BFing moms: If you started supplementing formula in the second half over 1st year, come in...

We've been BFing for almost 8 months now. I'm going to really try to continue BFing in some capacity until a year. But I'm thinking about introducing formula, mostly so I can have that option when I can't be with DD. My supply for her regular feedings seems fine, but pumping out extra for when I can't be with her is getting really tough. Since she started eating more solids, my pumping output has taken a hit! I'm with DD a lot, so it's not a huge issue, but I hate stressing about having enough milk when I have to leave her for longer spans. I work from home part-time and get help from my mom and MIL. It would be really nice to drop her off at their house some days to make it easier on them (and in some ways, me), but I don't because I usually don't have enough BM on hand or I'm saving it for some other upcoming event.

I feel guilty even considering it because a) I am home and b) My regular feeding supply still seems okay. Four month is right around the corner, but also feels very far away!

If you started supplementing, did you ask ped for formula recommendation? DD had a couple of bottles of Similac Advance in the hospital after birth due to low blood sugar. She sometimes gets constipated (well only since she started solids) and sometimes spits up (not much) if I have ice cream or yogurt (I don't eat a ton of dairy and recently noticed this trend). Should I go with a sensitive formula or start with regular and see how it goes?

Message edited 8/31/2011 1:34:00 PM.

Re: BFing moms: If you started supplementing formula in the second half over 1st year, come in...

from a ped dietitian:
ALthouth the company will prob. disagree with me..I recommend enfamil gent lease to my supplementing moms for these reasons: (and most are very successful with this product)

The proteins are partially digested, so it is easier for baby to digest. ALthough BM protein is intact, they are very digestible. Also, when babies switch to bottles, they usually drink a bit more than they need. This causes lactose over load in some babies b/c the gut is not 100% developed and they can not tolerate a full lactose load - leading to gas.

Gentlease is also 60/40 whey to casein like BM.
There is also no equivalent to gent lease on the market. Sim sensitive is lactose free and the AAP does not recommend the use of lactose free formulas anymore.

Althought technically enfamil newborn is the closest to BM, I find that gent lease works the best.
HTH!
PS. I can prob. get you some free trial samples from our hops. rep

Re: BFing moms: If you started supplementing formula in the second half over 1st year, come in...

Message edited 8/31/2011 1:38:50 PM.

Re: BFing moms: If you started supplementing formula in the second half over 1st year, come in...

So glad you asked this...I've been wondering when I will start to supplement too (almost at 8 months like you), so this is something I've been thinking about!

Re: BFing moms: If you started supplementing formula in the second half over 1st year, come in...

I went back to work part time when DD was 6 months old. She was EBF up until that point. I knew my supply would dip once I went back to work, so I decided to just nurse her morning and night, pump one bottle for the next day at work and give her formula the rest of the time. We used Enfamil Infant and she had no problems on it and had no problems switching between the formula and breast milk. Good luck!

ETA...I did ask the ped and Enfamil was his suggestion.

Message edited 8/31/2011 2:21:57 PM.

Re: BFing moms: If you started supplementing formula in the second half over 1st year, come in...

8 months is exactly when I started having trouble pumping enough. I felt the same way.. 4 months.. but, I had to supplement. I was getting nuts and killing myself pumping 3-4 times a day while nursing and taking every supplement under the sun.

So don't feel guilty. You made it so far formula free. Every once in a while is fine. Heck, everyday is fine. That's what I had to do. He nursed when I was home and he had whatever I could pump mixed with formula at day care.

Re: BFing moms: If you started supplementing formula in the second half over 1st year, come in...

I never asked my Dr but I used Good Start.

Re: BFing moms: If you started supplementing formula in the second half over 1st year, come in...

I had to supplement with DS pretty much from 5 months on, due to supply issues. I used Similac Advance and still do. Until 9m when I stopped BFing, he had no problem going from BM to formula, or even a mixture of the two. I would def give it a shot for your own peace of mind!