Talk to me about WCM

KatieGraceB

DS is still BFing, but as his birthday is approaching, I'm starting to look into the inevitable switching to WCM. So, since I know nothing, school me. After 12 months, if we stop BFing, is there a need to supplement with formula if he's drinking WCM? When is ideal to make the switch? What are you planning to do? Teach me!

Lindsay2907

Sorry if this is a stupid question, what is WCM?

J+MS

Lindsay2907:

Sorry if this is a stupid question, what is WCM?

White cows milk.

Ananke

J+MS:

Lindsay2907:

Sorry if this is a stupid question, what is WCM?

White cows milk.

Whole Cow's Milk, silly.   Of course, you'd want it to be white as well.  Chocolate or strawberry stuff wouldn't be too great for a 1 year old, and if it's yellow, well, I'd stay away from that.

After a year, there is no need to supplement with formula, as long as you are offering WCM or BM.  I'd say the ideal time to make the switch is whenever you and/or your LO is ready to wean.  I don't think there's a perfect time - there's no magical date or anything, more of whenever you are emotionally ready to start giving up the nursing relationship with your DS.  You can continue BFing as long as you want, but offer WCM once in a while as a beverage, so at least he gets used to the taste and can drink something when he's at the sitter's or with PLD.

I plan on BFing for at least 18 months, then seeing what happens after that.  I'll probably start offering some Soy/Almond/Hemp Milk (he has a dairy sensitivity) with lunch or dinner instead of water sometime around 12-14 months, then slowly try some WCM over the course of a few months.  I figure by 18 months, the majority of his nutrition will be coming from table foods and snacks, so it won't be as much a 'transition' to WCM as it will be just offering another type of drink to him.

 

KatieGraceB

Ananke:

J+MS:

Lindsay2907:

Sorry if this is a stupid question, what is WCM?

White cows milk.

Whole Cow's Milk, silly.   Of course, you'd want it to be white as well.  Chocolate or strawberry stuff wouldn't be too great for a 1 year old, and if it's yellow, well, I'd stay away from that.

After a year, there is no need to supplement with formula, as long as you are offering WCM or BM.  I'd say the ideal time to make the switch is whenever you and/or your LO is ready to wean.  I don't think there's a perfect time - there's no magical date or anything, more of whenever you are emotionally ready to start giving up the nursing relationship with your DS.  You can continue BFing as long as you want, but offer WCM once in a while as a beverage, so at least he gets used to the taste and can drink something when he's at the sitter's or with PLD.

I plan on BFing for at least 18 months, then seeing what happens after that.  I'll probably start offering some Soy/Almond/Hemp Milk (he has a dairy sensitivity) with lunch or dinner instead of water sometime around 12-14 months, then slowly try some WCM over the course of a few months.  I figure by 18 months, the majority of his nutrition will be coming from table foods and snacks, so it won't be as much a 'transition' to WCM as it will be just offering another type of drink to him.

 

The bolded made me laugh that you remember that nickname lol. 

Yeah, I think he is going to wean himself pretty soon after 12 months. It's a struggle to get him to nurse even now, and I pretty much have to shove the boob in his face during the day to get him to try. And I know my supply is iffy, so the less he nurses, my supply tanks. I'm ok with it because it's such a hassle trying to pump to send him to PLD's with something. It was an accomplishment to make it to a year, and I'll leave it at that. I was just unsure if they were able to go without BM or formula after 12 mos. 

When he's 14-15mos he's going to be staying with PLD for a whole week (yikes!) while I go on a trip for a special event, so that's comforting to know that he will be ok as far as drinks and nutrition are concerned.

JhawkCE

PLD??

Tomorrow is my son's first birthday.  I'm going to start knocking off pumping sessions during the day (I work full time) and then just let him nurse at night as long as he wants to and I'm able.  I'm pregnant and have had issues with braxton hicks.  My Dr. said she might cut us off if it becomes an issue with this pregnancy.

I'm only 8 weeks and change though so I don't anticipate issues until this fall.

I've started giving him WCM once or twice a day in the last week.  He seems to like it so I think we're good.  No need to get any formula.  

KatieGraceB

JhawkCE:

PLD??

 

PLD is the popular nickname for my ex on the AP board. It stands for Pepe LeDouche. Which is exactly what he is. Although in his defense, he has started stepping up his game as a dad, but that's a whole other post.