Making the Switch from Breastmilk to Formula

Updated on May 07, 2007
H.B. asks from Saint Paul, MN
7 answers

I am seeking advise on any other mothers who have had troubles getting baby to switch from breastmilk to formula? He has taken to the bottle great since about 3 months since I went back to work then, but now Im thinking about cutting back on the amount of times I pump at work, and need to supplement with formula. Problem is hasn't liked any formula we've tried. He will cry and cry until I give in and give him some breastmilk. Has any one else had this issue if so any suggestions?

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L.O.

answers from Appleton on

What about if you put like 1/4 formula to breast milk and do that for while. (like 2-3 bottles. Then do 1/2 and 1/2 and then 3/4 and finally all. I did that for our little girls. It may be worth a try.

Good luck.

L.

B.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

He may not take formula. Breastmilk is sweet and formula is kind of chalky tasting, and he has had 8 months of breastmilk, which has no smell and a sweet taste, versus formula which smells terrible and doesn't taste good at all.

I suppose you could mix breastmilk and formula, 1/4 formula and 3/4 breastmilk, and gradually decrease the breastmilk until its all formula. But really you are 4 months from his first b-day, when you can intro cows milk if you choose. Doesn't seem worth it to me to start buying expensive formula when your son clearly prefers your breastmilmk, which is the perfect food for him anyway. Besides, in a month or two his daily intake will cut back drastically, and you should be able to cut back to pumping only once at work.... and by a year probably not pumping at all, just nursing when you are together.

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B.

answers from Minneapolis on

Would mixing a small amount of formula with breastmilk work? We did something similar when we were changing from formula to cow's milk. We did 6ozs formula with 2 ozs cow's milk - per bottle - for a week. Then 4ozs formula, 4ozs milk for a week. Then 2ozs formula and 6 ozs milk. The 4th week it was all milk. Don't know if it would work with formula and breastmilk, but it's worth a try. Good Luck. B..

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C.O.

answers from Minneapolis on

***** Maybe I should READ all posts before answering...LOL

H.

I have had to supplement with formula when he wasnt getting enough of my milk. He had no problem drinking straight formula and still breatfeed but what I also did too was do 1/2 and 1/2 of breast milk and formula mixed together until he gets used to it and wean out the breast milk slowly until it is straight formula.

Maybe try that. Hope that helps.

Chris

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R.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

When I switched my baby to formula, she didn't really like it either. I use Parent's Choice (Walmart store brand) Organic formula. I think it is an easier transition for breakdown in her tummy, since it is much more natural than regular formula. I would maybe try Organic. Hope this helps!

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A.N.

answers from Minneapolis on

I agree with everything Becky said.
:)

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C.F.

answers from Minneapolis on

H.,

I had the same problem with my daughter when I was switching to formula. I ended up supplementing her breast milk bottles with 1/4 formula the first week, 1/2 formula the second week, 3/4 the third week, and then straight formula after that. She adjusted fine. Sometimes the formula will give them more gas, so ask his doctor what they recommend. Good Luck!

C.

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