I Want to Use Formula When I Go Out.....

I totally understand the need to get out and not feel panicked if you are not back in 2 hours. It is good to know that your baby would take the formula if she absolutely had to. I agree with the previous poster about gradually diluting the breastmilk with formula (remember to make the formula liquid first with water, dont just put the powder into the breastmilk).
I personally believe that breastfeeding is the best for our babies, and even though I sometimes felt uncomfortable breastfeeding in public at first, now I refuse to let anyone make me feel weird about nourishing my child. I know it's a personal decision, but I know that the more of us who do it with no shame, the less weird it will seem to others!
Do what's best for you. Just keep in mind that it's for such a short time that you have this opportunity. All the best!

You could pump and bring the pumped breast milk with you when you go out if you'd rather not nurse in public. One thing I learned to do was cover myself, either with a blanket or a sling. I don't have to leave the area and I am not "flashing" anyone while feeding my son. I did this with my first baby and have been quite successful with my second one as well.

If you are going to use formula, introduce it slowly. Formula tastes quite different from breast milk. The temperature might also be a factor as breast milk is the perfect temperature but formula needs to be heated to temperature.

I would recommend slowly introducing her to formula. By this I mean slowly diluting breastmilk with formula. For example, if she drinks a 4 oz bottle, start by adding only 1/2 oz of formula to 3 1/2 oz of breastmilk. Do this for each feeding for one day, then increase it the next day to 1 oz formula to 3 oz breastmilk for the entire day, and so on, until she will take an entire bottle of formula. Hope that helps!

Hi,

Have you tried using a nursing cover when you go out? That way, you don't have to leave the group or feel left out and you (and baby) still have your privacy! Check out www.bebeaulait.com. They have beautiful covers and everyone I know who's tried them, love them! You can start by practicing at home to get you and your baby used to using it.

HTH!