I received product and compensation from Mead Johnson Nutrition to create this post written by me. All experiences and opinions expressed in this post are my own and not those of Mead Johnson Nutrition. You can contact Mead Johnson Nutrition with product related questions or comments toll free at 1-800-BABY-123 (1-800-222-9123).

Supplementing formula while breastfeeding can be a balancing act.

When we took our newest baby to his first doctor appointment they told us he had only gained a few ounces. I was already worried about it because he still looked so teeny.

I remembered my first two babies chubbing up really fast after birth and growing out of their newborn clothes before turning 4 weeks old.

So, it was really worrisome that our new baby hadn’t gained much weight.

As it turned out, my milk supply was low and he wasn’t taking in as much as he should have been.

Our pediatrician advised us to supplement with formula to help him gain weight a little more quickly.

We immediately got our baby started on Enfamil formula, 1-2 bottles per day to get his weight back up.

I started noticing his weight go back up and we were so happy, but there was still the issue of my milk supply.

How do you prevent your milk supply from decreasing while supplementing with formula?

Here are a few things that I’ve learned so far!

5 Tips to Supplement Formula Without Decreasing Milk

Supply

Work With Professionals

Speak with medical professionals to get tips on supplementing while breastfeeding. There are different things that you can do and some things work differently for everyone.

Ask your pediatrician about the formula you are using?

I feel like I can trust Enfamil to supplement my baby because it is the #1 brand of formula reccomended by pediatricians and has been used in hospitals for over 25 years.

When we spoke with our pediatrician about supplementing they gave us the go ahead to use Enfamil and told us to feel confident about using it along side breastfeeding.

Whether it’s speaking to your pediatrician about how much formula to supplement with or talking to a lactation specialist about a good nursing or pumping technique. One little change might make a world of difference to your milk production.

Find a Good Formula

I found that finding a good formula that was easy to transition back and forth with helped us a lot!

Finding a good formula really helps your milk supply because your baby should be able to easily transition back and forth between formula and breast feeding. 

We really love the new Enfamil NeuroPro™ because it has so many benefits for babies who are breastfeeding too. This formula  has a brain-building fat-protein blend of MFGM and DHA previously only found in breast milk*. NeuroPro™ is the first formula that has an exclusive MFGM and DHA blend for brain building benefits similar to those of breast milk.

Visit Enfamil or call 1-800-BABY-123 (1-800-222-9123)  for more information and to request a free sample.

This was important to us because we wanted to choose a formula as close to breast milk as possible!

Did you know MFGM has been clinically shown to help close the gap in cognitive development between formula-fed and breastfed infants?** Cognitive development in babies is so important because it’s what helps them with memory, concentration, attention and perception.

 

As a breastfeeding mom I love that Enfamil takes such care to take part in clinical research comparing breast milk to their formula. I also love that the NeuroPro formula in particular focuses on the “Brain First” since that is such an important area of my baby’s development.

Try Pumping

I’m sure pumping isn’t for everyone, but getting on a good pumping schedule can help you maintain your milk supply.

Sometimes I let my husband or mom give our baby his Enfamil formula and use this time to pump, replacing that missed feed. This way I am still producing.

Although, sometimes I use this time to take a shower break too. It’s tough being a new momma!

Figure Out a Schedule

Make a schedule as to when you plan on pumping and supplementing. You may want to supplement in the morning and at night, so that way it’s more spread out.

Making sure you have an even amount of breastfeeding sessions and bottle feeding sessions will keep your body on a regular producing schedule.

We give our newborn his Enfamil in the morning and evening. I feel like this gives him enough to help his weight while it spreads it out enough so I am producing throughout the day.

Make Your Health A Priority

You might want to talk to a lactation specialist or your doctor about your diet while breastfeeding and supplementing. There are certain foods that will help you produce more milk, while others might hinder your production.

Make sure you are getting enough rest and fueling your body. It takes a lot of energy to produce that milk!  As I mentioned above, working with your doctor to make sure your health is on track can really help keep your milk production from decreasing.

Also, make sure you are getting enough help with baby around the house to keep your stress level down. Making a bottle while holding a baby can be hard. 

Have a family member help out with bottle feedings. My husband loves feeding our son his Enfamil because they get a great bonding time and I have time to pump or take a break.

Are you supplementing with formula? What issues have you been having with milk production while supplementing? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!

 

This is sponsored by Enfamil® Infant Formula

*In amounts supported by clinical research. As measured by Bayley cognitive scores.

*As measured by Bayley-III cognitive score at 12 months in a different formula with MFGM added as an ingredient.