Breastfeeding

[SilverRabbit]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? North Dakota

I have a three month old child who currently receives breast milk. I nurse and pump for her. I do not have a supply issue. (I actually have enough frozen to be about two weeks or more ahead!) I have no issue with pumping and baby takes bottle and breast.

Her father informed me about a month ago at her WIC appointment that he was feeding her 2 oz of formula on the nights he had her before she went to sleep at night so she would sleep 6-7 hours. I did not care for this but let it go. It was his choice, a minimal amount and he was paying for it. He has made comments since she was born about that my breast milk makes her fussy and he is concerned about the smell and color of it. Our next WIC appointment is next week. He has stated that he would like me to discontinue breast feeding because he is concerned that she is not getting enough nutrients. She is in the lower percentile for weight but at her two month appointment the doctor was not concerned as she is gaining consistently. The doctor did state to try to increase the amount at each feeding because she was sleeping through the night.

We have joint decision making with neither parent getting to overrule the other. Our agreement states in the case of disagreement we consult neccasary professionals such as doctors to determine the best course of action. It also states we will abide by their recommendations over individual preferences.

I believe that the choice of breast milk verse formula is a medical decision. AAP recommends breast milk till age one. There is no concern by her pediatrician about her continuing to receive breast milk. I am concerned dad just wants the convienance factor of breast milk and the fact WIC will pay for it.

 

[Ohiogal]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? North Dakota

I have a three month old child who currently receives breast milk. I nurse and pump for her. I do not have a supply issue. (I actually have enough frozen to be about two weeks or more ahead!) I have no issue with pumping and baby takes bottle and breast.

Good.

Her father informed me about a month ago at her WIC appointment that he was feeding her 2 oz of formula on the nights he had her before she went to sleep at night so she would sleep 6-7 hours. I did not care for this but let it go. It was his choice, a minimal amount and he was paying for it. He has made comments since she was born about that my breast milk makes her fussy and he is concerned about the smell and color of it. Our next WIC appointment is next week. He has stated that he would like me to discontinue breast feeding because he is concerned that she is not getting enough nutrients. She is in the lower percentile for weight but at her two month appointment the doctor was not concerned as she is gaining consistently. The doctor did state to try to increase the amount at each feeding because she was sleeping through the night.

Okay.

We have joint decision making with neither parent getting to overrule the other. Our agreement states in the case of disagreement we consult neccasary professionals such as doctors to determine the best course of action. It also states we will abide by their recommendations over individual preferences.

I believe that the choice of breast milk verse formula is a medical decision. AAP recommends breast milk till age one. There is no concern by her pediatrician about her continuing to receive breast milk. I am concerned dad just wants the convienance factor of breast milk and the fact WIC will pay for it.

He wants the convenience of BREAST milk? Even though he can't produce it? How much do you send on every visit? I think you mis-spoke. Do you send enough to help him out? What is in the inconvenient part of Breast milk for you to send? I am confused. AAP can recommend whatever they want. Dad can formula feed if he wants and you don't send enough breast milk. He pays for it.

 

[SilverRabbit]

Good.

Okay.

He wants the convenience of BREAST milk? Even though he can't produce it? How much do you send on every visit? I think you mis-spoke. Do you send enough to help him out? What is in the inconvenient part of Breast milk for you to send? I am confused. AAP can recommend whatever they want. Dad can formula feed if he wants and you don't send enough breast milk. He pays for it.

You are correct I misspoke. I believe he wants the convienance of Formula. He currently has least a full weeks supply at his home. I send it frozen in breast milk storage bags. I pay for the storage bags.

 

[Ohiogal]

You are correct I misspoke. I believe he wants the convienance of Formula. He currently has least a full weeks supply at his home. I send it frozen in breast milk storage bags. I pay for the storage bags.

If he decides to use formula, that cost is on him. IMHO. And I do not foresee a court saying otherwise. Nor can they force him to "breastfeed" or use breast milk.

 

[CJane]

I do think it's likely at the 12 week appointment, that the pediatrician or WIC person (whomever you're seeing) will recommend supplementation with formula. IF that happens, you realize that you've agreed to abide by what the medical professionals recommend, yes?

 

[SilverRabbit]

I do think it's likely at the 12 week appointment, that the pediatrician or WIC person (whomever you're seeing) will recommend supplementation with formula. IF that happens, you realize that you've agreed to abide by what the medical professionals recommend, yes?

I have no problem if that is what a medical professional recommends.

 

[LdiJ]

I do think it's likely at the 12 week appointment, that the pediatrician or WIC person (whomever you're seeing) will recommend supplementation with formula. IF that happens, you realize that you've agreed to abide by what the medical professionals recommend, yes?

I am curious. I have never heard of recommendations to supplement with formula at 12 weeks. Is that something new?

 

[CJane]

The child is underweight, and father is already supplementing.

A child remaining underweight into the third or 4th month may need supplementation.

And, kiddo is transitioning to food soon. Sometimes, that transition is easier if something other than breast milk has been offered.

 

[CenTex71]

I am curious. I have never heard of recommendations to supplement with formula at 12 weeks. Is that something new?

I'm with you. Unless it's a notable exception, this seems contradictory to accepted common guidance.