Introducing formula to EBF baby

Shoesy

Hi momma's. Looking for a little advice. My LO is almost 6 mo and have been EBF. I still plan on EBF, but have some events coming up where LO will be spending the night at my parents house. Pumping has not been great for me, I generally only get about 2-3 ounces if lucky. The supply I have has dwindled as we've Had her try out the bottle and let H feed her. She took to the bottle like a champ.

I am wondering how any of you introduced formula. Did you mix it with BM so it's easier on their tummys and not a huge shock? Also worried that she may like it better and then reject the boob all together. Any guidance would be appreciated. TIA

Shoesy

@Sing2phins‌ thanks for the tip! I totally will ask on that board.

insertclevername

I was able to introduce it in a bottle with no breastmilk and my son took it fine.  I would try introducing just the formula first and then if she refuses try mixing it with milk.  If she takes just the formula then you don't have to worry about pumping.  At six months old the breastfeeding relationship is well established.  I cannot imagine your baby would suddenly give up the breast for bottles.  Just make sure to use a slow flow nipple on the bottle and have the person giving the bottle practice paced feeding.

roo1oo

Try just formula first. My LO would not take formula when I first introduced it (he was only 2 months old) and I mixed 1/1 for a couple of days until he got used to the taste. Be prepared for LOs poops to look/smell different.

Littlemama01

I'm struggling with this in a bad way right now. LO is 4 months old and I want to try swapping one feed per day for formula to start transitioning off the boob slowly. Well, LO outright refuses. I have tried three formulas, solo and combined with breastmilk up to a 3-1 mix (1oz formula with 3 oz bm). Problem is he refuses and then I have to bf him again so I'm literally throwing away my small freezer stash. I really don't know what to do . Anyway, I have no advice but I hope your LO will take to it easier than mine is. Also my LO always took a bottle no problem so that's not the issue.

ashleyandbrett

Hey, @Littlemama01.  This may be completely unrelated and not an issue for you, but I recently discovered that my baby won't take my milk that has been in the freezer.  I googled it and found something about lipase.  When breastmilk is frozen it can sometimes smell and taste differently depending on how long it's been in the freezer.  My baby won't even take milk that has been frozen for even a few weeks.  Maybe that is the issue and not the formula???  Again, this may not be an issue for you, but I just thought I would toss it out there.  I hope it gets better!

Littlemama01

Thanks @ashleyandbrett‌ I've gotten him to take formula now and we give him a bottle everyday! He also takes bm fresh and frozen so the issue must've been the brand of formula.