Cutting back on BF - going from EBF to adding formula feedings - BTDT mommies Please Help!

On friday I will have made it to my goal of BF DS for 6 mos. With the exception fo having to stop for ten days when I was on antibiotics and one formula bottle a day as I got him back to EBF - DS has been EBF for this whole time and rarely even gets bottles.

Now that I am at 6 mos though I don't want to stop - I am worried about losing the benefits of BF and how my DS will take to formula since he has a very sensitive digestive system.

What I would like to do and I think this is possible from reading many threads on this is mix the two. DS is currently nursing 5X per day. I would like to start by nursing 4X per day with one formula bottle and then gradually decrease nursing as the weeks/months go on.

My questions are -
Will my body be able to do this or will I start losing my supply?

Do I have to choose one feeding and replace the same exact feeding every day?

Once I get down to two nursings per day will I still have the supply to continue?

How did your body adjust if you stopped BF in this slow process?

How did your DC adjust to adding formula to their diet - especially if they had reflux?

Did you notice any other changes in your DC after switching over - like getting sick more often (DS has yet to get sick).

Thanks so much in advance...I really appreciate it - especially to those of you who have made it this far down in my post!!!

Message edited 3/4/2008 2:41:04 PM.

Re: Cutting back on BF - going from EBF to adding formula feedings - BTDT mommies Please Help!

We cut out one feeding a day, a week at a time. I didn't have any issues with my supply, and when I finally stopped it wasn't pleasant. I was fine for the first day or two and then I got so engorged and it was very uncomfortable. My Dr. told me to take regular Sudafed to help dry up my supply and I felt better the next day after taking it. I did still leak for a week or so afterwards, but then was fine. My DS had no problems taking formula, but he also didn't have relux issues to begin with.

Re: Cutting back on BF - going from EBF to adding formula feedings - BTDT mommies Please Help!

Good questions!!! I'm in the same process too, so I'd like to see more answers!

Re: Cutting back on BF - going from EBF to adding formula feedings - BTDT mommies Please Help!

My questions are -
Will my body be able to do this or will I start losing my supply?

I cut back 1 feeding at time. I didn't have a problem with my supply until i tried to do one in the am and 1 in the pm feeding and she was sleeping through the night

Do I have to choose one feeding and replace the same exact feeding every day?

You don't have too, but to consistency sake for DC, I would.

Once I get down to two nursings per day will I still have the supply to continue?

It depends on the person, i know some ladies here are/were successful.

How did your body adjust if you stopped BF in this slow process?

My body did great. I couldn't stop cold turkey, i would have gotten and infection. I had very little engorgement and if i did it only lasted 1 day and was gone. Only thing though for me, once i started cutting back on feedings, I got AF.

How did your DC adjust to adding formula to their diet - especially if they had reflux?

My DD had reflux and she did just fine with it.

Did you notice any other changes in your DC after switching over - like getting sick more often (DS has yet to get sick).

NOPE not a thing. My DD has only been sick a handful of times over the 21.5 months of her life.


GOod luck and just do what's best for you and your family.

Re: Cutting back on BF - going from EBF to adding formula feedings - BTDT mommies Please Help!

Thank you ladies! I appreciate all the help!

Re: Cutting back on BF - going from EBF to adding formula feedings - BTDT mommies Please Help!

Just bumping in case anyone else has any experience with this...TIA

Re: Cutting back on BF - going from EBF to adding formula feedings - BTDT mommies Please Help!

Sorry ladies...this is the last time i will bump...i promise! Just looking for anyone who has successf. done this. tia