How Early Is to Early?

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Have you tried mixing the formula with breast milk to see if he will take it? Sorry you might have said that in your post and I missed it. I had to do that with both kids to get them used to formula when they started weaning. Also, I would ask your ped about cows milk, our always said not until 1 year but I have definitely heard of some kids having it earlier with no issues. Good luck!

You need to speak to an Infant Nutrionist & Ped for blood and urine work.

They will be able to look at your son's complete diet, and your son's overall and specific health, and be able to guide you as to which, what, and when... as well as have many alternative methods or options to try.

I mean, I could sit here and say get him OFF those fluids right now (because almost no baby should be having anything OTHER than breastmilk or formula) BUT your son could very well be diabetic, and that's why he's refusing milk sugar laden breast milk and formula... because he's trying to self regulate. Or he could have an intolerance to something in them that is getting stronger. Or a mild allergy that is worsening. (Hence the "almost no baby", NOT "no baby")

What your son is doing is so far beyond 'the norm' I would want a professional rather than generalities. As you say, this isn't your first rodeo. Something's up. Time to find out what.

I was always told to wait to give whole cow milk till they were 1 yr old because by then their lil tummies were more mature. I breastfed only 3 months and switched to formula she did ok since she never ate at my breast only breastmilk from a bottle then formula but when introducing whole milk she stopped having bowel movements or very constipated and her dr told me this was some kind of milk allergy and this was when my daughter was already 13 months she had a hard time with whole milk for maybe a whole month but I wouldn't change until 12 months that's just my opinion
I would say to just keep offering your breast or pumPing more f it's the best for your child it shouldn't matter you should just try to do it.
GL
E.<3

Before 12 months is too early to introduce cow's milk into his diet. Cows milk is not as nutrient rich as formula or breast milk so by switching to cow's milk early your son could be missing out on vital nutrients such as iron that are needed by his body for healthy development. Babies under one year fed whole cow's milk also don't get enough vitamin E, and essential fatty acids. They also get too much protein, sodium, and potassium. These levels may be too high for his system to handle.

Secondly, until children have reached around 12 months of age their digestive tracts are not sufficiently developed to cope with the complex proteins present in cows milk and are likely to suffer from upset tummies because of it.

And, research has shown that there is also an increased risk of developing diabetes (especially if there is a family history of the condition) and allergic conditions such as eczema and asthma when cow's milk is introduced before a year of age.

Talk to your son's pediatrician for advice.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002448.htm
http://www.askbaby.com/introducing-cows-milk.htm

I don't see what it would hurt to add an ounce or two of cows milk to his bottles and if he tolerates it okay no harm done.

If hes refusing there fomula there could be a reason. I had to put my oldest on a soy based formula as he would get sick other wise. It might be the type of formula that is not agreeing with him. They dont recoment cows milk till they are a year. Be careful giving cows milk when you do decide to. If he gets lots of ear infections or sinus infections he is probaly allergic to it. Most dont realize thats why. Not even drs.

Good luck and God bless!!!

I would discuss it with my LC or pediatrician. See what he needs and what you can provide and if there is a way to get him back to breast more so you don't have to pump as much. I didn't have this issue, but I suspect that 9 mo. might be a tad early for the cow milk.

Kellymom.com might also have good tips on supplementing, exclusively pumping, etc.

Also, will he take cereal with formula or water in it, thereby saving your breastmilk for a bottle?

My son was allergic to my milk if I had any dairy while breastfeeding but he weaned himself when he was 9 months old and his doctor had me put him on whole milk right away. Of course, he was violently allergic and being my first, I listened to my doctor, who was probably a complete idiot. BUT he did have me try it off and on for awhile to see if he outgrew it. Which he never did. But anyway, ask your doctor about it and maybe you can start before age one. Personally, I wouldn't do it. I didn't supplement with formula or with milk. I gave him juice and water and made sure he had good nutrition. He's almost 18 and very healthy. My others breastfed for two years so I only have my oldest to compare. I think that's great that you've been pumping. Good luck!

Have you tried one of the toddler formulas? The Similac go and Grow formula is for babies 9 mo. and older. You could check into other brands-not sure what age they start at. I'm wondering if it tastes better.
You could probably get a free sample if you call or e-mail. You can also get coupons on the net.

First of all, I'm sorry if some people have been judgmental or unhelpful. Please ignore that! If you have to be away from your baby especially, it is totally normal for them to start preferring the bottle at 7 months. I agree that 9 months is a little early to start cow's milk, but it is not unheard of to start at 11 months, there's nothing terribly magical that starts RIGHT AT 12 months. Both of my breastfed kids did not like formula either. But I did get them to drink Good Start Soy. Formula tastes terrible, but I think the soy kind tastes a little sweeter. I have never thought to look at the toddler formulas! What a great idea, if they say they start at 9 months? Also, to make your breast milk last longer, I would try slowly mixing in the formula with it. Fortunately, in just a few months you will no longer have this problem. :)

My son adapted to the occassional formula supplement very well, but I didn't introduce it to my daughter until later (like 11mos) and she would not touch the stuff. She also preferred, like yours, chunky foods even as a little one.

I think 9m might be a little early for cow's milk. I *think* the reason is that cow's milk (in addition to not having the nutrients needed) cannot be broken down by the immature kidney. Of course, there is no magic date that this is corrected.

You might try mixing bm and formula or try other formulas. I think this is a good question for your pediatrician!

PS- Good for you for being a working (and pumping) mom. I remember those days well (and glad they are over!!!)

The thing is whole milk and even solids & other liquids, is NOT NOT NOT as nutritionally "dense" as breastmilk or Formula.
So, even if it seems like your son is eating a lot of solids... he is getting perhaps, too "full" to drink anything else. Especially if solids, is the primary intake he has.
Solids, should NOT be his primary intake.

And he is rejecting breast.
Have you sought the help of a Lactation Consultant before ?
Because, you don't know 'why' he is rejecting breast.

But now he is used to bottle feeding. And bottle feeding is easier, than nursing, because a bottle works just by gravity. A baby does not have to 'work' at sucking from a bottle, like they have to from breast.
And he doesn't like the taste of Formula. He rather have breastmilk but rejects being at breast.
BUT... even if you put him on WHOLE milk... he may reject that TOO.
Because the taste is different.

The thing is: I would go to a Lactation Consultant... from when he began to 'reject' latching on.
It could have just been something like teething.
Whenever my kids as babies 'rejected' breast, they were teething.
And, if solids are made to be a primary focus or fed solids before nursing, a baby will often 'wean' from breast as well.

IF you introduce cows milk, you NEED to consult with your Pediatrician.
And it has to be, WHOLE milk... because the "milk fats" in it, is an ESSENTIAL nutrient, for brain growth.

But, a baby's digestive/organ system, is still developing, hence the recommendation that milk be introduced, from 1 years old.
NOT now.

The less your baby is on breast and the less you are able to pump... then your milk supply and production... is decreasing. Which only makes the problem, materialize. Because you are not able to pump beyond a certain amount.

You should see a Lactation Consultant.

He should not... be drinking ANY other liquids. Only breastmilk or Formula.

To me, the problem is, he is intaking more solids and other liquids, than he should per his age, because, it is a "substitute" for the breastmilk... which you are using the solids or other liquids to make the breastmilk last longer.
But this is not a good solution.
The solution is, to problem solve his latch. And increase your milk production. And the solids and other liquids are probably making him TOO full, to drink breastmilk or Formula.

At his age, my kids although breastfed, were nursing on-demand, every 3 hours still, and always, before solids.

9 months old is also a growth-spurt time in a baby... they need breastmilk or Formula. NOT solids.
For the 1st year of life... breatmilk or Formula is a baby's primary source of nutrition. Not solids or other liquids.

AND.... you don't know WHY he 'stopped' latching onto breast initially.
But now he is used to a bottle.

have you tried different formulas--my boys only liked GoodStart? have you tried mixing breastmilk with the formula to see if he would go for that? I also agree in talking with your pediatrician. At 9 months my boys were pretty established with table food/baby food and would nurse about 3-4 sometimes a little bit more, in addition to the table food. I would just run it by your pediatrician and see what he thinks about the dairy.

I know my boys could not tolerate it that young. Maybe you can supplement with a yogurt or something similar. Its usually easier to digest and mixing some rice cereal might give it some density. Good Luck hope you find a solution that works for you and your little guy!

I read once that goats milk is closer to our milk than cows milk. I think if it were me, I'd put him on goats milk and add in some slimfast or something like that for vitamins.

We did vitamite, which is soy, by the time my 4th daughter was around 8 months. I was convinced she was allergic to milk. She was fine with milk later on. I don't know if I was right or wrong. She's been very healthy in every way. So I don't think you can go too far wrong.