Do I need to supplement formula

This is my 3rd baby, and I have breastfed the first 2 each for the first 2 weeks and then quit, My question is am I supposed to be feeding the baby formula plus the colostrum until my milk supply comes in?  I never did with my other two, and was never told to by the lactation consultant, but my sister is a nurse and she said you are supposed to?  What have you ladies done?

[tahariel]

No supplementation is needed, in fact, supplementing especially in the early few weeks can delay your milk from coming in as quickly as it will by feeding on demand whenever and however baby wants and needs.

It's great that you are giving your baby the best start by breastfeeding. Any chance you'll be considering breastfeeding this baby longer?

Both my babies breastfed exclusively, never had formula. 15 months each and I'm a full time working mom too. Everything went great!  Best wishes to you!

[sdo527]

Totally agree with the previous post....nurse away!

[precious03]

Yes, I wanted to breastfeed the other two longer, but was not strong enought to get past the 2w pain period!!  I have been told to get some lanolin or something like that, I wrote it down on my shopping list!!  I'll try it!!  I am also trying to decide what will be best for me an electric pump or a manual.  I used an electric with the 1st and didn't go so well, tried the manual with the second and that was about the same result!  What do you ladies think?

[tahariel]

Does your hospital offer lactation consultants for breastfeeding support after baby is born, or do you have a La Leche League (www.lalecheleague.com) consultant in your area?  Breastfeeding shouldn't hurt. Granted, those first few days may cause discomfort from sensitivity, but if baby has a good, proper latch, then breastfeeding should not be painful. The first 3 weeks are usually the most challenging, then after that you and baby both become pros. An improper latch can cause pain. I developed blisters quickly from an improper latch with my first baby until I had the lactation consultation. (Baby was born on a holiday weekend, so I was not able to get a consultation for those first several feedings in the hospital.)

Breastfeeding is not instinctual and is a learned art, so a lactation consultant will be able to help you and baby with good latching and positioning. I don't know what I would have done without those consultations. They are so helpful!  The La Leche League website also has some great information and you can search for "breastfeeding latch" on www.youtube.com for some instructional videos.

The Lansinoh Lanolin is great and can be found at places like Walmart, Walgreens, etc. And, the pump you choose will probably depend on how often you will use it. As a working mom, I used mine a few times a day, so a Medela Pump in Style double electric was the best choice for me. I personally recommend the Medela brand. They seem to have the best product quality. Best wishes!

[precious03]

I did go to a lactation consultant with both of my other kids and she said that they were latching on perfectly!  My nipps just got sore chapped and started bleeding that everytime they would latch on I would start crying I was in So much pain!!  I am going to give it another go around though!!  Hopefully this time will be better!!  Thank you for all you advice!!

[AndiJ78]

With all three of mine I had roughly 7 days of bleeding nipple and then it went away. If you can stick it out through that initial period, it does get better.

[tahariel]

The lanolin should help with the soreness then . . . Good luck!!!   :-)