How Long Before I Return To Work Should I Switch From Breastfeeding To Formula?
November 17, 2009 by Guest Author
Filed under Breast Feeding Supplies
I have a one month old and I return to work in 2-3 weeks. I plan on breastfeeding at night and formula during the day. When should i introduce the formula?
I would wait as long as possible. The more breast milk your baby gets the better. Over the next 2-3 weeks pump after every feeding to try and build a stash. Have the person watching your baby to use that during the day and slowly add more formula and less breast milk over time. When you go back to work you can pump after feeding and through weekends, too. The antibodies in you milk will really help keep your baby safe from the flu going around.
Breastfeeding does not have to be 100% or 50%. I am so proud that you realize the importance of continuing breastfeeding as long as possible. Not to mention how thankful I am for your service!
Sounds like your work schedule may make it a challange. Unfortunately, your plan to not empty all day then nurse all night more than likely will not give you good results. Your body works on a 24 hour shift, not a 12 hour shift. So what you do during the day, prepares your body for the night shift. And if you are not emptying all day, your supply will dwindle and/or you will be engored during the day.
A better plan would be to pump/nurse every 8, 10 or 12 hours on a schedule. That way your body can be regulated to make milk as you empty. The you can supplement with formula to make up the difference.
Is there any way you can pump so your baby is still on breast milk exclusively? If you suddenly stop breastfeeding during the day & only try at night… Your milk will like dry up. You’re cutting the demand down to 1/3 & it will abruptly impact your supply. Your body will likely stop producing all together.
essentially you are weaning off some feedings, so best to do it one feeding at a time very 3-5 days. So now to next week is a good time to start.
Although there are laws that your workplace has to allow you and provide you a place to pump.
thats not good, i tried to do both and it made my baby sick, chaning milk like that daily may not work but everyone is different