I am currently nursing my 7 month old. He is growing more and more difficult to nurse in public; it is actually to the point where it is impossible now. He finally gave in to taking a bottle of pumped milk while we were out or mommy was not home. The problem is (I think) that he does not like the taste of formula. I was out a few nights ago and he refused to take it as he did other times. He will only take an ounce or so. We have only tried Enfamil lipil. Pumping has been quite difficult lately due to limited time and it has not proved to be worth my time since I barely get anything out.
Does anyone know of a better tasting/closer taste to breastmilk formula that they can recommend?? Any suggestions would be appreciated-thanks!
I had really good luck supplementing my son with Good Start. With my second daughter she refused any and all formula, so hopefully he won't be that picky!
First of all, congratulations for still nursing! Public nursing is always hard once the baby becomes more aware of his or her surroundings. I'm definately part of the "been there done that" group. When you do pump, what type of pump do you use? I understand the pumping issue as well because I had to pump exclusively for my second child. He has muscular problems with his lips and it really interfered with his latch and nursing abilities. I was using the Madella Pump in Style for him, until timing became a major issue.
I'm not quite sure about different tasting formula, but I would suggest trying the Nestle Good Start. Some people say it tastes closer to breast milk. Have you thought about mixing formula and breast milk? Depending on the concentration percentage, he may be more willing to take it. Other than that, is there any time during the day that you can escape for a few minutes and see what type of supply you could build up? I wish you the best of luck, it's not an easy position to be in.
I can't recommend a formula as I've never used it (first son weaned at 26 months, second son at 19 months). I do want to reiterate another person's comments as to your pump - it makes a world of difference. I had a single hand pump initially and got nothing from it- at best 1/2 - 1 oz. and it was painful and frustrating. I then rented a hospital-grade double electric pump from Medela and was surprised how fast, easy and comfortable it was. If you'd like to tell me about what happens when you try to nurse in public (squirming? general embarrasement? strangers telling you your child is too old?) I could possibly advise you there... with my first son (who literally refused to take anything from a bottle) I pretty much experienced it all and have lots to offer about how I made it work in public. Best of luck however you proceed!
My daughter would not take the bottle period. She then started taking it but only woth breast milk. I tried Infamil for a while but it didn't work. In the end i changed the nipples on her bottles to the ones that resemble your nipples and i changed to Good Start. It worked, so i don't know if it was the nipples or the formula. Now as long as she's not going down for a nap or going to bed at night, she seems to prefer the bottle to my breasts. Try changing the nipple and the formula...if it doesn't work you could consult your pediatrician or try soy based formula.
I hope this helps. By the way be patient with him..sometimes it takes longer for some children to get used to something. He will come around eventually.
I agree with the others. Good Start is definatly the best. It is easier on their little belly's too. I am also very proud you are still nursing. Its not as easy as people think! You go girl:)! Have a great day!
D. Mattern-Muck
The MOM Team
Raise your income and your rugrats at the same time.
www.formyrugrats.com
I would have to agree the the previous post about the Good Start. Its funny, just today I was emailing another "mama" about this product. It seems that if "they" in fact, can try and reproduce mothers milk, this is the closest. I would second the motion of trying to mix the two. At least if that works, you can slowly switch over with not much ado.
I breastfed for just a short time but, always gave Good Start from the very start. I am not pro or con with breastfeeding, it is simply what worked for me and my baby.
Good Luck to you,
Margaret:)
All formula tastes bad. Your milk also changes taste according to what you ate etc. so your little one is used to a change in taste every time he eats this makes for better eaters later on. Formula cannot duplicate the tastes of breastmilk. Have you tasted it? It is nasty! What does he do in public that makes it hard to nurse. Maybe we can help on that end?
T. Blake
I work from home and you can too!
www.workathomeunited.com/tblake
Congrats on nursing this far! I understand the nursing in public dilemma :-)
Your pump: make sure it's a double electric not made by a formula company (conflict of interests, right). Medela is a brand I've heard a lot of bf-ng moms recommend.
Goat's milk is an acceptable occasional substitute for some babies. Both of my kids had it on occasion. Just a thought.
K., mama to
Catherine, 4y
Samuel, 14m
