Combo Feeding

Hey mamas, I wanted to ask everyone what your take is on combo feeding. I've been having a rough time (mentally) exclusively pumping for 8 months now. I was somewhat of an over supplier for awhile but now My supply is dipping fast, I've stopped using my Lansinoh hands free pumps and went back to using my zomee due the hands free not fully emptying me, and now I pump longer to try and get more I've also increased my hydration intake significantly. It's dipped so much so, that think I might have to introduce formula. I'm making *JUST* enough. Ive been avoiding it as much as possible but between my MIL watching her majority of the week since I went back to work my frozen stash is gone. I do think I've done a great job even making it 8 months and I'm not going to stop now ; but it's heart breaking that I couldn't do the full year. So anyone who combo feeds , how did your baby react to the difference ? was there any changes in behavior? Did they get gassy? Also she does get 2-3 meals a day and fruit Milk in between: 5am, noon 1st nap, 3-4pm 2nd nap and then 8-9pm bedtime .

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Following as I’m producing just enough since 3 months old and I needed to stop pumping as not much comes out and it hurts :(

You have done amazing getting to 8 months. Exclusively pumping is in my opinion the hardest way to feed as you have the breastfeeding bits, bottles and then pumps as extra things to do/steps to take. I haven't combi fed so can't comment on that but couldn't not comment and praise you!

@Natalie thank you for the kinds words ! There is so many things they don't tell you about breastfeeding . Its just as mental as it is physical.

Definitely. I ebf (and still breastfeed - she's 2 1/4 now) and that's hard enough without all the extras that come with pumping.

@Silvia I was producing very very well until about 2 months ago: and I've been struggling real bad since . But I've always made due , now i can't keep up with the standard 24-30oz. I buy coconut oil https://a.co/d/3Ax9fDb which is as organic as it gets to lube my pump parts , it shouldn't be painful. I have to gradually go up in suction based on my sensitivity, but it shouldn't hurt so bad to where nothing comes out .

I combo fed a bit in the beginning because my milk took a little longer to come in. My son is almost 4 months now. I would say discuss with your baby’s pediatrician to discuss what he thinks would be the best. I didn’t see any changes in my son. Sometimes I still give him formula if/when we’re out and about because I recently started birth control and had to dabble in my stash. I was scared I’d use it all so that’s why I started back combo feeding. And still no changes or reaction to the formula.

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