Teach Me Please

mamasoup030 · September 2014

I don't want to start a debate, so please keep opinions about this out. I just need some advice and help from moms who have BTDT.

It is time to start supplementing with formula. I will be discussing this with my pediatrician at our appointment in two weeks, but I really don't want to wait because my stash is dwindling fast and my output is just about dried up. I trust N13 and your advice so I am posting here rather than the BF board for example, if needed I will go there next.

My questions: How do I do this switch? We currently send 4oz. of BM twice a day during the week, can I mix BM and formula to get her used to the difference? She is pretty much very average- what formula do you recommend? (I ventured into that aisle at the supermarket and my head was ready to explode from all the options to choose from). I think I have the breast part down for me ( how to stop pumping). It is making this transition easy on her that I am worried about- I don't want to starve the kid by giving the wrong amounts and I have zero experience with formula.

I plan to BF at night and in the morning as long as possible, but all other feedings will transition to formula, and if I can make it, at a year we will wean completely and jump to WCM. I have zero reservations about formula, but I will miss our BF snuggle time so I'm hoping to keep that a bit longer (DH is dying to start doing bedtime bottles, he's a keeper).

Basically, if you have done this transition, please hold my hand and share your wisdom. Thanks in advance!

cagoldi · September 2014

Keep in mind that we transitioned when A was only 5 weeks old.

Does DC allow you to mix bottles or do they mix them? You'll want to find out about their policy for this. Our center mixes them. I bought a little formula dispenser that has 4 compartments, and I put in two 8 ounce serving and two 6 ounce serving, which is more than he even takes in a 24 hour period now. If they let you mix them, I would try 2 bigger bottles, like 6 or 8 oz, and send one or two smaller 4 oz bottles JIC.

Once the formula is mixed it has to be used within 24 hours. Once H starts drinking from the bottle she should finish within an hour or toss it. You don't have this luxury at DC, but at home we mix 8 oz and pour 5 or 6 into his bottle. If he wants more we pour the rest into it. If he doesn't finish we refrigerate it and offer again if it's within the hour. Since the other two of three ounces are in a separate bottle we don't have to get rid of those.

If H has no tummy issues to speak of she doesn't need a special formula. Our pedi wanted us on Gerber Gentle because it's more broken down than other Sensitive offerings by other brands and we've been really happy with it. You can mix BM and formula to help her transition. At this age, your pedi would probably say it's find to move to the Toddler version of the formula for 9 months - 24 months. Check with her doctor, but ours did let us move him to that. It's the exact same ingredients as the infant formula but has a little more calcium.

mskatiep · September 2014

When we transitioned we mixed BM and formula. I'd start with 3 oz BM and 1 oz formula and go from there. We use Gerber Gentle now and it is great for us, but there is similac suppliment formula that might work really well for you. It is supposed to be designed for switching between BM and formula.

73jewels · September 2014

Hi - I know you said you posted here b/c you trust N13 more than breastfeeding... I am mostly a lurker here (posted a few times), and I do post more frequently on breastfeeding, but I recently went through exactly what you are talking about. Around 7 months I noticed I was a 3-5 ounces short from my pumps almost every day, and I Was quickly going through my freezer stash. By 8 months I had about 13 ounces left (3 bottles for me) and knew I had to do something.

We tried a few different formulas over a weekend (we had gotten a bunch of free samples from the hospital and pedi over the months) till we got to the right one for us. He HATED the premixed ones. Like threw them across the room hated. But we eventually gave him just the regular enfamil powder infant formula (it's the yellow packaging), and he took it just fine. But I had to leave the first time. I sat on the porch while my husband gave it to him.

I am still pumping at work with varied output (yesterday I got about 6.5 ounces but one day last week I only got about 2.5 ounces). I send some breastmilk and some formula every day. Usually 1 Breastmilk bottle and the rest formula. They say he takes it well, not as quickly as the breastmilk bottle (he apparently plays with it while eating), but he will def eat it. I've been doing this for about 6 weeks now and it is going well. For me, not having the stress of "did I pump enough?" or " do I have to pump again after bed to make up for it" has been a lifechanger. Sometimes if I am busy at work, I miss a pump and it's no big deal.

As to amounts, I know they say babies drink more formula, but I have been doing 4 oz bottles (which are really 4.5 ounces), same as my breastmilk, and he has been doing just fine. I think b/c he eats a lot of solids too, he doesn't seem to want more (actually over the last 2-3 weeks, some days he doesn't even get to his 3rd bottle at day care)

Like you, I have toyed with completely dropping the pumping, but I am enjoying the gradual transition, and I think it might be why the smaller formula bottles are ok.

I think trying it at home where there is "boob backup" is a good idea, in case you pick one that isn't a hit. Then send what works best to day care!

I hope you don't mind me jumping in with an answer, but I know I felt SO lost 6 weeks ago when I was dealing with this, and I remember standing in the formula aisle thinking "what am I going to do!"

Feel free to ask any additional questions.

cagoldi · September 2014

Finnaroo said:
No experience but I just wanted to say that anyone who judges you for this is going to have me to deal with. :takes off hoops and guards @mamasoup030‌ :

Yup. Identical same.

tikiroom · September 2014

We transitioned at 4 months when I went back to work. I was really stressed about it because she just barely started accepting bottles at that time. I started out with 1 bottle of formula a day, then every few days added another. DD was completely fine with the transition, it was like nothing changed. We have always used Similac Advance since the pedi recommended it and she took to it so well. Hope that calms your fears a little, it was a lot easier than I planned!

cagoldi · September 2014

mrscatfarmer13 said:
I'm sure many will feel this is flameworthy, but here's some food for thought.

Have you considered the possibility of switching to WCM early?. I can't remember if you have mentioned if H is sensitive to dietary changes, but if she is, it might be easier to make just one transition early, rather than take time to adjust to formula and then turn right around transitioning to WCM. I know it's not ideal, but it's also not unheard of. Obvs, talk to your pedi either way.

ETA: I could also be completely off my rocker here, so feel free to let me know if my crazy is showing.

I think in Europe and Canada their guidelines are different and many babies do switch to WCM at 9 months. But yeah, this is not something you would want to do without talking to the doctor first (which I know you did say as well). Our issues are a little different, but my pedi does not want us doing WCM at the one year mark and will have us stay on the toddler formula or maybe do hemp or goat milk.

mskatiep · September 2014

mrscatfarmer13 said:
I'm sure many will feel this is flameworthy, but here's some food for thought.

Have you considered the possibility of switching to WCM early?. I can't remember if you have mentioned if H is sensitive to dietary changes, but if she is, it might be easier to make just one transition early, rather than take time to adjust to formula and then turn right around transitioning to WCM. I know it's not ideal, but it's also not unheard of. Obvs, talk to your pedi either way.

ETA: I could also be completely off my rocker here, so feel free to let me know if my crazy is showing.

I don't think it is crazy, and as @cagoldi said some countries have different guidelines. The issue is Iron. Maybe if the foods OP offers are iron rich, then her ped might approve. Worth asking about IMO.

mamasoup030 · September 2014

As I read these responses as I pump I feel like the grinch (not that I am the grinch) when his heart grows 2 sizes bigger. I didn't know I could love N13 more than I already did. But I do!

I had no idea you could switch to WCM early, maybe that would be easier. I'll have to ask the pedi about that. Such great advice I feel so much better about this transition already!

Has anyone used organic formula? My DH suggested this, but idk if it is necessary. But we do buy organic whenever possible/affordable for the family in general so why not. Thoughts?

Ps. When I'm done BF I am BURNING my nipple shields with DH, I will take pictures;)

Ok I had to say it twice, I love you ladies!

cagoldi · September 2014

mskatiep said:

mrscatfarmer13 said:
I'm sure many will feel this is flameworthy, but here's some food for thought.

Have you considered the possibility of switching to WCM early?. I can't remember if you have mentioned if H is sensitive to dietary changes, but if she is, it might be easier to make just one transition early, rather than take time to adjust to formula and then turn right around transitioning to WCM. I know it's not ideal, but it's also not unheard of. Obvs, talk to your pedi either way.

ETA: I could also be completely off my rocker here, so feel free to let me know if my crazy is showing.

I don't think it is crazy, and as @cagoldi said some countries have different guidelines. The issue is Iron. Maybe if the foods OP offers are iron rich, then her ped might approve. Worth asking about IMO.

While the iron is a concern, the main concern for a lot of babies, the amount sodium, potassium, and chloride in WCM is hard on their kidneys and I personally would not do it this early, other issues aside.

Bioavailabilty of nutrients in WCM is not as optimal as BM or formula either, particularly calcium and iron.
Just keep in mind that formula is designed to mimic HM, WCM is obviously not.

Kim22 · September 2014

I will probably be switching to WCM early. I had no intentions of pumping at work but since my kid had such feeding issues I am for now. I think switching twice in 2 months would be too much so my Dr suggested WCM early. I have daycare give him my BM cold so he is used to that at least. I'm trying to hang on for a few more weeks then start WCM.

hollowway · September 2014

If you worry about cows milk, you can look into soy milk, almond milk and goats milk as well. All are great alternatives

88sharonlee · September 2014

You've gotten lots of good advice, just wanted to add that I've also been through this recently so one more for support!

We use Similac advance as well, either the birth- 12 month or the stage 2 for 6 months plus, literally whichever the store has on the shelf when I'm running low!

We never had an issue just giving it to LO straight, even cold, so try that first.

I hope it's a smooth transition. I know it can be overwhelming but just start give it a try, you'll do great!

mamasoup030 · September 2014

Thanks again everyone, I ordered the organic formula suggested by @j0509 because I love any excuse to amazon prime something. Drives my DH batty.

I'll let you know how it goes once we start!

beccaxbooxbear · September 2014

cagoldi said:

I'm sure many will feel this is flameworthy, but here's some food for thought.

Have you considered the possibility of switching to WCM early?. I can't remember if you have mentioned if H is sensitive to dietary changes, but if she is, it might be easier to make just one transition early, rather than take time to adjust to formula and then turn right around transitioning to WCM. I know it's not ideal, but it's also not unheard of. Obvs, talk to your pedi either way.

ETA: I could also be completely off my rocker here, so feel free to let me know if my crazy is showing.

I think in Europe and Canada their guidelines are different and many babies do switch to WCM at 9 months. But yeah, this is not something you would want to do without talking to the doctor first (which I know you did say as well). Our issues are a little different, but my pedi does not want us doing WCM at the one year mark and will have us stay on the toddler formula or maybe do hemp or goat milk.

Ds1 drinks goats milk and he loves it! I prefer the goats milk to hemp, coconut, almond, flax milk because of the amount of protein in it. Goats milk has 8g of protein whereas the others have 1 or 2g

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