Wow... thanks for all your replies guys!!

Leanne - I am with you - any amount of BM is better than none, hey? Good on you for persevering as long as you could. You are right - better that Mum is healthy and able to attend to baby's needs than if you are continually getting sick whilst BF. Having to express all the time is no walk in the park either.

Nell - I really don't think that giving Matty some formula will hurt him in any way. Of course it's not as good as the BM that you can provide but BM is truly amazing stuff and nothing is gonna top it. I would say because he is now past the 6 month mark, he should be fine with it. Whether or not he drinks it is another story! He may not like the taste. All you can do is try, hey? Good luck with it - I know that it will make it much easier for you to go back to work knowing that he will take formula as well as EBM.

Kelly - it just goes to show how each child and each circumstance is different, hey? I have never had mastitis so I can only imagine how hard it is to push past it. I probably would have given up for sure if I had got it early days.

Lucy - I remember you saying that you used to do both with Olivia. It really does help with the sleep issues sometimes, hey?

Barb - Gabby has never experienced "nipple confusion" either. Actually, the midwife @ our ANC said that nipple confusion is really only an issue in the first few days. Once babies learn how to attach and feed properly, there should be no problem between going from the breast to the bottle and vice versa. I have been trialling that actavite drink. I am not a big milk drinker so it's a little hard to swallow but not too bad really. I tried it last week but didn't really do it properly so I have started another round today. I think my supply has boosted a little n e way. My boobs certainly feel fuller.

Shannon - yep... I remember that you did a similar thing with Ziana and I think it was what spurred me on to continue... so thankyou I can completely understand why it was important for you to fully BF Jessalyn. I bet it's just the thing that will hold her in good stead!

Katanya - you are right - it is so hard to know which way to go. Especially with your first (cos, let's face it, you have no idea what you are doing in the first few weeks, LOL). I think it's wonderful that you have stuck to your guns with Felix. And you do wonder if they are just naturally thin people when they are considered "underweight". :roll: Thanks so much for your support