First time mom needs support. Doctor is making me give my 6 day old formula as well as my milk :(

Paula - posted on 04/28/2010

My second daughter was also jaundiced and the doctor tried to strongarm me into giving her formula in the hospital. She said the reason was that it takes awhile for our milk to come in full force and that the baby has to drink a lot to get rid of the jaundice. I sat with the little bottle of formula in my hand for a good hour, struggling with the decision and really, really against giving her anything other than my milk. It finally occurred to me that I should start pumping to get extra milk for the baby and gave it to her with a dropper so she didn't get nipple confusion from a bottle. It worked great and after a few days with the extra milk and the UV lights, we were released from the hospital. Try not to feel guilty... As long as she is still getting breastmilk, the formula won't hurt her and she will still get all the special nutrients she needs from you. The jaundice will soon be gone and, as soon as it is, phase out the formula and go back to exclusively breastfeeding, if that's what you want. For now, enjoy the extra rest you get from letting someone else feed her once in a while...

Jane - posted on 04/28/2010

I would flat our refuse! How can the doctor make you do that? They tried to foce formula on my boys and I told them no way! All babies lose weight at first, your milk will not come in as well if your baby is drinking anything else. Also, why use bottles when you go out for the evening? I always just nursed our kids when we were out. Since I worked full time, I'd pump on all 3 of my breaks but that was only for my husband to give our boys the next day, never when I was nearby. Good luck!

Lindsey - posted on 04/28/2010

i had a similiar problem with my little girl. my milk was slow to come in, and she dropped more weight than they liked. i had to suppliment for a bit until my milk came in. she is 3 months old now and as healthy as can be. no worries, you are not a failure. you are doing the best you can for your baby, and that is what matters.

Kristin - posted on 04/28/2010

You don't have to like it. But, as the goal is a healthy baby, you do what you have to. I would definitely let her breastfeed anytime she wants to nurse/feed. That will get the milk coming in good and strong. You can take away the bottle when she no longer needs the formula, unless you do want to pump to feed when out. You can take away the binky too. All babies have a need to suck, she just can't have you all the time right now.



Your daughter is getting stonger and healthier by the moment. Soon, you can have normal-ish. Nothing is really normal with kids. Best wishes to you all on a speedy and safe recovery.

Dora - posted on 04/28/2010

I know exactly how you feel as I had to give my son formula after he nursed because he lost so much weight. I did it for 2wks then stopped after he gained weight and the doctor felt that my milk came in strong and plenty. Do some research on the computer and get a second opinion to see if she really needs the formula.

Sheri - posted on 04/28/2010

I had the same thing happen. He got jaundice and my doctor wanted me to give formula. I was not happy about that choice, but after talking to the nurses in the NICU (we ended up in the hospital) as well they helped me realize he was dehydrated and I was not producing enough milk for him to push the bellyrubins (SP?) through so the formula helped that. That is what jaundice is caused from. They don't get enough milk to push out the BR and the jaundice will stick around. Be skeptical, but know the doctors want the best and want her to be healthy. We didn't do formula earlier enough along with my milk and we ended up in the hospital because the jaundice just got worse. What you can also try is pumping to see how much milk you are producing. That will give you an idea if you need to give formula for a bit. I only had to give formula for about a week and then it was over and he was healthy. It is 3 months later and he is still going strong on only my milk. It breaks your heart to think you can't provide for them, but know it is for the short term only!

Tanya - posted on 04/28/2010

I am a 1st time mommy and I changed my doc after my sons 2 week check up. I just didn't agree with him. You can always go and talk to some docs until you find one that thinks the same way you do

Kathy - posted on 04/28/2010

Firstly, congratulations on the arrival of your little girl! Secondly, did the doctor say why he wanted you to supplement with formula? That goes completely against anything I've ever heard, so I would definitely suggest you get a second opinion. Or, alternatively, ignore his/her suggestions - the doctor can't MAKE you do anything, but it's very hard to go against the suggestions of a doctor!. Just feed her more often.

Bethany - posted on 04/28/2010

Get a second opinion! Try La Leche League for breastfeeding support. In no way is formula better than breastmilk for the health of your baby.

Sometimes it's hard to do things contrary to what your doctor advises, but you have every right to. In this case, the doctor is completely, absolutely, unequivocally wrong. Sunlight will help with the jaundice. What is that doctor thinking?! A La Leche League person would be invaluable in your situation.

Good luck!
Beth

Crystal - posted on 04/28/2010

Um I say second opinion on that..
My now 17 month old had jaundice when she was born and I asked my midwife if formula would help, and she said, absolutely not.. if anything the formula will make the baby colicky and my milk slow production...There is no proof that formula helps with jaundice.. there is proof that sunshine helps.. and TONS of proof that Breast feeding is the BEST thing for baby.. Not to mention the confusion for baby from breast to bottle, and the ill effects it will have on your milk production.. don't believe what he says.. just because he is a doctor doesn't mean he knows what is best.. I have learned this the hard way.. I am happy to see you are seeking advice from moms.. Good luck...& I say find a new doctor..

Katie - posted on 04/28/2010

I agree with getting a second opinion. My Son had jaundice too and he was and is breastfed only. I really loved my hospital. They don't give babies binks without the Mom's permission. It also said on everything that he was to be breastfed only. I would be just as upset as you if all of that had happened to me. Good luck!

Celeste - posted on 04/28/2010

Get in touch with a La Leche League leader and they will tell you all about breast feeding. Everyone here (including myself) is all about the breast! Formula is never, never, never necessary!! LLL leaders are breastfeeding experts and can give you sound advise on how to speak to your Dr. and express your desires. Don't let them pressure you into feeding formula if that is not what you want.

Lisa - posted on 04/28/2010

I agree with everyone here! Breastfeed as often as possible & put that junk in the garbage! You know what's best for your baby & sometimes it's getting advice from people who share your values. Dr.'s included!

Erin - posted on 04/28/2010

Um... What? Whoa. Nurse nurse nurse nurse nurse. If her diaper output is good (6-8 wet diapers a day) then she does not need formula. Unfortunately too many doctors here in America are NOT educated on breastfeeding and "topping her off" with formula is just going to make her nurse less, which will make your supply tank. I'm a big fan of telling doctors to "shove it" in that situation. It's why I supplement with breastmilk instead of formula even though I have a low supply. It all comes down to if she has good output, though. If you must, pump your own milk to top her off, but this may drive you into an oversupply later.

Joyce - posted on 04/28/2010

How old is your Dr.?? There was a fad in my grandmothers' era that the dr.s told them they're milk was poisen, and to give them formula. the dr told my grandmother on my mom's side that her milk wasn't enough and she needed to give my aunt formula, my aunt has always sufferend from obesity. If something the Dr tells you doesn't sound right, get a second opinion, and look it up. There are plenty of medical resources available now days.

Kelli - posted on 04/28/2010

i know exactly how you feel because we went through the same thing with my son . they kept wanting me to shove that stuff into his system and i refused . i only have it to him once when he was in the hospital . breast milk is the best thing for her and she will get over jaundice on her own . dont let them pressure you into doing something you dont want to do . the reason they told me to do it was so it could hold him over longer and he could stay under the lights longer . he's 5 months now and still breast fed and very healthy . he HATES bottles and cringes at the sight of a binkie =) try and breast feed as much as you can and only formula feed once or twice . everything will be okay momma . =)

Michele - posted on 04/28/2010

Get a second opinion! My daughter had slight jaundice and I breastfed on demand (which was a lot of demanding!). Breastmilk is a simple supply and demand system. More baby demands, more supply your body makes. That's why they cluster feed. As long as your breastmilk is healthy, there should be no reason for formula feeding, if you don't want to...but that's my opinion and I'm not a doctor. But please be aware that formula isn't rat poison! It is safe! I stopped breastfeeding my daughter at four months cause that's when she had had enough....she weaned herself. We've been giving her formula ever since and she does just fine. Sometimes it depends on the brand of formula...some babies don't tolerate some brands. So please, don't look down upon formula even if it isn't the right choice for you.

Laura - posted on 04/28/2010

I'm with Carol C. I don't see any need to supplement. My son was severly Jaundice and I was able to solely breastfeed. Doctors today push for what is best for them. Go with your gut. If you think the baby is getting enough just from you don't give the formula. Your body only makes what the baby needs so there should be reason to "top off". If the baby is gaining weight and doing well that's all that matters. My girl was slightly jaundice but stayed yellow for almost a month. My breastmilk & sunlight was all she needed. Good luck!

Wendy - posted on 04/28/2010

Boy do I know how you feel! Our last child who is now 7 months old Thursday had the same situation and I hated it. He would get 1 oz of yucky formula every other feeding and did so for about 2 months. I slowly backed him off of it and never was I so thrilled when he needed it no more. All of my babies have been small and they made me give our 3rd child a supplement that was added to her cereal just to see if it would help her weight gain. I hated that too, but as I expected it made no diff in her weight and the Dr finally agreed with me that she was just going to be small- thanks to genetics!
So as a mother who has been there, done that, I know how you feel and often you know your baby better than any Dr. However, you always want to do what is best for baby. Just know that it is ok, no matter, how much you hate it and if you are willing to work with it (increasing your milk supply to help back off formula eventually) this will only be a memory of the past. Try enjoying your beautiful blessing and don't think too much about the dreaded f-word!!

Farah - posted on 04/28/2010

Uh if she is jaundice you should be nursing her more, not supplementing with formula...I have nursed both of my girls and never ever was told that I had to use formula, and wouldn't stand for it, if you have the milk to give then why supplement if she is growing and healthy. Time for a new dr. especially since it seems this one is not pro breastfeeding and you seem to be. The first thing I learned as a new mom was to have confidence that you know what is best for your child and don't let ANYone discourage you from what you want to do. I let the nurses in the nursery give my first a binky even though I was very against it, but they talked me into it and she just got rid of it in Feb at 3 years old, her front baby teeth are pushed forward and I have a feeling that she is going to need braces now when she is older.

Sara - posted on 04/28/2010

my daughter was also under the lights for 3 days,most babies are born with jaundice and although it is scary to see ur baby go through it,it isnt all that bad.my daughter was breast fed mostly but has been fed formula as well.i didnt like the idea but in the long run it is healthy for the baby as well as u.if your baby eats anything like my daughter u will b thankfull for the formula.your baby will get what she needs either way.my daughter is very healthy and quite a big girl,what ever u do she will b fine.

Teresa - posted on 04/28/2010

Please do NOT feel as if you are failing your baby. That doesn't help anything... believe me. :) I agree w/ getting a second opinion.



My twins were cup fed supplemental formula in the hospital until my milk came in and they stopped losing weight. As soon as they stopped losing we told the nurses 'no more.' I did also supplement (w/ bottle) several times in the middle of the night during the first month or two AFTER I would nurse each girl twice and still not be able to settle them.... I felt like a failure each time, but I had to do what was best for all of us and I did. Just like I have confidence that you will figure out what is best for you and your baby and DO it... regardless of what anyone (even a doctor) may say about it.



Good luck and congratulations on your precious bundle!!

Virginia - posted on 04/28/2010

Doctor's love to push formula. One of the pediatricians in my group recommended formula feeding when my son began losing weight because he wasn't eating enough at the breast.

I decided that I would pump out breast milk and feed my son that way. You could do the same - you are giving her formula in a bottle, so why not just give her breast milk in a bottle. Your milk is better for the baby and it has the same calorie count as formula.

Nyssa - posted on 04/28/2010

lol Those of you who are saying Elizabeth can just nurse the baby in public...what if the baby is with a sitter? Just a thought. That's how I read it anyway.
My 1st born had jaundice. Not so bad that they had to keep him in the hospital. They just said to put him in the sunlight at the window (he was born in Dec.). Not for more than 15min. though. I clearly remember them telling me that sometimes jaundice gets worse when you nurse, but that it was an old myth that you couldn't nurse if you had a jaundicy baby. They used to tell mothers not to nurse because it would make it worse.
I thought this page might help. It's from the Dr. Sears web page:

www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T029600.asp

It's about breastfeeding a newborn with jaundice.

Jessica - posted on 04/28/2010

I started off breastfeeding and my daughter developed jaundice because she was not getting enough to eat and because she wasn't getting enough to eat she wasn't using her kidneys like she should have been... they gave her formula as well as my milk and she gained back several ounces... I switched to formula and she went home the next day. I did not want to formula feed, however, my milk was not forming...

Jaclyn - posted on 04/28/2010

Ellen,

I agree with you but I liked using a bottle filled with breast milk. I did not want to just pull out a breast in public, I have no problem if a woman does as long as she covers up. I think that the complete breast should be out of view in public, even if it is our right as mothers. I do not want to see another woman's breast in view.

Jaclyn - posted on 04/28/2010

I went through the same thing. The formula is just a supplement. Its okay to use it that way. Once she is no longer jaundice you can just give her breast milk. There is no need for you to feel like a failure. You are not. Think of it this way, you are doing what is best for your little girl. Its best that her belly is full, and that her liver starts doing its job. Breast milk is better, however, the formula will make her liver do its job in filtering better. There is more to filter from formula. Plus look at it this way, while she is being supplemented, you can pump and store the breast milk to help when she is only on the breast milk. And believe you me, she will go through spells of eating more than you can imagine. I loved storing it. That way, I would go out with family or friends,and my son still had breast milk, no matter what.
You will be okay.

Amanda - posted on 04/28/2010

Do you have a lactation specialist in your town? Check with your hospital; I have gone to her repeatedly and she has been invaluable to me in getting me through all of the trouble we've encountered along the road thus far.
YOUR MILK IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST THING FOR YOUR BABY! Carol is correct as well; the more you supplement with formula, the less milk you will produce. You can still increase your milk production by letting the baby nurse more frequently, but it will take 1-3 days to build up a full supply, which means you would have to keep supplementing with formula and it will make the transition that much longer probably. I would check with another doctor and definitely look into a lactation consultant if there's one nearby!

Deborah - posted on 04/28/2010

My sin came out with real bad reece's also, he was under lights for 2 weeks and was getting fed through a tube since it was too risky to take him from the lights even just to breast feed him. AT the time he was getting a mis of expressed milk and formula as well as he wasn't putting on weight. When I finally got him home they made me do both the formula and the breast milk at the same time to help him keep putting on weight.

As soon as the health visitor said "well his weight is steady now" I was straight to full breast until he got his chompy teeth, he's pretty much perfectly fine and the least fussy eater of all the babies I've met so far :D bonus!

Also because of the bottle feeds he's taken to the real milk and cup drinks really well, it's not a weird sensation for him so you might be in a good way for future moving from the breast to cup :D

You're not a failure, trust me. Jaundice is very common and it's just them making sure the billiruben is getting flushed out. Don't be upset that she's good with formula either, that's a great thing, means you can get baby sitting without worrying about expressing enough or anything. I know it's not nearly as good as breast milk but there'll most likely be a time once her hunger steps up where you simply can't keep up until you're used to making even more and a bottle will just keep her from fussing too much while you recover :)

Ellen - posted on 04/28/2010

Tell your dr to PISS OFF!!! Seriously girl formula is baby poison IMO. You dont' HAVE to do anything and your baby only needs your milk your dr sounds like a real idiot!!! Tell them you'll sue them if they give your child any more of that. Your daughter can survive just fine with just your milk even with jaundice!!!! ugh.....seriously sorry it just makes me mad when people push formula on those who clearly don't want it!!



and on another note you don't *have* to give your daugter a bottle if you go out at night :) just pull it out and feed her you have that right girl and be proud of it!!

Deborah - posted on 04/28/2010

My first had Jaundice and we were in Hos for 5 days, she was under the lamp and all went well. I breastfed and topped her with Formula in the hos, if baby is struggling then you have to go with the experts you can always continue bf when you get home! You are not a failure bf is not easy but keep trying i did it for both of my girls for 3 months! Mum of 2 with another on the way!

Mandy - posted on 04/28/2010

When I was in hospital having my son, there was a lady across the ward from me whose son had jaundice and the Drs and midwives told her the best thing she could do for him was to breastfeed him regularly, as his helps break up the bileruben that causes the jaundice. We didn't realise at the time that my son also had a mild case of jaundice, I was told to offer him the breast more, not to give formula.
Please don't beat yourself and feel like a failure, you want to do the best for you baby and part of that is listening to medical professionals, unfortunately they don't know a lot about breastfeeding or breastmilk, and seem to thing formula is the best thing to do if in any doubt.
I'm not sure if it is a universal treatment but standard treatment for severe jaundice in the UK is to place the baby under UV lights. Also have you looked into having donated breastmilk if you can't express very well, it would be what I would do if either of mine had needed hospital treatment before going to formula.
Like others have said a 2nd opinion wouldn't hurt, as would doing as much research yourself. Good luck, hope your daughter recovers quickly x

Elisabeth - posted on 04/28/2010

I actually breast feed & use formula! I dont warm up the water for the formula bottle as much so that my little man prefers my breast milk but I only do formula rarely. Dont feel bad, just make sure baby gets what he needs and you are being a loving mother :) Good luck!

Amanda - posted on 04/28/2010

While I agree that it's not a bad idea to get a second opinion, I think you are being a little too hard on yourself. While we all know that breast is best, formula is not quite as bad as some people make it seem. Yes, it has additives and preservatives, and it's not 100% natural, but millions of babies have been fed only formula from birth and are perfectly healthy and happy. I personally could not produce enough milk to satisfy my youngest two daughters, so I had to supplement with formula from the beginning. My son developed jaundice before we left the hospital, but none of the doctors ever told me I needed to supplement my breastmilk with formula. I'm not sure about that. So yes- get a second opinion, but don't be too hard on yourself (or the baby formula) either.

April - posted on 04/28/2010

4-20....that's my birthday too!! well, i had a c-section and my milk took a while to come in, but we didn't supplement at all.

in the hospital, they told me to just keep on nursing and that would help the milk come.

i made it VERY clear that I did not want formula or a binky. I didn't trust that they would listen, so I never let my baby go to the nursery unless he needed one of those newborn tests.

Shame on your doctors for making you feel like you didn't have a choice! There ARE other ways to help with jaundice!

Rebecca - posted on 04/28/2010

When my daughters was born she was also born at 38wks via induction and I lost a lot of blood.. she was jaundiced and very lethargic so lost a bit of weight. due to my blood loss my milk took longer than usual to come in so for a 48hr period the peds told me to feed her myself, feed her expressed breast milk and top up with formula (every 2 hrs) until she had gained a bit of weight.. after she had 2 weight gains I stopped the formula and just kept feeding her 2hrly.. It didnt do her any harm and Im glad I did it because it was what was best for her because of my late milk..

I was against the bottle so I syringe fed and finger/tube fed her instead (google it :) so she didnt get used to the bottle.

And with jaundice my health nurse suggested putting her in just a nappy and placing her next to a window where she can get a little sun for 5 - 10 mins a day as its the UV that helps clear it up, it worked for us (the lamps they use in hospital are UV lamps)

Ultimately your baby is mostly getting your milk and the formula will only be temporary.. Do what you think is best for your baby..Hope that was helpful..

Gayle - posted on 04/28/2010

I know how you feel as far as thinking you are a failure... You're NOT!!!! My milk took 4 days to come in and so rthe hospital told me that i had to supplement with formula until she started gaining weight... I couldn't do it... I cried, thinking that i was a failure.... They finally showed my husband how to feed her because i refused.... Luckily the next day my milk came in and i have never used that gross stuff again... And if i pump, my husband feeds her because i feel that if i feed her, i have the right parts to do it without a bottle... Hang in there, get a second opinion and if your milk is in, throw that crap out the window.... My daughter had jaundice and we were told to put her in the sun....

Becky - posted on 04/27/2010

First off, you are not a failure! When you've just had a newborn and there's some sort of complication, all we want if for them to be okay and healthy and home with us. And when the dr. tells us how that can happen, we want to believe that they're right, and we follow their advice.
That said, I think your doctor is wrong. My son was also born a bit early - 37 weeks, and was only 5 lbs. 3 oz. at birth. He developed quite bad jaundice and had to be under the bili lights for over 48 hours. But no one ever even suggested we supplement with formula. In fact, to support me breastfeeding him, the nurses brought in a portable bili light and put it over me, so I could hold him on my chest under the light instead of him having to be in the bassinette. (so nice for me, because I cried when they said he'd have to go under the lights!) I had to feed him every 2 hours and keep careful track of his wet and poopy diapers, and it did take several weeks for the jaundice to go away.
Bottom line, you are her mom and if you do not like the idea of giving her formula, stop! You are not going to be hurting her, quite the contrary in fact. And if your dr. doesn't like it, well, he's not the one who gave birth to her and is raising her now, is he?!

Sammie - posted on 04/27/2010

My daughter and son both had jaundice. But they neither one had a drop of formula. My daughter had to use a bili-blanket for a few days and my son was on bili-light for a few days. But no formula.
Dr's really dont know much about breastfeeding/breastmilk, they dont mind pushing formula when its not needed.
I would toss the formula, and im sorry you were bullied into using it, when you didnt want to.

Susan - posted on 04/27/2010

Hi !
I had my baby early too - now almost four years ago.
We stayed in the hospital until he was 5 lbs and could take in by mouth a certain amount - intsead of going through a tube.
Now I'm a bit rusty in my memory about certain things but not others.
Here's what I know for certain:
Your baby won't get "turned off" to you-- if you are soothing, responsive always, and always letting your baby to your breast she will let go of her pacifier and formula.
Pump extra from you as much as possible and insist that it is used before they add their F------. I agree with you totally.
Remember she is your baby not theirs and not anyone else's. You can shut them up by saying "it works for us", or it goes against my religion or something like that.
Get back home and just offer breast - your baby will want you. Sometimes latching can be an issue but it is thruout- just - shift and re-cuddle. Or try again five minutes later or at next cry. always abswer the cries- do not ever listen to those who say cry it out.stick w/ your gut instinct. I am in the process of weaning now- and my boy turns four in mid june !!!!! I am doing a slow wean...I started to escalate the weaning in February... being able to talk with your child - about nursing ! it is amazing and to think so many women are forced to deny their babies !
That is a whole other subject extended nursing ! You can google that for articles and books !
An average age quoted by some for weaning around the world is 4.5 years ! so---many weaned before 4.5 and many weaned after -if the ageof 4.5 is the average !!!
I tell my boy not now I don't want to and where is your cow's milk sippy cup? I still warm milk (cow's ) on the stove for him and it is a great comfort for him in the eve. ...I started cows milk around age 2 ?
I could ramble on -- but please contact me on facebook if you care to chat. I don't often look at circle of moms ...just busy - but find everyone here soooo helpful. look me up :) and best of luck and congrats ♥ a girl :) Susan Ashley

Heather - posted on 04/27/2010

GP/FP doctors tend to recommed formula for breastfeed babies that are jaudice as is it an easy fix is what my LC told someone in our BF support group.. Find a pedi Dr and get rid or the forumla till you find a new Dr is what I would suggest!

TERRY - posted on 04/27/2010

as a rule I question my doctor when something doesn't seem right. I've even had doctors seem insulted that I would question them. can you get a second opinion?

Jennifer - posted on 04/27/2010

formula supplementation does not help get rid of billirueben (jaudice). Breastmilk and sunlight does! and those formula top ups can really sabotage your supply and her latch, sending you down that slippery slope to more and more supplementation. toss the bottles and just give her your breast at least 10 - 12 times per day. and expose her to sunlight (same effect as billi lights).

Jodi - posted on 04/27/2010

Actually, I was told by my lactation consultant that breastmilk is BETTER for babies with jaundice, just as it is better for premies and pretty much any other illness a baby can encounter. I'm pretty sure your doctor can't legally force you to let your baby have formula. I would put my foot down and put it down hard, it's your baby not his!!! Let him know you are NOT okay with your child having formula. They have completely overstepped their rights as doctors, they can advise...they can not force you into anything! You're a new momma, you milk is what is BEST for your baby, stand up for your child and YOURSELF!!! Good luck sweety, I really hope it turns out alright!!! It's not something I would tolerate!!!

Erica - posted on 04/27/2010

My doctor did this to me as well, when my son was about 4 days old. Dr said that he wasn't gaining weight fast enough, he was 8.6 at birth but dropped to 7.4 by 4 days old. I ignored what he said and today when we went for his 8 week check up, Jaxon weighed 11.8 Trust your instincts.

Heather - posted on 04/27/2010

My daughter had jaundice, as well, and her pediatrician said that bilirubin levels can slightly increase from breastfeeding, but told me to just feed her as often as I could get her to eat (I woke her all night long even, every two hours, to breastfeed her), and it did go away. I agree w/what others have said about getting a second opinion.

Now- if your baby's jaundice is severe enough that another doctor says you should continue supplementing- remember that it's a short term solution, and your baby is still getting your milk and sometime soon will be able to have that exclusively! You are right- you don't have to like it, but you shouldn't feel guilty about something beyond your control. You are doing the best possible thing under the circumstances! Be proud of yourself for doing the best you can!

Claudia - posted on 04/27/2010

i had to supplement when my son was a newborn as well.. he wasnt getting enough milk from me and also had jaundice but after a few days, he started gaining weight again and then my milk came in full force .. almost 9 months later, and we're still going :)

Jeannette - posted on 04/27/2010

Breast milk is best if you have a jaundiced baby, I wouldn't do formula at all.

Andrea - posted on 04/27/2010

I thankfully had a wonderful doctor who had me supplement with my own milk :) Basically, you pump after every feeding (during the day) and the 1-2 oz you get, you give to your daughter right away to "top off" - basically you are making sure to empty the breast (cause sometimes the baby is not very efficient at that) AND you are making sure they get the hind milk, which is the fattiest part. I would suggest that and a new doctor :)

Elizabeth - posted on 04/27/2010

Thank you everyone, this is making me feel better. I'm just so tired/in pain still from labor that I'm getting emotional/cranky constantly and this formula thing has not helped at all! I will be for sure be trying to find a new doctor for her so that I can get a second opinion tomorrow. I really dislike the idea of giving my baby chemically made food when I have much better food that I'm producing like crazy. We think her bili levels are getting much better, she is pooing a lot(which is supposed to mean she's pooping it out) and we had more blood drawn today, just waiting to get the phone call with the results. Her appetite is also getting a lot bigger which is good since she was only 5lbs 11oz, 18in at birth! Again, thank you so much!