Supplementing formula for 9mo- HELP!! - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

emilyallison · 07-20-2006, 04:05 PM

I am not producing enough breast milk for my DS anymore, so I am trying to supplement some formula and having a reallllly hard time!! First off, he is allergic to dairy so I am trying soy formula, but he HATES it!! He wont eat any at all. Hes only getting about 8 to 10z of breast milk a day so I am just trying to get him to take 2 bottles of formula a day, but no luck. Any ideas??

Also, anyone have any ideas on how to increase my milk at this age or even if I can? I have been pumping/nursing alllll day long (every 3 hours) and drinking tons of water and eating lots of food. On a good pump I can get 2oz each boob, but usually only 1oz. Im starting Breastea (read my other post on Breastea) later this week after it gets shipped to me, but have already tried mothers milk tea and its not doing much.

Thanks for all your help, you guys have been a lifesaver in the past for me!!

Mom22greatkids · 07-20-2006, 04:32 PM

Why do you think you are not producing enough for him? Is he losing weight, dehydrated, unhappy?

In addition to the things you are doing (nurse before pumping) make sure you are getting enough sleep, and eat oatmeal a couple of times a day. What kind of pump are you using?

Another thought, Are you taking a calcium supplement (plus vit D) to mak up for the dairy elimination from your diet? Not getting enough calcium could lower your supply.

debating · 07-20-2006, 04:47 PM

Yes, what you makes you think you are not producing enough? You could be hitting a growth spurt or nursing strike, in which case I would ditch all other nipples and supplements.

No bottles.
No pacifiers.
No sippy cups.
Nurse, nurse, nurse, on demand, even if it is more frequent then every 3 hours.
Co-sleep topless and allow all night boob access.
Drinks LOTS of water, AT LEAST half your weight in ounces. (A 150 pound woman would need 75 ounces, for example.)
5000-6000 mg's of Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle per day.

If you can, pump after every feeding. Always finish one boob first, never switch during active sucking, then go to the other side. Pump afterwards. Don't be surprised if you get nothing.

Formula will only compound the problem. ANY time you offer something that did not come from your body you are sending a message that less is needed. Supplementing during times of low supply is the worst thing you can do, been there done that (now formula free for 6 weeks).

emilyallison · 07-20-2006, 05:32 PM

I dont think hes getting enough because hes not gaining as much weight as he used to be. He hardly gained any weight from his 6mo to his 9mo Dr appts. He only gained 1lb, the Dr said its not a big deal, but that he should be eating around 20oz of milk a day in addition to 3 meals and I figure (from pumping) that hes only getting about 8oz, maybe 10oz from me, so I thought I should supplement formula until I produce more. Every time I feed him something other than breastmilk, I have been pumping but still not increasing yet.
I will try oatmeal, thanks!
Any more advice or info is greatly appreciated, Thanks!!

Mom22greatkids · 07-20-2006, 05:53 PM

Weight gain does slow down as they get older. Especially when they start crawling/cruising, then walking. Are you only pumping for him or is he nursing too? I have a feeling he is getting more than you think if he is nursing. Trust yourself, you have made it this far! Does he have plenty of wet and poopy diapers? If you are giving juice, stop giving it to him. Nurse before solids, and even cut back on the solids a little. Breastmilk has more calories than babyfood or cereal. Do you give him the milk that you pump? Remember that the amount you pump is in no way an indication of how much milk you are producing. I can't pump for the life of me but I have a thriving 5 month old! Those babies are much more efficient in getting the milk out.