Expert: ruth kraft - 2/18/2010

Question
I am due in a couple months with my third child. My first I did not breastfeed, and my second I was only able to breastfeed for 2 weeks because we encountered problems, however, I want to try again with my third. My question is I want to breastfeed, but I also want to be able to give a bottle of formula if I will not be around for a feeding or if I am too exhausted at night, or maybe even one battle of formula before bed so my baby sleeps better, this way my husband can help at times too. Can I do this and still maintain my milk supply? Let me add I DO NOT want to pump, at all! I understand I need to breastfeed for a couple weeks exclusively to establish my supply. I know when the baby comes I will start to figure it all out on my own, but the important thing is I want to be able to feed a bottle of formula if need be. Thank you for your time.

Answer
if you breastfeed exclusivly for 6 weeks without giving a bottle or any kind of suppliment, than a bottle of formula now and again will not decrease your supply. if only done a couple times a week.  The more often you give formula, the less milk you will make. 2 bottles a week or so wont be a big deal.