formula with nursing?

[jonesie]

just wondering...I am returning to work in a week...baby will be 6 months at that point...I am not successful with pumping...so I have slowly introduced 6ounce bottles of formula...I started with on 6 ounce bottle for about 2 weeks then started a second...seems to be all he wants through the day and more or less just snacks on it....I want to keep nursing so I am nursing morning and nights...will my milk stay in?? I've done it slowly and hated it all the way...things seem to be going well, just scared my milk will dwindle right away.....

[Rhona]

I hope that you know that you are a successful BF mom and many moms like you are not able to get much out with a pump. Pumping is different than nursing. No need to apologize for that. If you return to work and do not do any stimulation when you are away from the baby you may see a change in milk volumn. That being said have you ever tried manual expression? Some woman find that useful at least for a little stimulation to the breast. I can try to help with a description if we talk. I always feel sad for moms at this juncture but you have done an awesome job for 6 months and you can only control the things that you can control. So don't be too hard on yourself. Good luck.

[jonesie]

thanks...manual expression has been the only way I get anything out, but usually only if I have been engorged...I work in a bad environment for nursing also, with men and outdoors all day...good for me but not for nursing or pumping...this is my second time trying to keep it going while going back to work..did not keep nursing first time, and regretted it...he got 6 months too though so that was good......wonder also, whereas I'm not in a good pumper and don't really have a good place for it....if even when I run to the washroom if I just expressed a little of, I know it would be a waste but would that help my milk to stay??? do you think....

[Rhona]

For sure some stimulation is better than none so it would help a bit. And if your baby is willing when you are home give the baby plenty of opportunities to nurse. Days off, weekends, etc... But you have alot of bumps in your BF road so you should be commended for whatever you can do. I wish we did a better job of giving moms our support as a culture then you would not be faced with this dilemma. Enjoy your baby!

[jonesie]

thanks again....wish me luck...I'm hoping it all goes well....

[Rhona]

Best wishes and good luck!