Breastfed baby changing to formula qusetions - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

Sherri-Lynne · 01-15-2008, 04:40 PM

Hi ladies
So my son is 5 months old. He has been breastfed since day 1. My problem is when we go out I want to be able to give him the bottle. I can't pump. Right now he is taking everything from me. I have tried to increase my supply but I just do enough for him right now. I use to be able to wake up and pump out 6oz but now I get 2oz if I am lucky. I am going to be away from him for 2 days (just for the day) So with no milk saved except 10oz can I put him on formula? My doc said it was okay cause I would like to continue nursing him at night for as long as my body will let me but I would like to switch him to formula during the day. (Also I am going back to work soon and DH is staying at home with him.) So how will he take to the formula? I gave him a botle yesturday with 1/2 breast and 1/2 formula he gave a funny look but drank it. Does it take a little bit before they are use to formula or should I try a bottle of pure formula? Am I going to notice any differences between the breast and formula? Has anyone done both? How does it affect them or do I have to just pick one?
Sorry for all the questions, Thanks in advance for the replys Sherri

P.S. My DS just woke up and I gave him 2oz of just formula and he again gave a funny look but drank it all.

Sherri-Lynne · 01-15-2008, 07:03 PM

Thanks hon,
I don't think they offer any programs like that here but I will ask. He is eating oatmeal right now. I was going to start peas next week but with introducing formula I think I am going to wait another week. I just wanted to bring in formula for when we are out or he is at the sitters. So pretty much one bottle of formula a day for now. I am hoping to keep up with breastfeeding most often except for those times. I know here they let breastfed mothers pump while at work but I work at a casino and have a break every hour for 15 min. and I really don't want to pump all the time while I am on my break. I just have to look into that before I go back because I know other jobs they have to give you time to pump if you are brestfeeding. But my work is stupid so I may either have a battle on my hands or just have to give into formula all together.
Thanks again.
Any others do both breastfeed and formula feed at the same time?
Sherri

E1979 · 01-16-2008, 07:45 PM

My DS just stopped nursing cold turkey at about 5 months old. He is now 6 months and a week. We went through a few formulas because of bad constipation. But now his is doing really well on the Nestle Good start. I don't buy the one with the DHA added because the jar is smaller and like $10 more. I asked my Dr about it and she said since he was breast fed for so long and since his is older those ingredients aren't as necessary. She said the only time she insists on the one with DHA is when it's a preemie and will not be breastfed. Oh and make very VERY sure you level the scoop off perfectly. Constipation can come on very quickly if you are making it even a little too strong. I use a knife to level the scoop off.
Best of luck.

Sherri-Lynne · 01-16-2008, 10:17 PM

Hi ladies thanks for the replies
I have tried the last 2 days with the formula for 1 meal a day. His little tummy is not coperating. He spits up chunks and was very cranky. Also has very thick mucous comming up twice a day. I got the nestle good start. He is not constipated, just the opposite. He is pooping 5 times a day at least. But I figured out why I couldn't pump. Something broke in my pump and I was not getting anything because of that. The company is sending parts for my pump out tommorow so hopefully it will be here next week. I just hand expressed 5oz of milk. Boy that hurt my arm but at least I know he will have enough milk for tommorow when I am gone and going to have to hand express all this weekend. I feel so bad for the little guy cause the formula just isn't working well in his little tummy, and I still want to breastfeed but I thought that I didn't have enough to pump but now I know I do.
Just out of curiosity how long does it take them to get use to the formula? I still might have to put him on it in a month or so, so I just want to know how long his tummy will be uncomfortable.
Thanks everyone Sherri

E1979 · 01-17-2008, 07:27 PM

If his tummy is so sensitive then maybe slowly introduce the formula by doing 3/4 breast milk and 1/4 formula then keep increasing the formula by 1/4 each week. Maybe he has a lactose intolerance. Maybe speak to your dr about that. I hope it goes better and you get your pump parts very soon.