https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:31:08 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/3#post-2272270 Tue, 25 Aug 2015 06:57:25 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2272270@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son pooped 3 times in the hospital. And then not at all for 5 days when we got home!! The midwives had my pumping non stop to ensure he was getting enough- and he ended up gaining a lot! He ended up just not being a frequent pooper :) </p> <p>Congrats on the weight gain! Also DS had the crystals for a while - I can't recall how long (more then a few day) but every doc and midwife said it was ok. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/3#post-2272178 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 23:19:20 +0000 Ifyoulikepinacoladas 2272178@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@buttermilk: just wanted to pop in and say you're doing a great job and made completely the right call on supplementing. I faced almost the exact same scenario with DD (very sleepy newborn, excessive weight loss, crystals) and I ended up supplementing with formula and EBM after 3 hourly breast feeds from day 5. I saw results almost straight away. She's 3 months now and has gained like a champ. I still supplement after some feeds due to a diagnosed under supply (endocrine not supply/demand related) but our breastfeeding relationship is awesome. Supplementing carefully and purposefully with the support of a trusted health professional will not ruin breastfeeding, if anything it made it possible for us to continue successfully! 😊 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/3#post-2272058 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 19:35:37 +0000 MrsKoala 2272058@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@buttermilk: I wouldn't worry about the poop! My LO at that age would poop once a week (!). There is such a dramatic range of what can be considered normal. Keep up the good work! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/3#post-2272054 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 19:31:21 +0000 buttermilk 2272054@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/3#post-2271871 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 15:24:07 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2271871@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@buttermilk: yay mama yay baby!!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/3#post-2271868 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 15:21:45 +0000 buttermilk 2271868@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ldh112: soooo happy! We have an LC appointment on Wednesday so ped wants us to keep up the same routine until then. On wed we will do a weighted feed and hopefully be able to simplify the sessions after that. we are planning to keep it up but I'm considering dropping the night time formula supplementation just so we can get a liiiiiitle bit more sleep. It takes quite a while since we are feeding via syringe. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2271837 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 14:45:22 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2271837@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@buttermilk: Congratulations! Thats great! She just needed time! </p> <p>Yes, # poo is all over the place. It can mean nothing and it could mean an issue. Biggest thing is to look at # of wet diapers! Also remember you can always "supplement" with a bit of pumped breastmilk if you are getting some of that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2271832 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 14:41:14 +0000 KatieBklyn 2271832@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@buttermilk: Yay! Amazing work! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2271804 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 14:09:36 +0000 MamaCate 2271804@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@buttermilk: Yay congrats! Great work, mama! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2271757 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 13:36:32 +0000 78h2o 2271757@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I posted my first comment, I had missed what you said about the urate crystals. Given their presence and the fact that she hadn't transitioned to green/yellow poop, I would have advised supplementing rather than holding off. So I'm happy to hear that you have supplemented a little bit and that her pee looks better now. That is fantastic too that she gained! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2271745 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 13:27:14 +0000 josina 2271745@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@buttermilk: Just reading this thread now, but happy to see she gained well!! Glad you don't have to worry anymore!</p> <p>I went through the same thing with LO after he lost 1/2 lb the day after we went home. I was in tears when the dr. told me to supplement, and I did for 2 days until my milk came in.<br /> Just want to say that supplementing with a bottle of formula did not hurt my breastfeeding relationship at all, and I really needn't had worried so much! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2271741 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 13:23:58 +0000 ldh112 2271741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@buttermilk: yay! What did they say to do next? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2271709 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 12:59:54 +0000 Mrs. Microscope 2271709@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@buttermilk: woo! Great job mama! Also, you two are gorgeous! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2271683 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 12:47:49 +0000 jetsa 2271683@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@buttermilk: yay, momma!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2271679 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 12:46:26 +0000 buttermilk 2271679@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Baby gained FIVE OUNCES in 3 days!!!! I am so fucking happy!!!!! </p> [attach=3993/15/ntlldf.450x600.image.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2271292 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 06:48:53 +0000 buttermilk 2271292@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Portboston: thanks I'll look into it! </p> <p>@Kemma: oh really? It's crazy how across the board pooping seems to be. Like it's common to have many and also common to have one or two per week. I just read something that says BM is the ultimate nutrition and it may be so perfect for her that there is very little waste and so she doesn't need to poop. I like that explanation very much! :grin: </p> <p>I will update everyone after our weigh in this afternoon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2271257 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 04:15:05 +0000 Kemma 2271257@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@buttermilk: that's great news on the wet nappies! FWIW my little guy stopped pooping on a daily basis when he was six days old and still only goes twice a week at five months old! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2271253 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 03:32:30 +0000 Portboston 2271253@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been following this thread a bit ...we had a similar issue when M was born. He lost 9% of his birth weight by day 3 &amp; my milk didn't come in until day 4. We had to supplement formula and pumped milk over a two day period per the pediatrician. I was like you, no clue when to feed or how much. How can medical staff not tell us the most basic things!? </p> <p>I can't take fenugreek because I have thyroid issues so My lactation consultant (she has a private practice &amp; is amazing!) gave me this to take- Herb Lore Nursing Tincture. It tastes gross so I mix it with a shot of juice but I've noticed a huge increase in supply. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2271228 Sun, 23 Aug 2015 22:53:47 +0000 buttermilk 2271228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks! We have now had no urate crystals in the past six diapers so yay! It's still been 48 hours since her last poop tho. We've been supplementing with half to one ounce of formula with each feeding and so far it hasn't affected her wanting to nurse. DH got me the Mother's Milk Plus supplement and we will try to do weighted feed at her appointment tomorrow. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2271159 Sun, 23 Aug 2015 20:45:09 +0000 lady grey 2271159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just want to throw out there that lactation tea doesn't have a high enough dose of fenugreek, etc, to have much of an effect. I would highly recommend taking suppliment in pill/capsule form instead to help boost your supply. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2271120 Sun, 23 Aug 2015 20:03:44 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2271120@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: that was so us in the hospital! We were feeding DD all my colostrum and she was screaming uncontrollably in the middle of the night (at about 22 hours old). One nurse brought us formula and DD pounded over 2 ounces! Clearly she was starving. It made me no longer buy the "colostrum is enough" and stomach the size of a pea/marble/whatever stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2270923 Sun, 23 Aug 2015 14:14:49 +0000 regberadaisy 2270923@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@buttermilk: didn't see the update about the crystals but that would worry me too.<br /> I supplemented my first born regularly and we BF till 25 m. Supplementing ended after she turned one when we introduced cows milk. I firmly believe supplementing is why we were able to make it through that first year. My pump output sucked and I worked full time. I just could not meet her demands.<br /> The second time around as soon as my daughter started screaming at the breast be used she was hungry, DH went to hunt down formula to supplement. Many nurses and even our pediatrician gave us the colostrum is enough spiel. Thank you. We've been through this. Our first born literally screamed so much in the hospital people around the corridor heard her. She baffled the LC nazi. And we had an emergency ER trip at 4 days old because we were literally starving our child based off "expert" advice of the LC. So f*ck off. DH said that in not so many words to the one nurse who kept telling us we shouldn't supplement. :) Love that man.</p> <p>Anyway, trust your mommy instincts. Not an LC, not the doctor, not your mom, not us. Trust yourself! None of us knows your baby like you do. We can only offer advice based off our own experiences. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2270914 Sun, 23 Aug 2015 13:52:54 +0000 daniellemybelle 2270914@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First rule is to feed the baby. All the LCs I saw said that to me and they all encouraged me to supplement while working on my supply issues.</p> <p>I agree that you should see an LC who will do a weighed feeding with you and see how much your LO actually transfers. That will really help you understand what is going on. But I do think in your situation I would supplement a little bit to make sure that your baby is gaining and healthy. As long as you are nursing every 2 hours and pumping until you are dry (I would recommend renting a hospital grade pump which will really suck out every last drop!) it shouldn't affect your supply. </p> <p>I went through this struggle and I know how hard it is &lt;3 Remember that making sure your baby is healthy and thriving is your #1 job - not EBF! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2270862 Sun, 23 Aug 2015 12:32:02 +0000 Mrs. Microscope 2270862@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@buttermilk: hugs! Keep up on your herbs/vitamins. I'm liking upspring milk flow fenugreek and blessed thistle drink mix. Keep pumping. You are doing a great job with the "triple feed" of bf, supplementing, pumping. I agree try to do a weighted feed if you can with your ped or an LC. And I'm sure your mom means well, but you and DH will decide what is best for your family and little R! Remember, your HB ladies and August '15 mamas are here to support you! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2270859 Sun, 23 Aug 2015 12:27:19 +0000 buttermilk 2270859@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@getjazzy: thank you!! :grin: I'm gonna supplement via syringe for as short a time as possible. Hopefully she weighs in well enough tomorrow! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2270855 Sun, 23 Aug 2015 12:19:57 +0000 getjazzy 2270855@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@buttermilk: Sorry missed the latest updates, sounds like it's going well!! I would definitely pump if she's going to be too full for a feeding. In my experience, it's easier to meter your supply back down if it gets too high rather than try to get it up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2270854 Sun, 23 Aug 2015 12:18:50 +0000 getjazzy 2270854@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@buttermilk: I experienced a very similar scenario with my first. I had student nurses in the hospital who "checked" LO's latch, and said feeding 5 or so minutes per side each feed was "great". Fast forward to 2 days PP when I had my first actual nurse and she about lost her mind. She was livid that no one had actually helped me because LO was losing weight, wasn't latching well during feedings and I wasn't waking him often enough (because I didn't know I had to). She intervened with a crash course on latching, how often to feed, watching for swallowing etc... And as soon as I got on the more frequent feeding schedule, which was 2 hours during the day and 3 at night, he quickly gained the weight back and I never had supply issues after that. </p> <p>I would give your new feeding plan some time to work before moving to supplementation, especially since you feel strongly about that. I am not one to care much one way or another regarding formula but I do think it will be easier to establish a strong bfing relationship if you don't supplement and at this point, her weight loss doesn't strike me as enough to panic just yet. </p> <p>My suggestion is the same as others, wake to feed for at least a couple of weeks, skin to skin as much as you can, especially 100% during feedings since your body will respond better to feeling baby's warmth and let R stay on the breast as much as she wants. If she falls asleep there, leave your nipple in her mouth and enjoy the cuddles. She will instinctively suckle every few minutes which will continue to signal your body to keep making milk. You're doing great!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2270846 Sun, 23 Aug 2015 12:03:54 +0000 buttermilk 2270846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@KatieBklyn: thanks for sharing that article. I feel good about this decision. I'm sure it will be temporary! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2270828 Sun, 23 Aug 2015 11:31:12 +0000 KatieBklyn 2270828@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm really glad to hear you're supplementing - I agree with the PP who said the urate crystals are concerning. With regards to early supplementing having a negative impact on your breastfeeding relationship, it seems like studies are showing that early supplementing is fine and won't prevent you from breastfeeding exclusively down the road. Emily Oster writes about this in Slate, citing two studies: <a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/expecting_better/2013/09/13/when_to_give_your_newborn_baby_formula_the_first_big_decision_i_had_to_make.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.slate.com/blogs/expecting_better/2013/09/13/when_to_give_your_newborn_baby_formula_the_first_big_decision_i_had_to_make.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-momma-needs-advice-did-you-supplement-with-formula-or-just-stick-it-out-with-ebf/page/2#post-2270782 Sun, 23 Aug 2015 09:39:17 +0000 buttermilk 2270782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've also been letting her stay at the breast for longer until she seems finished which has been more like 20 mins ea side </p>