Breast to Formula

[MommieMac]

I am trying to switch from breast to formula for my 5 mo. old during the day so I can return back to work. I am having concerns becuse he will only take an ounce of formula and then fusses for me to feed him the breast. How do I get him to take more of the formula?

[*LBM*]

Hello there!

Does your baby take a bottle of breastmilk w/out fussing? Who gave the bottle--you or someone else?

When offering a bottle to a breastfed baby, it usually helps to have someone else do the offering. :) It's also helpful for mother to be out of the room (or even out of the house)! You can find more information here:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/bottle.html

If you cannot (or choose not to) pump at work, combination feeding is a great option! Here is some helpful information on the topic:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/weaning/weaning-partial.html
http://www.mother-2-mother.com/combofeeding.htm

HTH (hope that helps)!

[MommieMac]

Hi,
Thank you for your response. He will take a bottle of juice and breastmilk, just not formula. I was the one giving it to him so that may be the problem. I just want to be able to give him a bottle of formula when I need to. He just wont take it. I know that it is not the bottle it is the formula. I was pumping when I was working a few months ago but i have been home with him for 2 months now I have no reserve supply for when I return to work in a month. I try to pump during the day but dont get very much. Thank you for the web sites they were very good.

[jenn_0629]

Toddlers are hard to ween, especially at an early age of 5 months. The recommended target for weening is 12-15 months. Babies will eat if they are hungry, even if they don't like it. If you simply say no, and stick with it, all that is left is the formula. You could try pumping, or give formula to his care giver while you are working, and back to breastfeeding when you are home.
I hope this was helpful,
Jennifer