WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for March, 1998: Re: Breast feeding short term

Re: Breast feeding short term

From: DarcyMJ (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 30 Mar 1998 17:16:09 EST

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In a message dated 98-03-30 15:02:55 EST, you write:

<< Can I breastfeed for just a few weeks then switch over gradually? Would this be harder on baby's stomach than just formula feeding from the start? I'd love to hear other's experiences. >>

Mary Lynn...

Congratulations on the big event coming up soon! :-) Breastfeeding is wonderful for your baby, even for 12 weeks. There's no better start to life. For one thing, your breast milk is full of antibodies and will help your baby get off to a healthy start and some studies seem to "prove" that breastfed infants have fewer ear infections, which is a definite plus in this day and age. There are so many other reasons that breastfeeding is beneficial, but I'm sure you're already aware of them since you're planning to breastfeed. :-)

I worked with someone who did the same thing...returned to work after 12 weeks. She breastfed full-time while she was home and then went back to work and had her daughter on formula during the day. She did kind of a modified plan, which depending on your circumstances/desire might work for you too. During the day, her daughter was on formula, but once she picked her up in the afternoon, she breastfed her in the evenings and the first feeding of the morning. It was kind of the best of both worlds for her and helped her in her transition back to work and missing her daughter, since she still had nursings to look forward to as quiet times with her little one. For the first weeks of life, stick with breastfeeding entirely. Then you can start introducing a bottle (once breastfeeding is successfully established). Once you get within a few weeks of returning to work, start cutting out one daytime nursing and drop subsequent nursings every three to four days...it'll be easier on your body that way! At these times, you can either bottlefeed with formula or breastmilk, depending on your plans once you return to work.

My plan was similar for the 12 weeks off and my return to work, but then our daycare arrangement fell through, we rethought everything and I ended up leaving the work force and became a full-time mom, so I ended up breastfeeding longer than I thought! <G> But whatever your situation, I'm glad you've decided to breastfeed. It's a challenge, but so rewarding for you both.

I'd be glad to talk further or answer any questions you might have if you want to e-mail me privately!

Darcy Johnson Co-Moderator, Women's Health Forum

Next message: Mary: "VBAC Chat Session TONIGHT!"
Previous message: Becky: "vulvar lipoma?"
Maybe in reply to: Mary: "Breast feeding short term"
Next in thread: James Connerth MD: "Re: Breast feeding short term"

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