Weaning from BM to Formula questions

Since I have gone back to work my BM supply has really declined. I pump 4 times while I am gone and I still pump 5-10oz less than she drinks in a day. I can't add anymore pumping sessions so I am thinking about switching to formula. I still have a decent freezer supply so I make up the difference with that but I figure in the next month I will be all out and I wil have to give formula. So, how do I do it? Should I start adding a formula feed before my supply runs out or just make the switch when I am out? She has only had 1 bottle of formula in her life. She typically takes 6oz of BM so do I give her that much formula? She eats/nurses every 3 hours, does that mean she will have formula every 3 hours or will it change to 4 hours? What are the rules for refrigeration for formula? I plan to use powder. I also was hoping to continue nursing her in the morning only because that is when my supply seems to be best. Will it stay that way if I get rid of all the other feedings. Any other advice would be appreciated. This is such unchartered territory for me so I have no idea what to expect.
TIA!

Re: Weaning from BM to Formula questions

BUMP

Re: Weaning from BM to Formula questions

When I had about 2 weeks worth of bags left, I started adding formula to the bottles of BM. About 1 oz to every 4 at first, then increased it to 2 oz to 3oz, etc. It took some getting used to, but DD eventually started taking whole bottles of formula.

GL!

Re: Weaning from BM to Formula questions

I just recently weaned my son from BM to formula. I was mostly nursing and only giving one bottle a day so as far as spacing out feedings with formula and the amounts I can't help you. However, I would start by giving her one bottle of formula per day. If she takes that without a problem I wouldn't mix it with BM. This is only because formula is only good for one hour, so whatever she doesn't finish can not be re-used the way BM can. If she refuses it then you can go the route of gradually adding in more and more formula to the BM until she is used to the taste.

If you mix the powder in advance, I believe you can refrigerate it for 24 hours. Once you start giving your daughter a bottle, the formula must be consumed within an hour or it must be thrown out. You can not re-use it.

Hope this helps!

Re: Weaning from BM to Formula questions

all i know is that my pediatrician told me to substitute one feeding with formula at first and do that for a week, then the second week, substitute two feedings, and so on. I'm planning on weaning DD in about another 2 weeks when she is 3 mths old. I have to go back to work in September so I plan to BF in morning and night and she'll have formula during the day. She'll probably be getting 3-4 bottles of formula a day. We're going to use similac . We have powder and liquid at home, I'm not sure what we'll use first.

Re: Weaning from BM to Formula questions