Weaning off EBM

Well, its time for me to realize that six months of pumping is enough for us and that its time for us to change to formula. I loved giving my baby the best thing that I possibly could, but I am exhausted and I think I deserve a break. So formula city here we come.

My question is this, he doesn't like formula. I have tried 3 different brands now and found one which he likes, so I am mixing it with EBM to try to get him to drink it...so I am doing 2 oz formula and 4 oz EBM. Do you think this ratio is okay? How long should I stick with this ratio and then keep moving him until its 100% formula?

Re: Weaning off EBM

umm, what am I? Chopped liver???
Someone should answer me within seconds of my posting.

Gosh, some people.

eta I posted this a whole 45 minutes ago!

Message edited 6/26/2006 12:50:50 PM.

Re: Weaning off EBM

I pump full-time for DS also-- going on 4 months now. I plan on stopping at 6 also. Congrats on making it through the 6 months!!!!

I don't exclusively breastfeed him though, he usually gets 6 to 8 oz of formula per day, and the other 27 to 30 oz are EBM. Anyway, the thing I noticed is that he likes formula, he likes EBM, but he did NOT like them mixed together! Have you tried just giving the formula by itself?

Re: Weaning off EBM

I just read your post more carefully. You DID try the formula alone. Sorry, ignore my other suggestion, it won't be helpful :(

Re: Weaning off EBM

I was told to introduce 1 oz of the supplement at a time every 3-5 days.

Re: Weaning off EBM

Posted by CaidensMommy

I was told to introduce 1 oz of the supplement at a time every 3-5 days.

Re: Weaning off EBM

Yeah, he said it was completely fine! I would just make sure they're both the same temperature.

Re: Weaning off EBM

Re: Weaning off EBM

Before you wean make sure you get him on a formula he will take. BM is sweeter and tastes/smells very different than formula. It might take him some time to convert. I would do 1oz of formula to the rest BM every few days adding more and more formula. But don't wean until you have that done because if he won't drink the formula or doesn't react well to it getting your supply back is not easy.

It is not rec'd to mix because then you have to throw out the BM since it was mixed with formula. The temps need to be the same. Don't mix just pumped BM with formula from the frig. The hot/cold could spoil the bottle.

If you need help weaning off pumping let me know. I did that after a year so I know it is a bit of a confusing process. Good for you for 6 months

Message edited 6/26/2006 3:39:54 PM.

Re: Weaning off EBM

I am continuing to pump until he is on formula. He will happily drink the mixed, but won't have just plain old formula...not that I can blame him. Lucky for us I haven't had to throw away any mixed BM/Formula yet. I am going for 2/3 hours in between feeds to make sure that he will be hungrier.

Thanks for all the advice.