Automatic digest processor <[log in to unmask]> on 03/26/2001
08:54:57 PM
Please respond to Lactation Information and Discussion
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To: Recipients of LACTNET digests <[log in to unmask]>
cc: (bcc: Shannon Hill/MHS/Memorial)
Subject: mixing formula and breastmik
I see on a daily basis many women who are having problems with milk
supply. It is a widespread belief that breastfeeding has to be "all or
nothing." While I know there has been at least one study that shows
otherwise, I have always believed that any amount of breastmilk is
beneficial. Many mothers who are combining both formula and breastmilk have
the idea that the two cannot be combined in the same bottle. They have either
read or been told that mixing the two together will make the baby sick. Since
the milk supply is already low, most of the time this assumption leads to the
conclusion that exclusive formula feeding is better than mixing the two.
Unfortunately, there are millions of women who have weaned their babies to
formula because they never achieved a "full" supply.
Cher Sealy, RN, BSN, IBCLC
The Breastfeeding Encounter
Montgomery, AL
Cher,
I agree with what you are saying and wanted to add another perspective.
I struggled with these issues when I had my twins 3 years ago. I was an OB nurse
then but not an IBCLC so my confidence in my breastfeeidng knowledge was a lot
more shaky then that it is now. My girls were born at 34 weeks and were in the
the NICU. I started pumping diligently for my girls as soon as I could after
birth, meanwhile my girls were started on what ever I pumped and pc'd with
formula. By the second day I started putting them to the breast. Although they
were doing ok for 34 weekers I knew they were not taking full feeds at the
breast, so they were supplemented also.
By day 3 they were moved up to room in with me, and I got in to a routine of
breastfeeding, then pumping, then pc'ing what I got from pumping along with
formula to get what I felt was a full feeding. I was doing this because I know
the girls still were not transferring much at the breast, or that I didn't trust
in that they were. I admit I'm a little fuzzy on this one :)
By the fifth or sixth day, my very well meaning neonatologist told me I needed
to do one or the other. I think he had my best interest at heart and probably
noticed that I was a bit of an exhausted wreck by then. But hearing that
completely shattered my confidence. I had thought I was doing what I was
supposed to be doing. I admit I was very exhausted and vulnerable, and after a
bit of a nervous breakdown I decided to quit breastfeeding.
After about 3 days and after going home from the hospital, I had a change of
heart and went back to breastfeeding. I was never able to get a full supply back
but I felt good in that I was able to do some breastfeeding along with the
formula.
If I knew then what I know now things would have been a lot different. But, I
did learn a lot from that experience that I use in my practice every day. The
NICU at the hospital I work at has made some incredible strides since then in
supporting breastfeeding and I'm excited to be able to play a small part in
that.
Thanks for listening :)
Shannon Hill RNC, IBCLC
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