breastfeeding with expressed milk only

[Michelle]

I am pregnant with my second child.  I did not breastfeed my older child.  I want to feed my new baby breastmilk for several reasons, including, it's best for the baby, it uses up alot of extra calories and it's alot cheaper than formula.  My problem is, I am very shy, and do not want to breastfeed around anyone other than my husband (I don't even want people to know I am doing it if I'm in the other room).  I do not want to breastfeed in public and I also want my husband to be able to help with feedings frequently.  I am taking 3 months off from work, and my question is this:  is it feasible to feed the baby only expressed milk and when I want to switch to formula prior to returning to work, will the baby accept the switch?  I know this sounds like a strange question, but it's very important to me.  Thanks.

[Diane]

Dear Michelle,

I breastfed my first son, but my second son wanted nothing to do with me....he had jaundice and was under the lights, got nipple confused, etc.     I pumped for about two and a half months, until I couldn't do it anymore. It just got too time consuming.   It is more difficult in that you have to pump, and when you're done, then feed.  The best way to do it is put yourself and your baby on different schedules...try and pump, then feed an hour later.  Then you won't feel like you're constantly feeding the baby!  Also, rent a pump from a medical supply store that has a double attachment.  Eventually, I got to the point where I could pump about 6 oz. in less than ten minutes.  I don't know that everyone has that same success.  In the beginning you will pump far more than you actually need.  Freeze it!  Get a book on breast feeding that has a chapter on storing frozen breast milk, and after you stop pumping, your baby can have the milk for weeks after.  You might also consider just trying breastfeeding for a week or so...it might not be as bad as you think.  If you don't like it, then pump.   Whatever you do, Good luck!

[HVM M.D. - EV]

Dear Michelle,
    Thank you for your question about breast feeding.
    First of all - congratulations on the anticipated birth of your second child.  With regard to your feeding your new baby - I would encourage you to breastfeed.  If you choose to offer the breastmilk by breast, by bottle, or by a combination of both - truly, that is your choice.  You might find it is easier to feed your baby directly from the breast - as the bottle feeding is really double work (i.e., you have to pump and then feed).  Also - there is a special intimacy shared with your infant when he/she is on the breast - that you really don't get with a bottle feeding. However, it is nice to have some flexibility with your feeding options - so a combination may be a reasonable solution.
See how you feel once your baby is born - and then make the choices that are right for you. But know that breastmilk can be offered from the bottle.
   With regard to switching from breastmilk to formula - some babies do reject the formula temporarily.  Some do prefer the taste of breastmilk.  However, most babies make the switch easily.  I certainly wouldn't worry about that transition now.
   Hope this helps.  Good luck  - Dr. EV

[A mom's opinion]

Hope you don't mind me sharing my own experiences with you.  I breastfed all four of my children.  When I was not there to offer the breast I made sure I had a fresh supply of what I had expressed the night before or even earlier in the day in the refrigerator.  I usually had to plan for this the day before, like going to the grocery store or in your case, work.  It seemed to work out well, but the best advice I can give is to remember to drink plenty of fluids.  With trying to "get ahead" in the milk production you might feel a little dehydrated and keeping up the demands of the baby and filling up extra bottles with your own milk can wear you down and you somtimes feel a little dehydrated.  I found it best to always have a glass of water beside me while I nursed.  Also, I noticed with all of my children that they respondcd to the breast milk in different ways, depending on what I had eaten or drank earlier.  Caffeine is a big no-no.  As far as switching to formula, no one is ever able to predict if their baby can tolerate it.  I don't think getting them to accept the taste is the hard part, it's not knowing whether they can tolerate the digestion of the formula or not.  Some babies are very sensitive and while our pediatrician usually suggested going to a soy formula, you'll have to talk to your own pediatrician and let him/her best advise you if that should happen.  Just ask them before you're ready to switch and they'll help guide you through the process.  Just remember, every baby is so different and while one may take to the bottle and change in nipple with no difficulty, another baby might fight it every step of the way until they're used to the different feel of the bottle nipple and the different taste.  I tended to worry more about how they would digest the formula rather than if they would accept the switch.  If I were you, I wouldn't worry about it until I discussed it with the pediatrician.  It's good that you're thinking ahead!