I can't continue breastfeeding, and am changing to formula/bottlefeeding, any advice to help the transition?

Question

My baby is one month old.

Answer 1

I switched from breast to bottle when both of mine were young (1.5 months and 3 months). There's a suggest way to transition (follow the advice given by your pediatrician or per the formula manufacturer). I switched a little faster than suggested because of personal reasons.

I can tell you that you do have to watch for things like constipation because formula is thicker than breast milk and made differently. That's the only issue I had. But there are other things to watch for, too. Some babies can't tolerate some formulas.

Some formulas are created to be more like breast milk than others. I'd suggest those. But pick one brand and stick to it unless your child can't tolerate it. Switching brands or types within the same brand, can cause your child problems.

Answer 2

Your baby should transition just fine to formula

My advice is to pick a formula that contains DHA and ARA for brain development. I was reading studies about children that had formula with DHA and ARA as babies and in first grade they tested on average with much higher IQ's than kids that were fed regular formula.

At one month, the baby shouldn't have too much trouble transitioning to a bottle. You might have to have someone else offer the bottle the first time so the baby doesn't smell you and want to nurse instead of taking the bottle.
The nipple and bottle you choose could make a difference too...my daughter liked these a lot:

http://www.maternalexpressions.com/adiri_breastbottle_nurser.htm

Good luck with the transition and remember...don't let anyone make you feel bad about the choices you make when it comes to breastfeeding or formula feeding! That is a personal choice that you and you alone need to make for your child!

EDITED TO ADD:

I think that it is really immature that someone has given poor ratings to everyone that answered the original post's question and endorsed formula feeding. Read the question! The poster said that she CAN'T continue breastfeeding and she asked us for help. She didn't ask people to tell her why she should be breastfeeding. ( I think it is fine for people to tell her why breast milk is good or even give her helpful suggestions should she want to continue breast feeding, but it is mean to give poor ratings to people that honestly answered her actual question.) None of us know her circumstances. I had a preemie and couldn't breastfeed her so I expressed milk and bottle fed her for 3 and a half months until I dried up and then I switched her to formula. Sometimes it has to be done and I don't think a person should be judged for that. If she can't breastfeed, then lets help her find a way to make the transition easier for her baby instead of judging her and every other formula feeder in the world.

Answer 3

I'd encourage you to try to continue breastfeeding until you get past the 6 weeks point. That's when it starts to get easier! Then make the decision about if you want to wean or keep going. The first 6 weeks are honestly the hardest part. You haven't even gotten to the "good part" of being a nursing mom yet.

Also, keep in mind that breastfeeding isn't an "all or nothing proposition." If you can, consider combining breast and bottle so that your baby will continue to benefit from the powerful immunities and nutrients in your milk.

When you decide that you are ready to wean, I'd encourage you to go slowly. This will make the transition easier on both you and baby. I'd suggest cutting one feeding at a time. It's recommended that you work on eliminating one feeding for 3-7 days (slower is always better, but avoid going faster than this) before dropping the next. Some moms eliminate one nursing a week. This allows your milk supply to decrease slowly, so that you don't become so engorged. A good guideline to follow is that, if you've dropped a feeding and you still feel engorged from dropping that one, wait until you are comfortable before you drop another one so that you don't make the engorgement worse.

If you do become engorged during weaning, there are some different things you can do to make yourself more comfortable. Some moms find that putting cabbage leaves in their bras will help to dry them up. Using bags of frozen peas as ice packs can help relieve discomfort from engorgement. Also, stand in a hot shower and let the water beat on your breasts. This may help you to release a little milk and become more comfortable. Ibuprofen is good for mom's weaning discomforts. If you are having problems drying up, talk to your doctor about maybe taking decongestents to help dry up your supply.

Answer 4

Most breastfed babies do better on a soy formula, as it does not contain cow's milk. Cow milk forula can cause constipation, more spitting up, tummy aches, etc. Soy formula is much more gentler with the same nutritients.
I suggest talking to your baby's Dr, before switching.
Also, the "dry-up" medication is no longer available, due to complications. I really needed it 18 months ago, when I had to stop breastfeeding to go on meds that weren't safe for my baby.
Cabbage leaves help with sore and swollen, engorged breasts, as well as ice packs. You can also try banding with an Ace Bandage. Tylenol is good for the pain.
Your baby will adjust to the switch to the bottle, just be patient. However, once the switch is made, (which could take a week) you will not have an easy time switching back to the breast. The nipples on bottles are easier to suck from than the breast, and once babies find an easier way to suck, they won't go back to the hard way. That is why breastfeeding is recommended, it strengthens the jaw muscles and tongue, to ready them for solids.

I hope you the best of luck!

Answer 5

Have someone other than yourself give her the bottle in the beginning.
She's come to expect breast milk from mom and if you try to give her the bottle she'll likely not take it since she knows you've got the better tasting stuff instead!
Also, like others have said, putting breast milk in the bottle for the first few feeds will probably work better. Also, make sure some milk is on the tip of the artificial nipple so the baby knows what to do. She will be confused at first because the nipples are clearly different. She should take to it within a few days.

Answer 6

Don't just abruptly switch. Start with 3/4 bottle of breastmilk and 1/4 formula for a week, then go to half milk/half formula for a week, then straight formula. It gives the baby's system time to adjust, and you won't get engorged.

Answer 7

your breasts will continue to fill for a while. Some get a med from the doctor to "dry up" their milk. Breast pain from filling up can be bad. You might try ice packs on them or, not recommended but I did it--take a warm shower and express just a little milk to ease the pressure & pain. Baby should do fine within a couple of days of transition, unless has allergies or spitting up too much.

Answer 8

There is no true alternative for breastfeeding. If you are interested to see your baby hale and healthy, you should continue for a couple of months more. Alternative feeds can't stand before the mother's milk. It is up to you to choose.

Answer 9

i would wait another couple of weeks before you take the baby off of the breast milk. start by pumping and getting the baby used to the bottle. I would suggest a bottle of formula before bedtime..this will help the baby sleep longer. slowly wean the baby off of breast milk. one feeding per day. eventually your milk will dry up. I stoped nursing at 6 weeks and it only took me a week to dryup with very little pain. Do not mix formula with breast milk, any Dr. will tell you this!

Answer 10

Switch gradually. That way your baby can get used to the new teet/bottle and formula and your breasts can avoid engorgement.