Those who switched to formula...

Nicole0012 · January 2011

How did you get over the guilt of giving up breastfeeding? And, how did you make the switch?

I went in to this with so much enthusiasm and determination, and I don't know what to do. LO isn't gaining weight, we are supplementing with formula (and he gobbles it down like I'm starving him), when I pump (which I do every 2-3 hours) I only make between a couple of drops to 1.5 oz per pumping session, and I think LO is losing interest in the breast because he is so much more satisfied with the supplemented formula. It's causing so much stress and worry, especially when I think about going back to work and keeping up with a supply for him. I'm not sure that I'm going to completely give up BFing, and I have an appointment with an LC on Monday, but I'd like to think about my options.

Soooo... how did you decide to switch and how did you introduce formula feeding full time to your LO? What did you do about your own supply? Did you stop feeding/pumping cold turkey?

jillybean800 · January 2011

Hey Nicole!

I have not switched yet (see my question below) but I do know this: mothers are supposed to make their kids feel guilty, not the other way around! Wink

But my point is, if formula feeding is working for him or you, I see no reason to feel guilty about switching. The pediatrician told me, and I quote: "Formula fed babies can still go to Harvard and be healthy adults. If you go to formula there is absolutely no problem with it." This is why I love him, by the way. You will find that not many mothers will judge you for it either: we know how hard bfing actually is!

I have heard though you should try to replace breast feedings one by one to formula feedings to help prevent breast engorgement and mastitis. But I bet the pediatrician would tell you how to best do it. Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

You have my full support and non-judgment, of course

outdoorsygirl123 · January 2011

I gave up nursing around 8 weeks with my first little one. My supply wasn't enough for him and nuring him around the clock sucked and then he'd still take a bottle like yourlittle guy.

I was tore up over it, even after I quit. It went away though after I realized formula wasn't the devil and he was getting enough to eat and was full and stopped crying al the time because he was hungry

Best of luck to you!

CFH79 · January 2011

I second everything Jilly said. As for quitting BF and pumping, I would think that you would be in pain if you went cold turkey. There are ways to wean yourself--you can pump the same # of times, but reduce the # of minutes per pumping session or you can slowly reduce the # of sessions per day (removing one every 3-4 days). I think these are the most used. But the website kellymom.com has more info. Good luck in whatever path you take!

cavewomanf16 · January 2011

I switched at 3 days so I don't think I'm much help in the transition because the transition was pretty easy as far as his little tummy goes since he wasn't really used to breastfeeding anyway!

As far as the guilt goes, I cried for a week and felt absolutely terrible (the formula container even says "breast is best" on the front!) but now I feel fine about it. I'm doing the best I can for LO. The actual sucking on the nipple for me made me dislike my LO -- not because it hurt, but something to do with the hormonal release and feelings it created. Almost like D-MER (dysphoric milk ejection reflex) except I know it wasn't that because my milk hadn't come in yet so there was no "let-down" to create that feeling.

I am at very high risk for PPD so DH and I decided that it was more important that I bond with LO and not get depressed. Prior to birth, we both never imagined that I would FF and were very adament that I breastfeed, so it was definitely a tough decision to make. I know many people would not agree with my decision, and would think that I didn't try it long enough, but as a mom, I feel like I know what is best for my baby, and the FF has been wonderful. He is growing and we are very well bonded, and now that I'm over 2 weeks PP, I am feeling great mentally, which definitely helps me take great care of my LO!

All this to say, it does take a little time I think to get over the guilt, esp. when you go in thinking you are going to EBF, and there are many people who are not going to agree with your decision, but just remember that YOU are LO's mommy and you do know what's best for your baby. GL!

P.S. Don't do too much internet searching on breastfeeding vs. formula -- I was a mess after I was searching for information on FF because people are really really nasty about FF. The ladies on the bump actually are much nicer about it than most other places on the internet actually!

slwprincess · January 2011

W/ DS I combo fed for 8 mos. I really felt like that was the perfect balance for us and my pedi gave me some great advice that really helped me get over the guilt. He told me to view our nursing sessions as highly nutritious snacks. He also told me that some studies had shown that baby still got all the goodies of BF in a more concentrated form. I really wanted to EBF this time and it is going pretty well but even so, I imagine I will eventually switch to a combo again.

Tiffany628 · January 2011

Due to my second case of mastitis and a weaning supply dispite around the clock EP due to poor latch issues, I am also having to switch to formula. I had frozen quite a bit in the first weeks, but last night I had to give her two feedings of formula. It's definately not like breast milk (smell). She took to it just fine and slept longer then when she has breastmilk. I am feeling super guilty, upset with my body, and depressed over the fact that I keep reading "breat is best" on the formula container. In this process I started cutting out the number of times I pumped. I was pumping at least 8 times a day, then cut out a few sessions each day to ease the engorgement. Also try cold cabbage leaves in your bra. I've been doing this for almost a week. I'm done to 2 pumping sessions a day, which only produce enough for 1 feeding. I'm still having a hard time with the idea, but I know she needs to eat. Plus I've stayed away from goggle this time. Best of luck, I'm going through the same thing.

emmaleaf · January 2011

I just recently made the switch. I will tell you that ANY guilt I may have had over no longer BFing disappeared when I started seeing my baby more calm and sleeping better. I was not able to give her enough with my supply, and she must have been so hungry. In the past two days that she's been EFF, I've had a much happier baby. And I'm a much happier mom, which is what she needs.

Do not feel bad. Do what is going to be best for you and your baby. The stress that came from EBFing was affecting both me and LO way too much.

emmaleaf · January 2011

Also, you asked about the switch. My pedi suggested using Enfamil Gentlease. It had been working well so far, in combo with Dr. Brown's bottles. I made the switch by decreasing my BFing sessions and introducing more formula. After a few days, she was completely on FF. I've been using cabbage leaves and wearing a tight bra to relieve the engorgement as my milk dries up.

missrekaeagle · January 2011

I could have written this post. Although I don't have any suggestions, I just want to thank you for writing this. Good luck!

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