Formula at night?

[JWills]

I have breastfed exclusivley (no bottles) since DD came home from the hospital. I would like to introduce formula at nighttime.

Can you substitue breastmilk for water to make the transition easier?

[Kork]

My doctor says that water is not a good option unless the baby is over a year or so. We added in formula mixed with pumped breastmilk, at about 4 parts breastmilk to 1 part formula. We gradually worked our way up to full formula at night, and had no issues with production or digestive issues.

Best of luck, and go with your gut!

[JWills]

Thanks Kork! I will double check with my pediatrician, but that is exactly what you said is exactly what i wanted to do.

[eniese]

Jwills, if your baby hasn't ever taken a bottle, you might want to introduce it a little during the day so she can get used to it first. A lot of times at night they nurse for comfort as much as food, so making sure she's comfortable taking a bottle during her more awake times of day might help ease the nighttime transition. Also, be ready to try different bottle types and different nipple flows to find the one that works for your baby. You might also have to sample a few different formulas to find the one that works well for your baby. Good luck!

[JWills]

Thanks Eniese! I am still having a hard time trying to get her to take a bottle (posted on this in another thread a while back). she just refuses. At most, she will take an ounce and scream her head off. But I am determined!! I have tried 2 ways so far. Waiting until she is so hungry she has no choice but to take the bottle (with breakstmilk) and feeding from the breast, waiting till she is content and almost full, then replacing my boob with a bottle (breastmilk). The latter seems to be working slighlty better... its truly frustrating.

[eniese]

My son only ever took formula from a bottle. He wanted breastmilk straight from the source or not at all. If she's still balking at your milk in a bottle, you might try formula instead and see how she does.