Breastfeed & Formula????

[blondie]

Hello. I was wondering if anyone is able to successfully do both. I had my first baby on 5/1 and currently I am breastfeeding. I will have to return back to work full-time in about 12 weeks. Electric pumps are so expensive so I was thinking that while she is in daycare and possibly an occasional middle of the night feeding by dad could be done by formula. And all other feedings could continue to be done by the breast????

Any insight would be helpful

[auzziekat]

Hey Blondie,
Actually, that's a bit of a misnomer. Realize that when you're adding up costs, even if baby switches over to formula, the average cost for formula is $1,500 per year, and that's for the average stuff. Some babies have sensitive tummies and require special hypo-allergenic formula that runs twice that amount. So even if you went with half breastmilk and half regular formula, you'd still be looking at $750, which is the cost of almost THREE brand new, top-of-the-line pumps. (And not to get off on a tangent or anything, but if baby's getting the antibodies present in breastmilk, you're looking at fewer doctor visits, fewer medications, and fewer days off work...all of which is going to end up saving you more cash in the long run.) Also, if you have another baby, you can use the same pump, bringing the cost down even more.

Please, please, please, please avoid the Gerber/Playtex/Evenflo pumps...not only are they ineffective (which can really jeopardize your milk supply), but I have also heard of women actually getting tissue damage from using the darned things! Yikes!

Don't be concerned about getting a used pump, either...It's perfectly sanitary. The expensive part is the pumping mechanism, which never touches the milk at all. You can buy the horns, tubes and bottles brand new for about $50. Another option is to rent the pump instead of buying...you can check in the phonebook under Infant and/or Lactation. Your local LLL chapter might be able to help you, and if your hospital has a lactation consultant, that can be another great resource. (Your hospital might also rent them.)

6 Reasons to Continue Breastfeeding After Returning to Work:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/t024700.asp

20 Tips for Working and Breastfeeding:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/t025100.asp

Picking the Right Breastpump for You:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/t025300.asp

Pumps & Pumping:
http://www.breastfeeding.com/pumps&pumping.html

How often will I have to pump when I go back to work?
http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/pumpfreq.html

The Pumping Station
http://www.breastfeeding.com/helpme/helpme_tips_pump.html

How to Fit Pumping Into Your Work Schedule:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/t025400.asp

A Current Summary of Employment-Related Breastfeeding Legislation in the U.S.
http://www.lalecheleague.org/LawBills.html

Working It Out: Breastfeeding at Work
http://www.lalecheleague.org/Law/LawEmployment.html

Hope this helps

auzziekat

[paige]

You will need to pump at work during the day to keep up your supply. How much and how often depends on you and your child. With my first I was a substitute teacher. I made it through mostly with an Avent Isis pump (which of the less expensive pumps I have found to be the most efficient and comfortable--I agree to avoid the Evenflo--it was a nightmare!) but that was because I didn't work real regularly. I could pump in a few days what he'd need when I would be gone teaching a day. With my second I was working full time and I used a Medela PIS I borrowed from a friend and bought the parts for ($50). Unfortunately I could not keep up with even that and we had to supplement her with some formula. I would pump and send as much milk as I had from the day before after my freezer stash was used and we'd keep a can or so of formula at the sitters so that she had extra there just in case. I am a teacher and I had only my 20 minutes at lunch time after my duty to pump. I think if I had more time/ availability I could have gotten more. I am currently nursing my 3rd. I've used two Isis pumps to keep some in the freezer for when I go back to work in the fall. I'm not sure what I'll do when it comes that time--I may rent another PIS.

Goodluck
Paige

[AmazinAZ]

I rented a pump though my local La Leche League office by Medula, hospital grade double pumper for $1 a day, WAYYYYYYY cheaper than buying formula. I took it to college with me and pumped in my car between classes and kept the milk in a insulated lunch box with ice packs. Most employers now days will let you take breaks to pump. Ask. Try it before giving up completely, formula is expensive.

Amanda