Moving from Breast Milk to Formula

Hi L.,
I had a really tough time nursing too and had to supplement. Don't feel bad! You did a great thing by nursing at all and don't let breastfeeding Nazis crab at you. Most of them never had trouble and they get all their info from a handbook, not from real people.
I would recommend doing breast milk and formula at the same time as it can be hard to digest the formula, it might make it easier to transition. Also, that way she will still benefit from the antibodies in your milk for the months that you have stored up.
Pumping is exhausting, emotionally and physically, and you have done a great job!
Blessings on you and congrats on the new baby girl!

Before I went back to work and my daughter was 2 months old, I did the same thing as you with one bottle of formula a day. It is nice to have that option so you can go out for more than 30 minutes with or without her.

Then as I went back to work. In an 11 hour period, I was pumping 3 times a day for one month, 2 times the next month, and finally 1 time with nursing in the morning and at night. The weaning coincided with her need for nighttime feedings. She is 6 months old now and is totally on formula. Because the switch was gradual, she never fought it.

If there was a day that I didn't pump as much as normal, I would take out frozen breastmilk for the next day. It is also a nice option if you go out and she already had formula that day. Skipping one feeding or pump session will not totally throw off your production unless it starts happening consistantly.

Good job keeping nursing up! Honestly, I am somewhat relieved to be done, but I still miss that connection with my daughter too. It is that normal mother's guilt!

I'm right there with ya on the pumping thing. Pumping is definitely harder than actually breastfeeding! Though I'm all about breastmilk, I too had to supplement with formula at the end because my milk supply couldn't keep up and I got sick of trying to pump all the time. My daughter wasn't thrilled with the formula at all so I ended up having to mix the two half and half. The decision to use up all your milk first and then go to formula is really up to you and what will be easier for you. I don't think there is a "true" right way to do it. I would opt for doing both at the same time though. The longer she can get breastmilk (even if it's only part-time) the better it is for her. If you've got frozen stuff stock piled, keep using it along with the formula until you run out and then switch to solely formula.

Dear L.,
Happy to hear that young moms are still breastfeeding! It can be difficult, especially when the baby isnt agressive enough. I think your idea about stretching out the frozen breast milk is an excellent idea. Breast milk, as you know provides many natural immunitites to the baby. The longer you can supply it in your babys diet, the better! Best of luck!
C. M.

my story: I tried breast feeding for two weeks. Week one was fine but a HUGE boob and an inverted nipple made it too hard. Week two I switched to all bottle feed with breast and formula. By week three I had to move to all formula because my boobs were just too big. I had a lot of guilt and tears. In the end, I realized that if I am not healthy in heart, mind and spirit the bond and the milk I am producing was not healthy either.
As for your question: mix and match or deplete? I liked mixing it, when I took one away he did not even notice. Side note:we started with Target brand then tried to give him the name brand- he refused it. He already loves Target, man after my own heart!
Each person has to find their own path. SO do what you need to make your daughter and yourself healthy for the long run.
Peace in your journey! Q