Giving formula once in a while?

Question

Here’s my issue...
LO is almost 3 months EBF. I don’t respond well to a pump so pumping isn’t really an option for us. Because of this, I don’t leave the baby really at all and when I go back to work in a month I am fortunate to be able to work from home. We hired a nanny to come watch him so I’ll be able to feed him as usual. However, I can’t keep this baby attached to my hip forever. I know I’m going to have to leave for more than 3 hours without him at some point, for work meetings or whatnot. I’m struggling with 2 options:
Option 1 - start supplementing with formula now, to get him acclimated before we have to leave him for an extended period of time. Im struggling with this option because I don’t HAVE to supplement, and LO tends to be gassy. I know they make formulas to help with gassy babies, but i don’t want to have to put my baby through the discomfort of finding a formula that works if i don’t have to. I’m also aware of how expensive formula feeding can be, and we don’t want to accumulate that cost if we don’t have to. And yes, I’ll pump for the feedings we replace with a bottle so my supply won’t be affected. If we do this, I’m thinking one bottle during the day and a bottle before bed?
Option 2 - Is there any harm in switching to formula for the days we have to, but continuing to BF as normal? So LO would only get formula once in a while? Is there any harm in giving formula bottles sporadically? Does this upset their stomach? Would love to hear from anyone who has had experience with this.

Answer

If you want to give formula you have to pump to replace that nursing session. You will lose supply if you don’t. Option 2 is not an option. 
And also keep in mind that baby may not take to formula at all or that well, since he’s so used to breastmilk. It also can mess with the digestive system since it’s not as easily digestible as breastmilk is.

Answer

I did option 2 for my daughter.
I went back to work 3 days a week and I would feed just before I left then while I was working my husband would give her a bottle or 2 and then I'd feed as soon as I got back.

Answer

I very occasionally give my daughter formula. Have since she was born + she's 2 months now. She has no problems with it. We use Similac. She's not any gassier than she is without it. In the beginning I'd let my husband give her a bottle at night occasionally so I could get the sleep I needed to stay sane. Now that my supply is up I only give it to her if I haven't had a chance to pump that day and I'm not available for some reason. It works in a pinch.

Answer

You can try option 2, but the thing is it will likely affect your supply. Maybe try talking with a lactation consultant & see if they have any advice they can give you?

Answer

I did both before I stopped breastfeeding

Answer

All I’m going to say is my son was EBF for 3 weeks. I also had to give him formula once in a while. When he had formula he was obviously due a feed and my milk clogged up because I didn’t pump it. I always told myself “ill pump in 10 minutes I’ll just finish this” but I also have a 2 year old so that 10 minutes is rare🙃but I also got so overwhelmed with a ton of things I had to do. If you want to carry on this breast feeding journey as soon as you feel them filling up you need to stop and pump. My so. Is 9 weeks now and formula fed only. It’s only £10.50 every 3 days for us.

Answer

I know plenty of people who do both :)

Giving formula once in a while?

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