Help! Transitioning from BM to Formula

JuJuBe3 · October 2011

We need to transition our little man from BM to formula over the next month. He is finally, after taking it for a month and then refusing it again, taking bottles of BM.

I tried mixing 3 oz. BM with 3/4 oz Gerber Good Start (from powder) and he wouldn't go even take one drink and got upset pretty quick. I really thought that was a low enough amount, but he's on to us.

We have tried Similac Advance RTF and Enfamil powder a while ago and he refused those too.

Any ideas on what to do? Try more types of formula? Mix even less in with the BM? I don't want him to struggle through this, but we have to start making some headway.

Thanks!

Lisa Frank · October 2011

I wouldn't keep switching brands in hopes of finding one that "tastes" well enough for him.

IMO, Good Start is where it's at if you are a BF'ing mom transitioning. I transitioned both kids to GS (DS at 6 months, DD at 8 weeks) and have not had ANY issues.

Is it the formula or the bottle? If you think it's still the bottle, I would try doing just BM in a bottle EXCLUSIVELY (with maybe one or 2 breast sessions in there if you need to) and get him used to that first. Then keep mixing...be consistent though. Don't give him all BM one time and then mix it the next. Mix, mix, mix. Eventually, I ended up not mixing and flipping back and forth between a bottle of BM and a bottle of formula, bottle of BM, etc.

GL. Just be consistent as possible!

JuJuBe3 · October 2011

Lisa Frank:
I wouldn't keep switching brands in hopes of finding one that "tastes" well enough for him.
IMO, Good Start is where it's at if you are a BF'ing mom transitioning. I transitioned both kids to GS (DS at 6 months, DD at 8 weeks) and have not had ANY issues.
Is it the formula or the bottle? If you think it's still the bottle, I would try doing just BM in a bottle EXCLUSIVELY (with maybe one or 2 breast sessions in there if you need to) and get him used to that first. Then keep mixing...be consistent though. Don't give him all BM one time and then mix it the next. Mix, mix, mix. Eventually, I ended up not mixing and flipping back and forth between a bottle of BM and a bottle of formula, bottle of BM, etc.
GL. Just be consistent as possible!

I honestly think it's the formula because he's had nothing but only BM bottles and taken them down very well in the last week. It was only when I put that little bit of formula in that he refused it.

My intention was to increase the formula by an ounce per bottle per week, but with him refusing it with the formula in it, I'm concerned.

I planned on using Gerber because I heard it was the best for breastfed babies to transition with. Just for giggles, did you use Gerber powder or RTF?

Nechie122 · October 2011

Interestingly enough, my DD will take formula by itself but not a BM/formula mix. I suspect it's because the combination just takes like bad BM while formula by itself tastes like something new entirely.

Something to try, perhaps.

CarrieLiz · October 2011

Even though we can't really tell the difference, I believe that the RTF and powders have differet textures. I would try starting off with the RTF mixed in with BM and making sure it's warm.

My son transitioned from BM to Similac Advance powder with no problem, so it really just depends on the baby I guess.

CarrieLiz · October 2011

Nechie122:

Interestingly enough, my DD will take formula by itself but not a BM/formula mix. I suspect it's because the combination just takes like bad BM while formula by itself tastes like something new entirely.

Something to try, perhaps.

Come to think of it, I didn't mix them much. The first bottle or two I mixed but then we went straight to formula bottles.

Lisa Frank · October 2011

The pp'ers have a point with the mixing. It might benefit you to try without mixing and see if that helps?? And make sure he's super hungry.

I used powder with my DS (transitioned at 6 months) and with DD I chose the RTF because she was still so young I thought it would be easier on her digestive tract. We are just now intro'ing the powder without much issue. She gets 2 bottles of powder, and 2 bottles of RTF right now.

WaitingforGrace · October 2011

First try to see if he'll take 100% formula. It's possible that any hint of breast milk and he knows, but if it's something different all together he'll take it?

If that doesn't work I'd start at a 10% ratio and see if he takes it (maybe not waste a whole 3oz of BM? maybe start with 30cc's BM and 3cc's formula?). Since you're starting at such a low ratio, you might have to change it to 10% every 3-4 days to transition in your 3 week window?

MySallyGirl · October 2011

We transitioned at 6 months when my supply tanked due to stress in my life. We went with straight up formula. Eventually when DS got hungry enough he just gave up and drank them. He has drank them without complaint ever since. He was pretty cranky and miserable until he gave in, but eventually I outlasted him. It was sad but it was the only thing I could do at the time because I wasn't making any BM. Good luck!

babyhardebeck · October 2011

Just curious as to why you are switching?

junebride060306 · October 2011

I had to start supplementing at 4 months due to a serious low supply. and we had to give similac alimentum which just smells awful and I am sure tastes awful and nothing like BM. LO has a milk protein intolerance so I was also dairy free while BFing. I just kept giving him the formula all the time, after every BFing. then slowly would just BF every other feeding and give full bottles of formula the other times. By 5.5 months I felt comfortable just giving him the formula. the low supply issues that I just could not fix no matter what I did wrecked my hormones and emotions so much it wasn't healthy for me to continue BFing. good luck! just be consistent and persistent! if LO is hungry they will take it!

hispenguin · October 2011

I would just find a brand a stick to it. RTF would probably be easiest for you, and the liquid formula is sweeter tasting, so more similar to BM. I had to supplement from the beginning, so DD went from BM to formula with every feeding. To this day she will not drink powder formula, it's just harder for her body to digest.

Ditto with the pp's about sticking it out. If your LO is hungry enough they will take the formula!

JuJuBe3 · October 2011

babyhardebeck:
Just curious as to why you are switching?

Several reasons actually, but primarily that I am returning to work full-time after Thanksgiving and have excess lipase issues, so I can't get home in time to scald my milk.

The change is due to need more than want, but even if it was 100% just my desire to do so, there's nothing wrong with that. So I hope you really are just curious and not judging.

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Help! Transitioning from BM to Formula

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