Need Advice about Stopping BF/Starting Formula

I just cannot figure out how to do this the right way. I've EBF DD for all 10 weeks she's been here and don't want to stop, but am going to stop b/c I'm returning to work in a week and I need to stop.

- How do I decrease my milk supply the best/safest/most comfy way? Also, is there a way to keep enough milk for say, a morning feeding and a night feeding? Or is it impossible?

- How do I introduce formula? One or two bottles a day while still breastfeeding? Unfortunately I barely have any of my milk frozen, so this will complicate things with trying to stop my milk production I'm sure.

Any advice from the BTDT would be MUCH appreciated, I'm sooooo confused about what to do and my doc was not much help.

Re: Need Advice about Stopping BF/Starting Formula

I don't have advice, but I am interested in the answers as well as I will likely be doing the same thing in a month or so.

Re: Need Advice about Stopping BF/Starting Formula

I would suggest you talk to your Ped first on which formula to choose. Then when you pick one, start reducing the number of BF and replace with the formula bottle.

I am not sure if BF only 2 times per day will be enough to maintain your milk supply but you can try.

Just start reducing the BF everyday little by little. Not all together so you don't get engorged and your body adapts.

Re: Need Advice about Stopping BF/Starting Formula

How long do you have for this process? You'll probably want to do it slowly and gradually.

I would suggest replacing one of the daytime feeding with a bottle. If you get engorged, pump just enough to take the pressure off, but don't empty the breast. Then move to 2, 3, etc... until all of the daytime feedings, when you are away from her, are formula.

I think that you may be able to keep enough milk for am and pm feedings. Women who practive extended BFing (over a year) keep enough milk to feed one or two times a day.

Re: Need Advice about Stopping BF/Starting Formula

OK. I knew KM would have something on this. Here is the link:

link

Re: Need Advice about Stopping BF/Starting Formula

Thanks for the advice everyone. Unfortunately, I've been dragging my feet on this and I go back to work in 10 days...I know, not much time at all, I just really wanted to EBF as long as I could.

At her last visit, I did ask her ped what formula to try, he suggested Similac. Besides for that, he wasn't much help as to how/when to do it.

Re: Need Advice about Stopping BF/Starting Formula

replace a feeding with a bottle today and see how you feel. If it's not too bad, take away another tomorrow or sunday.

I am EBF and went out without nursing or pumping for ~7 hours and it wasn't too bad, it was just tender to the touch. Just make sure you have breast pads


good luck

Re: Need Advice about Stopping BF/Starting Formula

You need to start now so DC can get used to formula. Trying fixing a 3oz bottle and see how it goes.

Re: Need Advice about Stopping BF/Starting Formula

Re: Need Advice about Stopping BF/Starting Formula