BB has inspired me to go on - so how do I stop the ff comp feeds?

[Disco]

Thanks to everyone who replied to my previous post and the articles I have read on here I am more determined than ever to keep BFing. Today I have not given Any comp feeds just hourly to two hourly BFs but I am not sure that I will ever be able to give up the formula feed I have been giving between 6 and 7 pm and still get him to settle. Is it in my head? He generally cluster feeds from 5 pm onwards and still needs a top up any where from 20ml to 120 ml.

Thanks!

[Julie Doula]

Good on you Disco, your efforts are heroic!

I think with support you could gradually wean off the formula.

Gradually is the way to go.

What would you think about hiring a Lactation Consultant?

Have you had a chat to an ABA consultant?

Also on facebook there is a group called Human Milk for Human Babies if you would like to source donor EBM in place of formula (which I did during my low supply struggles.)

I think with good support, and some good galactogogues, and looking after you too with enough rest and good food, there is a really good chance you will be able to gradually cut down on the formula and maintain a plentiful supply - sufficient for your baby.

[Arcadia]

It is normal for babies to be unsettled and cluster feed in the evenings. We often think its hunger, but it could just be your baby hasn't had their quota of heartbeat time for the day. My midwife also said all that fussing and crying at the breast actually helps stimulate milk and ensures a healthy supply for the next day.

Even with oversupply both mine have cried and fussed in the evening before going off into a deeper sleep when they're ready.

What if you just kept putting baby to breast despite fussing. Or try wearing baby in a sling during the cluster stages so you can get some stuff done, and see if they settle in their own time.

Are you worried about weight gains or is formula just a way of settling?

I also think do whatever works, so if you can't stand the fussing use the bottle, or maybe even a bottle of EBM could be the way to go???

[OceanPrincess]

Arcadia and Julie have given some great advice. I think you can do it too!

I second the idea to contact the ABA. They have a 24hr a day hotline, anyone can call - 1800 68 62 68.

[BellyBelly]

Go Disco, thats awesome! And go team BB - such a great community x

[Disco]

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply.
A big step for us today. Managed to settle DS without any comp feeds by 7 pm and he is still asleep now and it's almost 9 ! He wasn't having a particularly hungry day today so I won't count my chickens but will keep my fingers crossed this continues.

Do you have to be a member to use the ABA services?
I have thought of getting an LC but thought that they would just tell me to express. I hate expressing as I get so little out and it was part of my undoing with DD.

DS will be 10 weeks tomorrow so I might go get him weighed again but I think his weight is ok - he has way more chubby bits than dd ever did! I have been giving ff due to days of endless cluster feeds and seemingly no milk left in the breasts. Particularly bad in week 4 and 7/8.

I have yet to try the cookie recipe - hopefully that might help too!

Thanks again for the support - i am a but reluctant to talk to friends about this as they either found it a breeze or had a bad time and are pro ff as a result.

[Julie Doula]

you know what Disco, I pumped and pumped and pumped during my low supply battle - and it just didn't make any difference (nothing did - very bizarre case was mine). In the end, I quit pumping because I think it was just causing more stress and exhaustion. Instead I just concentrated on feeding more often, having bub on me as much as I could - feeding or not. it was such a relief not to pump any more. So I can understand how pumping can be one's undoing instead of one's solution.

A good LC will have many approaches and will provide that encouragement and support. But they're exxy. I don't believe you need to be a member of ABA to benefit from their hot line.

Managed to settle DS without any comp feeds by 7 pm and he is still asleep now and it's almost 9

Yay! and you can do it again! If you ever have a tough day and you resort to a top-up, don't stress - you'll still be making progress, try again another day.

Sounds like a healthy well-loved chubba bubba.

[Disco]

Thanks Julie
....and he's still asleep woo hoo!

[Heaven]

Disco, just wanted to say, you rock! Well done! You can do it!

[Disco]

Thanks heaven!

Just downloaded the wonder weeks app as suggested in another thread. Looks like we are headed for another rough period in week 12 so I better get baking those cookies!!

[OceanPrincess]

Absolutely do not have to be a member of the ABA to call the helpline, or even access email counselling.

If you want to go to group meetings, talk to counsellors face to face and meet other mums who have probably been where you are, then there's a cost associated - it's an annual fee and it isn't much - I just renewed for 2 years and it was $85 I think.

Also - it is really common to feel "empty", especially at that time of day! You are getting tired, baby is demanding more, it is when your milk-hormone levels drop a bit... all normal. All fine. Just keep going - keep feeding at those times. Supply = demand.

Interesting to note that your breasts will be full and ready to go for another feed after 20 minutes. So if you are really feeling drained, physically and/or emotionally, hand bubs over to your partner or put him in the pram/bouncer/rocker/car/whatever and take a break for 20-30 mins. Then you'll be good to go again

[Heaven]

If you want to go to group meetings, talk to counsellors face to face and meet other mums who have probably been where you are, then there's a cost associated - it's an annual fee and it isn't much - I just renewed for 2 years and it was $85 I think.

You can even go to 2 meetings free and see if you like it before joining too

[Arcadia]

I hate expressing too!!

Keep in mind the wonder week fussing is stimulating to make more milk for the next growth phase and doesn't mean you have supply issues...your boobs are a few days behind the stimulation that's all. In my mind I'd rather have the baby fuss and suck to make milk than settle them faster with formula...because your breasts aren't getting the same stimulation.

Someone said to me, your baby has a relationship to your boobs that doesn't involve you (meaning your brain). A boob is the best solution to any fussing! (unless you've had enough and yes twenty minutes with Dh while your boobs refill is a great idea!)

Go disco!! We're cheering you on!!!

[Chrispe]

Sounds like you are going great Disco!

Also here is a little known piece of advice I was given early on- if you can get a small nap in the afternoon it good for your evening milk supply, as apparently you milk production rate is higher when you sleep. I used to make sure I had at least 20-30 minutes resting my eyes in the arvo while bub was sleeping.
A midwife told me this on one of my first home visits with my first bub.

Woo hoo & power to you!

[trishalishous]

we stopped comp feeds slowly, and I took to bed for the weekend with bub, and just fed fed fed!

[OceanPrincess]

How was the rest of the night, Disco?

[Disco]

We made it a whole 24 hours with no comps!
He woke at 10.30, 2.30 and fed well. Woke at 4.30 and didn't really feed then again at just after 5.30 and I brought him in to bed but couldn't settle him again so we got up at 6.30. He's asleep again now.
Thanks for the info re ABA Heaven and Ocean. Will look into it today.
Thanks Chrispe, Arcadia and Trishalicious for the support and advice!

[sloane]

that's fantastic news! the best advice the ABA gave me was to just take it one feed at a time in the early weeks. i felt it took so much pressure off me & before i knew it, months had passed!

hope today is another great one for you