Experienced mothers weigh in on if it is possible to switch from formula back to breastmilk and what the mummy in need can do to increase her milk supply.
Keep on latching
Myra Tay: It’s never too late to switch from formula to breastmilk. Keep on latching. Meanwhile, express your breast milk at regular intervals eg. every 3 hrs – 20mins each breast. The breast milk will flow.
Erika Melson-Lim: It’s never too late to switch from formula to breastmilk. The more your baby suckles the more milk u will produce! Well done mummy!
Janice Moo: Do continue to try. Massage your breast and let your baby continue to latch on often.
Christine Lee: Fenugreek, fishtail papaya soup will help. However, suckle from baby is still the most effective way to increase breastmilk. Let baby latch on as much as possible and express your breastmilk every two to three hours if direct breastfeed is not possible.
Sandra Yp Yeong: I think the best way to “cheat” your breast is let your baby latch on every 3 hour, then later supplement with expressed milk or formula. Cause when baby is hungry, the suction is the best. What I normally do is, I pump before let my baby latch on…I will create a high demand to my breast and let my baby drink the milk I pumped later.
Supplements to increase breastmilk supply
Arlitaharianty Sayrol: Yes, it is never too late to switch from formula to breastmilk. You can consume Fenugreek too to increase your milk supply. It works for me.
Kelly Lim: Try fenugreek from Greenlife. It really helps in supply in day two.
Ong Francis: You can get Fenugreek from GNC, www.drugstore.com or iherb…. cheaper to get online… retail sells expensive.
Farrah Halim: You can try Shatavari from himalaya. I breastfed my daughter for close to two years.
Nazzia Momina: Please try this: take one clove of garlic, with skin. roast it, take off skin, consume. Worked miracles with me. DO NOT stop trying to breastfeed. Best of luck.
Need Help? Don’t fret!
When in doubt about making the switch from formula to breastmilk, please refer to a lactation consultant, who can offer you more personalised advice according to you and your baby’s situation.
theAsianparent also has a Singapore Breastfeeding Mums Support Group that you can join for mum-to-mum advice.