Introducing Formula after BF- Schedule?

DS is almost 4 months old, and I would like to start giving him one formula bottle per day.

This is his current BF schedule:
3:30am
7:30am
12:30pm
4pm
7:30pm

He only eats 5x per day (he is a long napper), but he typically nurses 30-40 min.

My question is- which feeding do you recommend replacing with a bottle? I know he may sleep longer if I give him a bottle before bed, but I am worried about engorgement (I really don't want to pump) and I am also worried that he will not be able to wind down at the end of the night without nursing. So, I am leaning towards the 4pm feeding. Any advice?

Also- if anyone is on a similar schedule and can advise how much formula their DC takes, that would be great. TIA!

Re: Introducing Formula after BF- Schedule?

I definitely don't think formula will make him sleep longer. You can replace any feeding you want. I would pick what was most convenient. You will probably be a little engorged no matter what feeding you replace. But after a few days, your body will adjust. I would definitely not replace the before bed feeding - that is the last one that I would choose. If you plan on BFing long term, that is usually the very last feeding to go. If it were me, I would probably pick something mid-day. Maybe the 4pm feeding so you have time to get dinner ready? Or maybe the 12:30 since it may be to your benefit to be able to give him a bottle during the day while you are out.

Just my 2 cents

Introducing Formula after BF- Schedule?

if we have forumla left over (we use the 8oz RTF) from our babysitter's house I will give her the bottle at night so we dont waste it and top her off by nursing. I dont think she sleeps any longer when shes on formula.

I would go with the noon or 4pm time if you're afraid of engorgement, but i also agree with the PP that you will be engorged when you skip a feeding

Message edited 3/14/2013 4:29:26 PM.