Hello,

I have a question that I wasn't sure how to search for the answers in
archives.  Forgive me if this has been discussed before; and if there are
particular archives in a given time frame that someone could point me to,
I'd be happy to look there.

My question is a general one and if others are interested, I'd be
interested in seeing a general discussion of this issue.

Some mothers seem to want to breastfeed, but not exclusively.  While I
will make sure that they understand that exclusive breastfeeding is best
for their baby, I feel that some breastfeeding is of course better than
none at all, and I applaud their efforts to breastfeed at all. If doing so
on their own terms (meaning with some formula feeds) makes the mother feel
like she can manage to continue some breastfeeding, that is better than
nothing.  I feel that the mother should decide based on accurate
information and informed consent how she wants to proceed with feeding her
child.  It's not usually possible to change a mother's mind once she's
decided that "a few bottles won't hurt" and so I actually don't argue with
mothers on this issue if that is how she wants to do things.  As a support
person, my role is to be supportive of the good breastfeeding she is
doing, and I can't do that if I am telling her she's ruining her infant's
gut closure, changing the balance of his intestines, increasing his
risk of disease, etc., with formula. Even if it is true.

So my question is, how can a mother successfully mix breast and bottle,
such that her milk supply can be continued?  I recommended pumping to
make up for lost time at the breast, and suggested that she try to keep
the bottles to the minimum and always mention that it could seriously
affect her milk supply.

But will giving formula definately mean that the milk will dry up?  How
quickly is the supply lost if there is no over night nursing?  Is there a
minimum amount of nursing a mom should reach for to keep up a supply?

One mother that I worked with was giving a bottle for the night feeds with
her 4 week old (so she could get more sleep - yes this is mind boggling; I
actually asked her, how is it that getting up and fixing up a bottle is
getting you more sleep? She said it calmed her... ?)

Thanks in advance.

Pam Chaplin-Loebell

Breastfeeding peer counselor, Philadelphia, PA

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