Switching to EFF... question

SarahDavis83 · January 2014

I've decided after much heartache, nipple pain, supply issues and latch issues that it's time to switch to EFF. I'm really sad about it, but also glad to take the stress and anxiety away. My question is this... We've been supplementing with Similac Supplementation formula, specifically designed for breastfeeding mothers that need to supplement. We still have half a canister left. Is it ok to finish that canister off, or are there nutrients missing from that formula? Also, what do you EFFers use? TIA!

Eta: How do I get my supply to finish drying up? Is it painful?

readyornot12345 · January 2014

In curious on this answer as well as we supplement with the same formula and have the same issues. We are debating exclusively ff as well. My supply is so limited.

lollipoppoop · January 2014

I would finish the can off but that's just me

SarahDavis83 · January 2014

readyornot12345 said:
In curious on this answer as well as we supplement with the same formula and have the same issues. We are debating exclusively ff as well. My supply is so limited.

Sorry you're having the same issues. It's heartbreaking for me as I always thought I'd EBF for the first year. Just fed him on the breast and it was sooo painful, but I just kept thinking this might be the last time I get to do this so I savored it a little. Really sad about it.

Lpegirl2013 · January 2014

I am EPing but I assume it's pretty painful to let yourself dry up considering I'm in pain just going without pumping for two hours. I've heard cabbage leaves help & I know some people have gotten medicine that helps you dry up. I use that same formula when I need to supplement so I'm curious about the answers. I THINK it has plenty of nutrients in it to finish it out but really not sure either.

I've heard similac is better than enfamil but i have no clue I think it is based on your LO, no baby is the same. Sorry you are having to make the transition but sounds like it's for the best!!!

readyornot12345 · January 2014

SarahDavis83 said:

readyornot12345 said:
In curious on this answer as well as we supplement with the same formula and have the same issues. We are debating exclusively ff as well. My supply is so limited.
Sorry you're having the same issues. It's heartbreaking for me as I always thought I'd EBF for the first year. Just fed him on the breast and it was sooo painful, but I just kept thinking this might be the last time I get to do this so I savored it a little. Really sad about it.

I'm so sorry. I've also cried many tears about it and have had depression about it. I just don't have much supply at all no matter what I do so I have had to supplement since day 1. Pumping is so time consuming an painful too and I barely get anything. I am so torn on what to do. I also wanted to breast feed a year. Hang in there and I am here if you want to talk.

2010weddinggal · January 2014

I use Enfamil Gentlease and it works great, finish the can you have open, then start on the formula you choose.

MommyEllenSue · January 2014

I would finish the can you have. We use Gerber Gentle and are really happy with it. We tried a couple if the different Enfamil formulas but she had bad gas issues on it. I had very little supply also and was bf and supplementing. When I stopped there was no physical pain but there was alot of emotional pain at the thought of not putting my LO to the breast anymore. I miss being able to bf her still. Just be prepared for the emotional part of no longer bf.

SarahDavis83 · January 2014

MommyEllenSue said:
I would finish the can you have. We use Gerber Gentle and are really happy with it. We tried a couple if the different Enfamil formulas but she had bad gas issues on it. I had very little supply also and was bf and supplementing. When I stopped there was no physical pain but there was alot of emotional pain at the thought of not putting my LO to the breast anymore. I miss being able to bf her still. Just be prepared for the emotional part of no longer bf.

Thank you. I'm trying to prepare myself. I know it will be hard for me since I was so deadset on feeding him that way for a year.

Mrsadelsberger · January 2014

The hospital told me that the supplementing formula is regular formula. Our LC also said the same thing.

nofcksgiven · January 2014

"Supplementation" formula is a gimmick. It's the same as other formulas, but just a different name.

Our pedi recommended Enfamil for LO. We were originally on the newborn but switched to GentleEase for gas and reflux issues. Between that and the Dr. Brown's bottles, life has been much easier for the kid.

Merryfj · January 2014

As far as drying up your supply- I was pumping and started by dropping one nighttime session, then another several days later. Slowly dropped several more. Got down to about 4 sessions and pumped for less time. Then used the manual pump to relieve pressure. Then just hand expression. There were some days were I was feeling full but nothing too tough to manage.

mrsseguin · January 2014

Sorry your having issues. We use Similac Advanced neosure, just because DD2 was a preemie. We will switch to Similac Advanced when the doc gives us the ok.

I'd finish up the can you have, but I would lean more towards staying with the same brand you've been using if LO has been tolerating it.

notkateanymore · January 2014

The Supplementation formula is the same as advanced with an extra something added to keep the baby's BMs soft like breast feeding poops.

KelseyKetchum · January 2014

I believe if you go to the doctor there is a shot you can receive that signals the body to stop producing milk. Not 100% sure but back in the day that how my aunt and mom did it when the chose not to bf. And don't beat yourselves up about ff most of my family has done ff and we have turned out great. As long as you love and nurture baby you are doing great!

dbucks · January 2014

Since you said your supply is low, you might not have any pain drying up. My milk is pretty much all gone, and there was no physical pain. PP is right about the emotional pain, though. Still dealing with that.

haliepell · January 2014

Wear a bra, with a sports bra to keep it tight, you can also wrap your boobs tight with a ace bandage, also you can put cabbage leaves in your bra it helps dry up your supply

SarahDavis83 · January 2014

@AmyG*, I'm wondering if I'm forming some mastitis already... I keep feeling engorged, especially in my left breast, so I pump and only get 5-15ml. Then after 20 minutes of pumping, I still feel engorged.

NurseKMM · January 2014

I'm sorry. I too recently pumped my last time and had my last SNS bfing with DS. I had a low supply. It's a hard pill to swallow, but gets better with time, and the bond is still there, just different.

We had a similar situation. Our pedi recommend buying a new can of whatever formula you intend on feeding LO. (Also, it's easier on LOs tummy to switch within the same brand. So if you are using similac stay within the similac family) you can use that half can of what you have left to mix with the new formula. To make transition on LOs tummy easier as well.

Good luck.

SarahDavis83 · January 2014

AmyG* said:

SarahDavis83 said:

@AmyG*, I'm wondering if I'm forming some mastitis already... I keep feeling engorged, especially in my left breast, so I pump and only get 5-15ml. Then after 20 minutes of pumping, I still feel engorged.

massage to break loose any clogs pushing toward the nipple. you might not be letting down well for the pump. but if you are weaning and slowing down nursing and pumping to quit, you can expect to feel some engorgement. that full breast feeling signals your body to make less milk so supply will decrease.

keep an eye of on it. if you get a really warm spot, fever or feeling like you have the flu, call your dr.

Ok, still not certain what to do. Breastfed twice today, which was painful, and then had to follow with formula. Just feeling so lost about it. I've met with so many LC's and none of them can get him to latch where it's not painful. And my nips are raw and still healing from a yeast infection. The pain mixed with the low supply are what make me want to quit. But I have the strongest need to breastfeed! It's so frustrating!

SarahDavis83 · January 2014

@AmyG*, no we haven't spoken on the breastfeeding thread. I do have a yeast infection. I just finished my three days of medicine the Dr prescribed. My nips are still sore and cracked, so I don't know what to do. I think my son latches fine. He's already had a tongue tie correction.

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