result there is a lot of guilt for mums.
It’s important to remember you are doing the best you can and you shouldn’t feel guilty if your best includes formula earlier than you planned/desired.
I was concerned that the mogwai wouldn’t accept formula since she has been exclusively breastfeed until now. I was also concerned that if she did accept it then, perhaps she would turn her nose up at breast milk. My fears have proved unwarranted, and she’s now having one formula bottle for her dreamfeed and lo and behold, slept longer overnight. This is allowing me to stash a bottle of EBM each night, as I express before I go to bed, meaning I am collecting a supply for my upcoming return to the workplace.
So some pointers for mixed feeding:
-First and foremost, do NOT feel guilty, if this is something you have to do, for whatever reason, then ignore them haters, and yes there are some. The interwebs can be a cruel cruel place.
-Research the right type of formula to suit your needs and your baby’s age. Do you have a spewy baby(like mine) and need to consider the best one for sensitive tummies? Each formula is different but all babies will respond differently anyway, so what may work for one baby, may not turn out to be the best one for you.
-Follow the formula guidelines regarding safe storage and disposal. Most formulas need to be disposed of four weeks after opening. If you are mixed feeding, you may not be able to get through a large tin in that time. Maybe there is another mum (mothers group buddy perhaps?) using the same formula who you could share the cost with, but be mindful of safe storage!
-If you are mixed feeding, introducing formula for a night feed, or dreamfeed, is likely to help baby sleep longer overnight as it takes their tiny tummies longer to digest. . While this shouldn’t necessarily be the sole motive for mixed feeding, it is a fortunate perk!
-Continue to breastfeed for as many feeds as you can! Once you stop feeding your supply will dry up, so continuing to feed and/or express, will mean baby is still getting EBM as often as possible.
-Be kind to yourself. Sometimes the guilt may be your own (not interwebs induced) but you are doing a great job as a milk machine, sometimes you just a little hand!
Happy feeding mama bears.
from lactation « WordPress.com Tag Feed http://ift.tt/1UChtYx
article sponsered by Northern Michigan certified lactation consulting and Mother Hubbards Country Cupboard
No comments:
Post a Comment