1 formula feed for BF bub

[Mum2Willie]

Hi...bubs is 8.5mths old. I am going back to work in January so have to convert to some formula feeds (expressing takes forever and I just can't get enough). I am dropping the lunch time feed next week and going to replace it with formula (as DH is on holidays to support). What formula do you recommend? Bubs has had constipation issues in the past so would love recommendations with that in mind! Thanks for your help!

[Eugenia]

Hi there, sorry I can't help as I don't use formula but I thought if maybe you posted this question in the general Breastfeeding, Bottlefeeding and Solids forum you might encounter some more mums who have successfully combined bf and ff.

Good luck.

[Matryoshka]

I have used formula in conjunction with breastfeeding. Though my bub is now only having one 100ml formula at night. I buy the karicare Gold, he has had no bowel issues even when he was having half BM half formula.

[Ellibam]

how many feeds will you be away from bub for? if its only one you might not have to supliment it at all with formula.
i went back to working 2 jobs from when my daughter was about 6 months i expressed most but then after a couple of months i couldnt get enought out. so i spoke to the ABA and the suggested that she just have her food(was on solids by then) and water. until i get home to feed her.
this worked great for us

HTH

[Mum2Willie]

Thanks Elliban...but it will be at least two feeds...so I wanted to drop one now (next week the lunch time feed) and then the afternoon feed later before I go back to work. I will be working from about 7am - 5pm. I wanted to BF bub in morning, late arvo and night. I will be working a 5 day fortnight. I thought by doing this my boobs will adjust and won't explode at work (it is not really an environment to express). What do you think? Do you suggest I ring ABA for advice?

[Curly]

You can ring the ABA but just be aware that they will most likely try and dissuade you from formula. But it wouldn't hurt to hear what they have to say - you might get someone who has some useful tips. I am very pro-breastfeeding, don't get me wrong, I breastfed my DS for 18 months...but that was my problem, I was desperate to wean and I was just told by the ABA how wonderful I was for breastfeeding for so long and they tried to encourage me to keep going. I was pregnant and exhausted and I felt my needs weren't really being taken seriously...so I am somewhat cynical about the ABA now, I'm afraid.

Re which formula - both my MCHNs aren't keen on S-26 because they see it cause constipation more than any other formula. Having said that, all the babies I know that are FF are all on S-26! I know Karicare has a good reputation but when I tried my DS on it at the age of about 8 months he hated it and I couldn't stand the smell of it. I actually went with Bellamy's in the end - it was the 3rd one I tried after Karicare and S-26 and DS took to it straight away. I personally thought Bellamy's smelled and tasted much better.

I was just talking about formula today with my MCHN because I am introducing DD to one formula feed a day because I have the same issue I had with DS - I just cannot express, takes me 30 minutes to get 30mls. She was recommending NAN or Heinz...but I'd already broken the seal on a tin of Bellamy's and DD has taken to it straight away so I am unlikely to change. I like that Bellamy's is organic.

It's all going to depend which one your bub likes...and be aware that you may have to try a couple of different teats! My fussy little DS would only drink from the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature bottles so I had all these Avent bottles collecting dust!

[Ellibam]

definatley give the ABA a call. they are happy to help no matter what way you choose to go. they might give you more ideas if your willing to just b/f.

also all formulas are nutritionally the same so i would start with the cheapest(because that is all that is different) and work your way up if bubs doesnt take to the first one.