EBF moms moving on to formula

Curious - how was your experience? How old was your DC when you weaned off the breastmilk and introduced the formula? Was it trial and error with different brands? How was your DCs reaction? And which type of formula were you successful with?

TIA!

Re: EBF moms moving on to formula

My DD is not completely weaned but she does get some formula during the week because I can't pump enough at work. She also got some right when she came home from the hospital because my milk didn't come in right away. We are lucky that she took to a bottle fine and never had issues with the taste, but I've heard of a few effective tips/tricks: have someone other than you give her the bottle, and (assuming your DD will drink a whole bottle) mix formula and BM together in the beginning. Some people don't recommend this in case the DC doesn't finish - BM is good for several days in the fridge but formula has a short shelf life so if the baby doesn't finish then the BM is wasted - but if your DD is a good drinker it might be worth a try if she won't take it straight.

We use Similac Advanced Early Shield - they gave us RTF in the hospital and we switched to powder at home when I went back to work and she needed formula again.

ETA: My ped told me to give any formula a week before determining it might not be right - their systems need to get used to it.

Message edited 10/11/2009 8:23:31 PM.

Re: EBF moms moving on to formula

sorry to crash but thank you for asking this! i was literally planning on asking the samee questions today! i am looking to switch over in the next few weeks and know NOTHING about formula!

Re: EBF moms moving on to formula

Re: EBF moms moving on to formula

I had no problems with Good Start for either of my kids. I think they say it's closest to bm. The new container looks like this Good Luck!

Re: EBF moms moving on to formula

Posted by OneOfEach

I had no problems with Good Start for either of my kids. I think they say it's closest to bm. The new container looks like this Good Luck!

IMAGE

Re: EBF moms moving on to formula

Well Tara you know some of my story. I am back at work and can't keep up with the pumping supply in order to feed DS. He is 4 months old. I went into BFing with a whatever works philosophy and I am happy with what he was able to have.

That being said for about 2 weeks we have been working on the formula transition. We are on our 4th type of formula. Our ped at first suggested Enfamil Lipil which he wouldn't take. Then we went to Good Start Protect Plus (which is similar to BM) and he was very uncomfortable and gassy. Then we tried Good Start Gentle Plus and he was also uncomfortable and gassy. Then we went to Similac Alimentum which seems to be working great. He has been on it since Friday and what a difference. I have been mixing the formula and BM in his bottles to ease him into it. That makes it easier.

I think the formula thing is trial and error. I called my ped about 3-4 times in the past 2 weeks because I wanted to make sure I was doing everything right. We also switched to Dr. Brown's bottles because they say they cause less gas than the Drop Ins. Also, we are using the RTF Alimentum because also they say RTF reduces the amount of gas because when you use powder, you shake bubbles into the bottle which can cause gas.

I won't lie, it has been a rough transition. I have decided that in the future I will introduce formula much earlier. It has been rough with being back to work and doing this.

Also, I want to get him to have cereal but I wanted to get the formula thing down first.

I know lots of people that have had luck with Good Start Gentle Plus but obviously every baby is different so that is why there are tons of formulas out there.

HTH!