Weaning off Breastmilk

My son and daughter were the same way and I found that the transition went much smoother when I used Good Start. It still took some time, my downfall was that I did not introduce either one of them a bottle until they were 6 months old, but I did find that they both took to the formula Good Start better than all the other (and I tried them all). I asked my pediatrician if this was a decent formula and he stated yes. He also told me that he has recommended to breastfeeding moms who are having difficulty weaning to try this formula. He said he has heard success stories from other mothers. Best of luck to you!! T.

When I needed to wean, I had good luck with nestle good start. It really does have a better smell and taste than most (yes I tasted formulas). Good luck, M.

I nursed and supplemented, and I have to agree that Good Start is the least offensive-smelling of all the formulas. Target sells "25% more free" cans for about $23. They're the best deal. Good luck weaning!

I had the same issue with my son about 9 months ago, when he was about 9 months. He took Similac and Enfamil fine at first and then refused completely. Somebody told me to try Nestle Good Start because she heard that seemed to "taste better" to babies when going to formula when they are older. We tried it and it worked! So I was able to nurse in the morning and at night and he had Good Start in the two feedings between. It's not recommended to mix breast milk and formula by lactation consultants, so I'd go with just giving Good Start a try.

Hi!

My first child refused formula...imagine the hassel!! I finally weaned him, using juice from a sippy cup at 10 1/2 months (my ped. said I could start him on cow's milk at 10 1/2 month). My daughter would take formula here and there and what I did was mix breastmilk and formula...starting with more breastmilk than formula, then gradually increasing the formula. Formula is so gross, and I was worried about wasting breastmilk in the mix, but she really seemed to enjoy it.

Good luck!

M.,

My son loved the Good Start formula, and it's usually a little cheaper than the rest. My only other thought would be to try liquid formula or concentrate (we got the concentrate) over the powder since it has a slightly smoother consistancy.

Good luck,
J. :)

will he not take the bottle of breastmilk at all? or just from you? if its just from you (because he knows you have something better to offer!), maybe have someone else try? otherwise, i wonder if you can mix breastmilk and formula so he slowly gets used to the taste.......

M.:

at this spoint he may well be fine without formula.... put water into the solids that he is taking in to increase hsi fluid intake.

P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group, Inc
www.lactationsupportgroup.com

Hi,

I have a 9 1/2 month old who's also only breastfed and pumped mil during the day, last month I had to have emergency surgery - forcing him to have formula. We were recommended Nestle Good Start liqiud, it's similar consistancy as breast milk, and it worked out ok. No that he's back to breastfeeding, if he needs an extra feeding that's what I use and he takes it just like my milk. Good Luck!
T.

Hi, I don't know if you have tried this, but try adding formula mixed in with the breast milk in one bottle. Start by adding an ounce of formula to the breast milk for 2 feedings, then add another ounce for the next 2 or 3, then add another ounce and so on until he is used to the formula. Basically, you are fading the breast milk. As you do this, do not nurse him if he refuses. If he is persistent, only give him the bottle with breast milk. (this way he will learn that the breast isn't always available, but at least he gets the breast milk he is accustomed to). Once he is about 1/2 formula and 1/2 breast milk, try to alternate breast milk and formula throughout the evening as well. This way he doesn't always get one more often then the other when you are home. (Though I know you probably prefer breastfeeding when you are with him.)
Hope this helps, A.

I have formula fed all of my children w/very healthy results. So what about trying another type of formula...carnation good start, enfamil gentlease. Also, have you tried giving him water and such from a straw cup?

Have you tried mixing the formula and the breast milk together? Start with mostly breast milk and a little formula, then gradually increase the formula and decrease the breast milk. That might work for your son, but every child is different.

Your situation isn't so bad... my son flat out refused bottles at 7 months - cold turkey. I also pumped and was in a panic about what he would do while I was at work! A few questions... why won't he drink water from a cup? Will he drink anything from a cup at all? Have you tried a regular and a sip cup? Have you tried adding juice to the water? This seems to help us... My son (currently 11 months) drinks well from a cup IF you give him small sips in between bites of food. But otherwise he drinks very little. We also have egg cups that seem to be the perfect size for a little one to drink from.

Second, I wouldn't worry about the formula thing too much as long as you're breastfeeding him when you see him. If your reason for weaning during the day is lack of supply, I'd suggest pumping when you can still. If you just don't want to mess with pumping anymore (and who could blame you?) then just try and gradually decrease the amount you pump while at work. He'll probably still nurse more when you're with him, but that's ok. If he's getting less milk than you think he should you can always use formula/water to thin out his food. At 9 months he'll be OK even if he just gets 2-3 good breastmilk meal/day in addition to the solids you give him.