Introducing Formula

lillyq1982

Hi mommas!

I apologize if this had already been asked but I'm asking again anyway.  I have been back to work now for about 7 weeks and I am just not pumping enough for LO.  I have worked with a lactation nurse and I cannot up my supply to meet what LO is eating.  So far DS has been exclusively breastfed and this weekend DH and I are going to introduce formula so my parents who watch him while we are at work have an option besides breastmilk since the freezer stash will be running out.  What is the best way to introduce it?  I don't like the idea of mixing formula and breastmilk because if he wont eat it then I have wasted my precious breastmilk.  I intend to continue pumping so he will receive a mix of breastmilk and formula.  Should I just have DH try to give him a feeding while I pump and see what happens?  How much formula should we try to give him?  Any suggestions from BTDT moms would be appreciated.  DS is 4.5 months. 

JocelynB0911

If you're going to continue to pump and mix formula and breast milk get him used to it now. I'm not seeing why you wouldn't so that to start with.

ssublett09

Formula is defiantly an acquired taste for some babies. My LO used to turn her head to formula. We did mix a little with BM and within a day she was taking formula bottles with no problem.

Salemkitty13

When DS was a newborn we had to supplement. I would give him an ounce of breast milk then an ounce of formula that way if any got wasted it would be the formula. When he consistently started taking 2oz I started mixing it 1/2 and 1/2. If I had enough breast milk I would give just breast milk. If he acted hungry I'd offer an ounce of formula.  So if you know he always takes 4 oz bottles you could mix breast milk and formula to make a 3.5 oz bottle. If he is still hungry I'd offer an ounce of formula. Good luck!