My daughter is 13 weeks old. She's been feed breastmilk from a bottle since she was 3 days old. We're trying to start formula now. I tried giving her just a bottle of formula (similac advance) but she refused it and screamed her head off. Now, i'm trying to mix formula with BM (5 ounces of BM and one of formula). She'll take the bottle sometimes and other times she refuses it and just cries. This is day 3 and she is still refusing some bottles. How long should I keep trying with similac before trying another brand?
First off is it necessary to giver her a bottle of formula and not pump extra for later when she needs a bottle???
If so its slow process. You have to work it in as much as possible, your on the right track. Also expect constipation and tummy upsets since your switching her to formula.
What worked for both my kids was to use the similac in the orange can. I think it's similac sensitive. We used that for 6 mo and then changed to the reg and also use good start. It was as if both their tummies were not developed enough for the regular until then. Continue mixing with BM too.
Is there anything different-the temp of the bottle maybe? If she is used to the breast then room temp water is sufficient.
And don't get down when mom's say-you only BF THAT long..It's YOUR choice-do what works for you. I BF both my kids about that long-its personal.
My 15 week old does this when she just isn't hungry. At about 12 weeks, she could go longer between feedings. Now I just feed on demand instead of trying to schedule it out, otherwise, she will scream and throw a complete fit! Formula takes longer to digest, so try spacing the bottles further apart.
Hope this helps!
Congrats on BF for 13 weeks. I would also question why you can't continue to pump and offer the bottle. But, if you choose to formula feed your DD - then I hope that posters on this site don't bash you for your decision. While it was not mine (I BF for a year) - I do understand that it is not for everyone and it is solely your choice. I would wean her with 3/4 breast milk and 1/4 formula for a week. Then move on to 1/2 formula, 1/2 breast milk for a week, and gradually increase the formula amount over time. Also be aware of stool changes and tummy aches and gas that some babies experience.
Good luck!
We have been giving my son at least one formula bottle since he was about 5 weeks old to avoid this problem. Maybe try a different formula. If you call the formula companies they will send you free samples instead of you buying them. Our son hated the Similac anything so we went to Enfimal (sp?) and then on to Gerber. Keep trying she will get the hang of it.
