Should I start supplementing??

Question

Should we supplement with formula?? 
I have an abundant milk supply.  But she eats so much!!
Most of the day I'm nursing or pumping so my H can feed her.  Its exhausting.  
She's 3 weeks old.
Edit: she is eating enough because her diapers are always wet and dirty so I'm not concerned about that but to keep her full takes soo long and so much energy.  I'm wondering if I supplemented she can be content faster.

Answer

3 weeks old is normal to constantly be feeding! That's why it's known for the first 6 weeks to be so hard work. if she had plenty of wet nappies and is gaining weight then she's getting enough! you're doing great. good luck xx

Answer

No because it'll hurt your supply. She's nursing a lot to get your supply up, trust her she knows what she's doing. Keep putting baby to breast and all your hard work now will pay off in the long run. Ask for help with the house and only eat, shower, sleep and nurse baby... someone else should be doing everything else... you can do it!!

Answer

The benefits are far greater to your baby if you breastfeed. Likely pumping is making more work for yourself. Try nursing on demand

Answer

It's your call. But she may be eating because you don't have enough supply. Drink more water and eat more.

Answer

You could always do half BM and half formula. That's what I would do.

Answer

Talk to a lactation consultant. They will help you understand what is normal and what is not, and help you explore all options. Maybe talk to your husband about cutting back on pumping for him to bottle feed?  The beginning is so hard!!  It got easier for me around 10-12 weeks. I think ultimately a fed baby is best so whatever works for a happy family not just a happy baby :). That said, I agree with others that supplementing may not be a great idea if you're certain baby is getting enough breast milk and you want to stick it out breastfeeding.

Answer

Supplementing can create a cycle of her always needing formula and you not having enough milk. I suggest nursing on demand and not supplementing, babies nurse A LOT in the beginning which is normal. As she gets older, she'll nurse less often and for shorter amounts of time. My SO likes giving bottles too but that's not always possible because I hate the hassle of pumping so instead he helps in other ways like doing her bath, taking her for walks, reading and snuggling her, etc.

Answer

I'm supplementing with formula bc I never was able to produce a sufficient amount, but I'm still breastfeeding and pumping. I would say if you have the supply to just do that bc supplementing doesn't necessarily make it any easier, except for one middle of the night feeding, but if baby needs more food, definitely definitely definitely give them what they need

Should I start supplementing??

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