Breastfeeding to Formula

It is always best to transition slowly. Especailly to reduce the pain you will be in if you just switch her. If she hasn't had many bottles, you will want to start pumping and giving bottles, then start adding 50/50 or so breast milk and formula to introduce the formula. Generally it is best to start the bottles at the happiest points of the day, not when its nap time or bedtime. When you know she isn't going to have a reaction to formula, then make those bottles full formula. After that just start increasing the bottles and reducing the nursing until you have completely made the switch. I'd say with in a couple weeks you should be pretty well done. Moving slowly will allow your body to slowly adjust to the reduced demand for milk, so when you stop completely there won't be pain from unneeded milk. It's amazing how your body will adjust. Good luck.

Before making this decision, I would encourage you to do all the research and a little bit of soul searching. Breastmilk is superior to any brand of baby formula. It is the most perfect food for your unique baby in that it is produced by you, for your baby's specific nutritional and health needs. I'm not trying to admonish your decision to stop nursing - only question it because there are a ton of benefits to breast feeding that you and your baby will be losing once you switch to formula. If it is becoming difficult to nurse because of your schedule, I would encourage you to try pumping breastmilk. Two great places to look for more information about benefits of breastfeeding would be www.kellymom.com and www.llli.org
If you need help because breastfeeding has become physically difficult or if you are deciding to try and pump, contact your local hospital's lactation consultant.

Go slow. Be sure you really want to do the change (expense, ease, bonding, etc.) You could always keep the morning and evening feed for awhile. If you really think it's what you want to do, sudafed can be helpful in drying up. You didn't mention the age or reasons. Just fyi, nursing gets so much easier after the first few months (generally). So if you are stopping because it's hard, you might want to wait a few more weeks. I'd hate for you to do the hardest part and not get to experience the pay off. Just fyi, no pressure. Every situation is different:) Good luck.

J.,
I don't know how much I can help you, because my 2 children absolutly refused formula or a bottle, but everything I've heard or read says to ween them slowly. First change the "lesser important fedings", such as middle of the day. The change another middle of the day. The last two to change should be the last one before she goes to bed, and the first in the morning. Also, if you ween her slowly your body should be able to adjust as well to the changing schedual which will help with any pain or engorgement problems.

I slowly weened my daugther over the course of a few weeks. Replace one feeding a day every few days that way baby will have a chance to adjust (for example: one bottle first 2-3 days, 2 bottles next 2-3 days, 3 bottles next 2-3 days & etc...) It's a similar approach to starting solids as well. Your body will naturally begin to produce less milk, therefore, you shouldn't have any pain once you've gradually weened.

I would transition the middle of the day feedings first, then do the morning, nap, and bedtime feedings. To make it easier on body and hormones, try to do one feeding per week. As for brand of formula, I have heard breastfed babies take Carnation Good Start more easily, so that might be one to try.

I wanted to give you a pat on the back for choosing to nurse your little one this far. Every day you breastfed was a benefit to her. You always have the option of doing both, if you want. Just nursing morning and night and giving a bottle during the day. Your body will adjust to the supply and demand and only make milk during those times. Just a thought.

Hi J.~
Here is what I did when switching my 2 kids to formula. I would first start with a bottle 6 oz breastmilk, 2 oz formula, and every 4th bottle then up the formula amount by 2 ounces. That way, she isn't noticing the taste difference, and your supply will slowly diminish as well. I never experienced any discomfort with drying up...Good Luck!