https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:47:04 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2401142 Sun, 27 Dec 2015 19:26:47 +0000 Keybee 2401142@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kemma things are coming along, thank you for asking!<br /> We had a lot of holiday events this week and formula was much more convenient. I still worry about my supply, but this week we will get into more of a routine and I think things will be better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2400735 Sun, 27 Dec 2015 03:14:21 +0000 Kemma 2400735@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Keybee: how are you getting on? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2398271 Wed, 23 Dec 2015 11:32:11 +0000 daniellemybelle 2398271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We combo fed from 5 days old to 12 months. I continued to breastfeed until LO was 19 months old. So it can be done! I had to supplement because of low supply and everything I did, I did with the goal of protecting the breast milk I did have. I didn't fully replace a feeding with formula until she was 7 or 8 months and eating solids. So just keep in mind, the more you supplement and the less you nurse, your milk may very well dwindle. Having said that, do what works best for you! You'll find a rhythm. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396656 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 09:39:42 +0000 LovelyPlum 2396656@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We didn't do it, but combo feeding is totally a thing! It doesn't have to be all or nothing. Just one thing, though-at 2 weeks, your supply is still being established. So just know that pumping or feeding at regular intervals is going to help your supply to keep up. I'm not saying don't use formula-far from it! But I do want to add that if you do choose formula for a feeding, it might not be a bad idea to sit on the pump for a few minutes to keep your supply up. That said, it's amazing to me how adaptive our bodies are at feeding our babies. If you only end up nursing a few times a day, your supply will adapt! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396611 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 09:03:30 +0000 nana87 2396611@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We started combo-feeding around 2 months when lo wasn't gaining weight/I was having supply issues, and combo-fed until lo was 1. Then we stopped formula but have continued to bf; lo is now 20 months and we still nurse! LO loooooves nursing, we're going to have trouble weaning, lol. It was such a hard road for awhile, but adding formula was so important for keeping lo healthy and thriving, and it helped reduce my stress so, so much. It really is NOT all or nothing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396496 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 06:45:49 +0000 Pumuckl 2396496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have no personal experience but Mrs. Confetti did a wonderful post on the topic of BF and FF at the same time:<br /> <a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2015/03/06/taking-the-e-out-of-ebf/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2015/03/06/taking-the-e-out-of-ebf/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396456 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 02:51:33 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2396456@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.KMM: that's about what I did for my first lo! And second, technically, though I pumped for eight weeks and there was a lot of pumping and dumping because we had thrush and he was on formula anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396436 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 00:14:41 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2396436@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did a combo of EPing and formula for about 5 weeks before switching to just formula (DD couldn't latch). You just have to go with the flow and figure out what works best for you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396269 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 19:54:14 +0000 gingerbebe 2396269@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an increase in supply at 6 weeks and then again by 12 weeks but I just had low supply and never made more than 24 ounces in a day (and that was pumping 30 mins each time 6 times a day!) We started adding a bottle of formula every day at 3 weeks and we still gave BM until 9.5 months when I weaned to formula bc the pumping schedule was not feasible and he was biting terribly. I liked that I could nurse for comfort and pleasure and not worry about hunger. I didn't care about being 100% EBF. I basically made milk until I stopped pumping - I never randomly dried out, but that's different for everyone. I loved combo feeding and will do it again for our next one. My son had no issues with breast or bottle, formula or BM or mixed, and moved to whole milk with no problem. Anyone could feed him but I could still be his comfort. </p> <p>In the early days we nursed then topped off with pumped breastmilk or formula, I pumped whenever possible to keep my boob stimulated, and then had my husband formula feed at bedtime. I would do long 30-40 minute pumps during that feeding and first thing in the morning - DH would give a pumped bottle of BM in the morning while I pumped then. I nursed and topped off the rest of the day and did whatever seemed more convenient at night. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396222 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 18:58:38 +0000 winniebee 2396222@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I exclusively pumped for my first from 6-4.5 months. It was what worked best for us at the time. He was low birth weight and I was always worried about his gain and how much he was eating. I planned to go back to BF and just never did because he ultimately had a dairy intolerance </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396130 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 17:13:28 +0000 Kemma 2396130@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Keybee: it takes roughly twelve weeks for supply to be fully established and because bf'ing is all about supply and demand, the more baby feeds and removes milk from the breast then the more milk the body makes. Combo / mixed feeding is a great option for lots of families but you do need to be aware that it can result in lower supply simply because baby isn't feeding at the breast to stimulate milk production.</p> <p>I still remember my amazing midwife telling me that both baby and I were learning how to breastfeed and that I needed to give it time to get better and easier. Give yourselves a chance to get into the groove and just know that you're doing a wonderful job! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396106 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 16:50:42 +0000 ldh112 2396106@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Rocker2014: This is what I attempted to do but sadly we only made it to a little over five months before my supply just totally tanked with only twice a day feedings. I started this at around 4 months and was really sad that it didn't continue longer than a few weeks. Just throwing this out there. Some people's supplies can adjust accordingly and others can't. I wish it had gone differently for us! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396073 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 16:17:36 +0000 LindsayLou 2396073@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 4 month gets the occasional bottle of formula, we do what's easiest. I'm currently staying home, and working as a nanny part time, and taking my daughter with me. Since she's with me all day, it's easiest to just nurse her. When my husband has her for a couple hours, or we go out for a date night, she has formula. I choose not to stress about it, but it did take me a while to get to that point. For what it's worth, I was worried about her not getting enough early on, and self conscious about feeding her in public. Those worries subsided and things got easier. I got much more in tubs with how much and how often she needs to eat, and my supply regulated itself perfectly. Do what feels right to you, and gives you the least amount of stress. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396072 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 16:17:26 +0000 wrkbrk 2396072@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Rocker2014: agreed. Well said! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396068 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 16:12:19 +0000 wrkbrk 2396068@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Keybee: this is what we do too. All 3 - nursing, pumping, and formula. He is four weeks and up to 9 pounds 14 ounces so it's working and it's a lot less stressful than ebf 12 times a day (he's always hungry). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396063 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 16:09:55 +0000 Kemma 2396063@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Keybee: have you checked out the KellyMom website? Lots of really awesome advice on bf'ing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396061 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 16:08:50 +0000 snowjewelz 2396061@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I EBF till 6+ mo then supplemented b/c I couldn't pump enough. I def think that if you're conscious of your supply vs demand in addition to supplementing, it will be fun! I think supply plummets when you are pumping a missed feeding due to supplementing, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396054 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 16:01:11 +0000 Rocker2014 2396054@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Keybee: Also, I worked with a lactation consultant on this plan, which I think helped keep up my production, and my sanity! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396052 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 15:59:02 +0000 Rocker2014 2396052@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Keybee: It was a bit of a process, but yes, supply wasn't an issue. I EBF for the first 6 weeks, then gradually added bottles of formula during the day (replacing about 1 feed per week). By week 12, I was doing one nursing feed in the morning, and all the feeds after about 6pm on through the night. Around 8 months we replaced the after-daycare feed with a bottle but kept morning / bedtime nursing, as well as overnights. I was really careful to make sure that I always fed or pumped in the morning and at least once in the evening every day to keep my supply up. For us, it felt like the best of both worlds. If she was ever more hungry than I could satiate her (teething weeks = so much nighttime nursing!!) I just added an extra bottle. I loved knowing that she was getting all the good stuff in breast milk without the stress of making sure I was producing enough to meet her needs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396027 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 15:40:00 +0000 MrsYellowJacket 2396027@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm 2.5 weeks PP and my supply can't keep up with the twins. Out of 8 feedings/day, 2-3 are formula and the others are fortified breast milk in a bottle. We have to fortify since they're preemies and need the calorie boost. I can still put them to breast at least once a day and the nurse with a sheild. I always have to top them off though bc I can't keep up with them. I hope to transition to EBF, but right now, I just can't see that happening. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396017 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 15:33:15 +0000 regberadaisy 2396017@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Keybee: it's definitely not a all or nothing! With my first we supplemented pretty regularly from day one. I went back to work around 7 weeks and could never pump enough to meet her demands. I firmly believe supplementing allowed me to breastfeed her as long as we did. I dropped formula after one and i introduced cows milk. Then we nursed mornings and bedtime till she was 25m.</p> <p>With my second, I was a more confident mom and had no hesitation to give formula in the hospital until my milk came in. Plenty of nurses tried to dissuade us and when they would not listen to our previous experiences, DH in not so many words told them to shut the F up. After the first few days we have been able to EBF. But I suspect a lot of that had to do with the fact that I was unemployed the first few months then only PT. by the time I went back to work FT she was probably over 6m. </p> <p>Anyway, every baby and mom relationship is different. There is no one size fits all feeding solution. Do what's best for you and baby. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396013 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 15:32:03 +0000 Keybee 2396013@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@rocker2014 did you supply stay steady when you did this?<br /> I have no idea how supply works. Does it always go up or down or does it level off? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2396003 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 15:27:43 +0000 Rocker2014 2396003@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I combo fed LO starting at 2 months old because I knew I couldn't pump at work. She got formula during the day and I breastfed in the mornings and evenings, as well as overnight wake ups. We did this until she self weaned at 13 mos, it was great for us! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2395958 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 15:02:57 +0000 Keybee 2395958@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't know combo feeding was a thing! </p> <p>When people talked about feeding they talked about exclusively breast or exclusively pump, I didn't know that they were other ways. I really should have listened more before baby came. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2395938 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 14:54:14 +0000 Mamasig 2395938@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't combo fed but it's something I think about with my next. For me, the pressure and stress coupled with post partum blues and pain was too much for me and I ended up quitting fairly early with both sons. I totally don't regret it because it was what was best for me both times. But I do wonder about combo feeding to ease my stress. Just want to say do what feels right to you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2395917 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 14:47:59 +0000 pastemoo 2395917@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We combo fed for a few weeks, eventually I ended up dropping formula as my supply and sanity leveled out. You do you, mama. Baby's health depends so much on yours. Do what works for you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2395909 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 14:44:24 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2395909@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No advice about combo feeding but many people do it so I know it can be done. :) Do what's best for you. Both times it ended up being ff for us, one due to bf not working out the second time due to health issues for me. My only advice is don't make any rash decisions in the middle of the night. But do what works for you. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2395903 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 14:42:12 +0000 ldh112 2395903@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We combo fed from two weeks on and now FF at 6 months due to a host of issues. Sounds like you are doing what works for you and that's what's most important! I had some pretty rough PPD due to my issues with EBF so I know where you're coming from!</p> <p> If you do want to keep breastfeeding my advice is to offer the breast at every feeding and top her off with formula if there's anxiety about her satiation. Missing a nursing session and just giving a bottle? Squeeze in a pumping session. The main thing is that as soon as you stop offering the breast whether through nursing or pumping, over time your body will believe it's no longer necessary to produce milk. </p> <p>That said, it just depends on what you want to do and for how long you'd like it to work. If you want to be able to use breast milk in any capacity for the next few months or longer, you'll need to keep up with nursing/pumping pretty regularly to get your supply established. This can take several weeks, around 6-8, some say up to 12. If for whatever reasons this doesn't work for you, skipping nursing/pumping sessions and/or shortening them will eventually diminish your supply and lead to the likelihood of FF. </p> <p>It's all about supply and demand with breast feeding! The less your body is told to make, the less it will keep trying to over time. It's your call on what is best for you and your family! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-ebf#post-2395886 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 14:33:38 +0000 Keybee 2395886@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think exclusive breast feeding is for me, I get too anxious about her feeding schedule and my supply and feeding outside the home. I don't want to throw it all out the window, however. She's not yet two weeks old, I'm sure it'll get easier when she has more of a schedule. </p> <p>Until then, how do you feed your baby? </p> <p>Right now I do a mix of breast feeding (if she's alert enough, we have some latch issues so if she's sleepy she can't get on enough) pumping (when she sleeps through a feeding or I just want to get it done quicker) and formula (for when she's still hungry after I've given her all I've got or it's the middle of the night and I want DH to feed her). </p>