8m finally taking bottle, continue BF???

[nellsbells]

Hi knowledgeable ladies, i need some advice... my 8m DS never took a bottle. (i was reluctant to offer for a few reasons, scared he would stop BF, worried about my supply cause using nipple shield, plus thinking he would take a bottle relatively easy cause of the shield) Was not the case. I started attempting to wean for a number of reasons
1) we would like to start trying for #2 soon cause DS took 3yrs to arrive, and I need to go on meds to do this - not compatible with BF (I have FS apointment 17/3 should I postpone??)
2) need to have a bit more freedom, ie work in a couple of months, plus some flexibility to get out of house in evening. (find it difficult to BF in public cause Mr nosey won't BF well if things going on around him.
My question is, i'm at the end of day 2 of no BF's he is starting to take the bottle (formula) better. Obviously quite uncomfortable for me, but just expressing a bit off when I get too uncomfortable (not alot of fun) Anyway, I was wondering if once I get him drinking ok from bottle, say another day or two, do you think I may be able to reintroduce BF and maybe continue a bit longer, but have the flexiblity to give him a bottle a day, will this be too confusing for him??
This therefor means putting off the TTC for a few months, but i'm considering it??
I still enjoy BF, and I suppose the easier he takes the bottle the easier it is to refuse him the boob, but still a bid heartbreaking....
Sorry for the ramble.

[Jennifer13]

I can't see why you couldn't reintroduce bfing at any time.

Another approach might be to gradually cut out some of his bfs and replace those with bottle feeds over time.

Can I suggest you call the ABA helpline and talk to a counsellor in person for some tips? GL!

[MantaRay]

Nellsbells, many mums successfully combine bfing and bottle feeding (either EBM or formula) for a number of reasons, including returning to work. Also, at 8 months, babies are well able to drink from sippy and straw cups (some master it first time, others take a few tries), so if you are worried about confusion with the bottle this is another option for you. I returned to work with both boys and continued bfing - they had EBM in a sippy or straw cup when I was at work and bfed the rest of the time. This worked well for us (and not introducing a bottle made life easier down the track as we never needed to wean off a bottle!).

With returning to work, you don't have to do the same thing every day. For example, you can give EBM or formula on the days you work, and bf as normal on the other days. Your supply will adjust to the different routines on different days, so you don't need to "cut out" feeds on all days to allow for the days you are working.

There has been a lot of information come out recently about bfing and fertility treatment. Most FS currently tell patients that they must stop bfing to undertake treatment but the latest studies and a lot of anecdotal evidence shows this isn't the case. If you would like to continue bfing, you can contact the ABA and ask them for some information. Their Lactation Resource Centre (LRC) has some articles on this, including a personal account from a mum who went through fertility treatment while bfing.

Another note on weaning if you decide this is the right option for you - many mums find going "cold turkey" doesn't work well as they up engorged and at risk of mastitis. It is best to cut one feed out at a time, over the course of a few weeks. This way your supply will gently adjust and you will be more comfortable and at less risk of mastitis.

All the best with it hun.