From bm to formula at 10mos- HELP
mcfife09
member
I need help.
I will be leaving my husband and son next month for one 8 days. I do not have any breast milk saved and I don't produce enough to pump my milk. Plus if I stimulate my supply, I will need to continue to pump when I'm away and that is not really an option. He will be 11 months when I'm gone. Yes, I know it would be ideal to make it to that 1 year mark and I'm bummed that wont happen.
I need sound advice, on how exactly to get my now 10 month old to start taking formula. I have tried different brands. None effect his tummy per say, but he will not drink it, most likely because of taste. We are skipping the bottle and using a sippy-cup. He will drink formula if I blend in a little banana and strawberry, but will not drink it at all if it is plain. I feel like it is too much fruit/sugar for such a young one to continue to make smoothies every time he is drinking formula.
Because of his age and exclusively breastfeeding- he is fighting this change and I'm desperate.
Thank you so much for your advice.
Re: From bm to formula at 10mos- HELP
I did ask and she seemed set on 12 months. Which I am not set on that exact month. The problem is I do think 10 months is too early for cows milk. and it is very important that we start to wean now. So that he will be used to eating something other than breast milk and so that my supply is dried up.
I actually drink almond milk- but I worry that is not calorie/fat dense enough.
THanks Silvie!
I think at 10 1/2 months I will introduce a little WCM- because this formula stuff is $$$! I panic a little with the # of ounces they need 24-32 (I think)....right now I have him on 3 smoothies (fomula and banana) 6oz each and most of the time he wont finish. Plus breastfed 3x per day. I worry he is hungry, but I think that is just the mom in me. I know it will take time.... I was just hoping for a tip that would make this transition flawless- wishful thinking
We have been at it for a month... and I at times I'm so worried it will never happen! but thank you for your response!
I understand wanting to follow your ped's advice but sometimes you just have to do what's best for you and your child (obviously within reason). When my DD#1 was 9 months old I got pregnant w/DD#2. I was EBF and didn't want to give formula at all, but my milk supply tanked after a few weeks of being pregnant. She pretty much weaned herself right around 11 months. She did NOT want to BF anymore and I was hardly producing any milk. I only had to give her one total can of formula when she was 11 months old and then I switched to WCM. Ped's usually OK WCM when babies turn 1 because they are already eating a lot of solids and should be getting their main nutrition other places. IMO 11 months is pretty close to 12 months and you should be fine.
Of course the decision is all yours but does your DD also eat yogurt and cheese and other dairy items?
Personally I think switching to WCM right before age 1 is not a big deal. Good luck.
http://balletandbabies.blogspot.com
If all else fails and I was in your shoes I would probably try whole cows milk. Your LO is close to a year old.
I don't have anything real solid advice wise, but I wanted to add that I also think it's okay to try some WCM pre-1 year if you think it will work for your LO. It's not like the day they turn 1 they are suddenly ready for it you know? Some babies are probably ready to wean at, say, 10 months, while others aren't ready until 13 or 14. Do what you think is best!
Anyway, my only two thoughts are a) try mixing either formula or WCM will BM... start off with mostly BM and work your way up. Maybe this way you can get him used to it gradually. And b) I was told at LO 9 month appointment that she needs a minimum of 16oz of formula a day through a year. I just thought I'd throw that number out there in case you were looking for a goal amount or something. I've also read 20oz as a minimum on here.
GL!