What else can I do to eradicate formula top ups?

[emmjayt]

Thanks for the support and suggestions.

Yesterday ended up with three top ups - after the second, third and last feeds of the day. On the plus side she is taking longer to drink the bottles - she would inhale them in 5 minutes but is now out to about 12 minutes.

She's just finished her first feed of the day - it is generally her fastest feed and I haven't needed to top her up afterwards for about a month. If the last few days are anything to go by, I'll be feeding again in an hour

[Barb Glare]

Hi,

I wonder, how many times is your baby feeding in 24 hours? Both breasts at a time or one? Most babies need at least 8-12 feeds or more in 24 hours, but many mums are advised by friends and family and even health professionals that baby shouldn't be feeding so often. Most babies have an irritable time of the day (often in the evening) where they just want a cluster of feeds. This is completely normal baby behaviour, but some-times it's read as 'she's hungry and I don't have enough milk = top up) Be prepared to feed her frequently. If you can grab a few days where you can just stay at home and feed her whenever she want it will do fabulous things to your milk supply. Kmn's suggestion is a good one too.
Try to keep a lid on the formula - try not to let the amounts go up and up. Whatever way you slice it up you are doing a great job - you have a breastfed baby

[Bloom]

Emmjayt - I too have tubular breasts and have not been able to exclusively feed either of my two boys. I just wanted to say you are doing a fabulous job and that I know it can be really hard.

I found that it was difficult to judge what was just normal newborn unsettledness and cluster feeding vs genuinely hungry. I also found it stressful counting the number of wet and dirty nappies and tracking the weight gain/loss.

To be honest one of the hardest parts was dealing with probreastfeeding advice too (which I think is totally fantastic generally) BUT what will work for 99% of the population who can exclusively breastfeed doesn't mean that you will be able to exclusively breastfeed. I know that is what you are hoping for, but any amount of breastmilk is beneficial for baby.

Many people confuse what is a genuine physical inability to produce enough milk with a low supply that can be corrected with changes to attachment, feeding times etc. You are doing everything that I was told to do to get as much milk as I can into my bubs.

It may be worth while to see a lactation consultant again - you might be able to see one through your child health service or similar. I found that my visit at 3 months was reassuring in that they told me I was doing everything I could. It would be worthwhile to try and see one you saw earlier as they are more likely to believe you.

[Three Graces]

Hi Emmjay,

I had the same issue with DS1, however, he got to the point where he didn't stay on for b/feeds b.c the bottle feeds were 'easier'. For him, not me I never got much from expressing either and having to do combo feeds is exhausting. Motilium increased my milk, but I don't think you're meant to stay on it for long and my issue was that he didn't stay on long enough to create the demand himself. There's also a smelly herb called Fenugreek from the health food store that you can take to increase your milk. You need to take a few/day and they're not the best smelling things. Make sure that you're also eating and drinking lots.

With DS2, he was born a whopping 4.7kg (a chubby face, full of fluid for being in so long!) and I couldn't be bothered doing it all over again, so I just put him on the boob and he dropped down the percentiles. He fed, slept well and did put on weight, just not enough to keep him in the 90%. He's now in the 10-25% and is fine. A paed I saw said that some babies have a catch up and some have a catch down and not all heavy bubs at birth will continue to be big. He never put on the recommended amount/per week and I think being a second child, the MCHN didn't give me as much grief, cos you know, I'd already churned out one kid who turned out normal

I was also going to suggest just putting DD on as many times as needed, which will increase your supply at the same time. We did this when we got home from hospy with DD in May as she had lost too much weight. At the moment, all the kids are sick and DD isn't sleeping that well, We're doing feed,play, feed, sleep routine. She's mega fussy in the late afternoon/early evening and even though I feel empty, she must be getting something from the several boob feeds at that time.

[Kmn]

Just to give an example of how variable babies feeding can be. My son would feed at 7 and then go back to sleep. Then feed at 12,2,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 and midnight. I had a monster of a supply - most of those feeds wouldn't even finish one side, but it was how he preferred to "eat". You may find that now your daughter isn't so tiny and vulnerable letting her set the pace helps you work it all out.

[onthefly]

I don't have any advice, but just wanted to say well done on your hard work and congrats on your baby. You're doing really well And I wish you all the best with cutting out the formula

[Cass72]

Most babies have an irritable time of the day (often in the evening) where they just want a cluster of feeds. This is completely normal baby behaviour, but some-times it's read as 'she's hungry and I don't have enough milk = top up) Be prepared to feed her frequently. If you can grab a few days where you can just stay at home and feed her whenever she want it will do fabulous things to your milk supply.

With DS1 I bowed to pressure because I "didn't have enough milk" and gave him formula. With DS2 I was much more informed and had a wonderful MCHN (who was also a lactation consultant) and we successfully breastfed for nearly 14 months - I was aiming to get to 6 months!

During those times when my LO wanted to cluster feed I practically had my boobs out all day so he could just feed, feed, feed. This would go on for about three days at a time then he would slip back into the more regular times of feeding.

BTW, some awesome advice on this thread ..... you ladies should all pitch in and write a book!

Oh and, need I say it? I think you're doing a wonderful job!!