Starting to wean, some questions

[madringal]

DD2 is 5 months old and I have been EPing since she was 3 weeks. I am starting to cut down on pumping with the hopes of transitioning to formula at 6 months. I have gone from 5 to 3 pumping sessions with no issues. But I'm nervous to cut down u h more. Currently I produce enough to cover half her feedings a day the rest comes from my freezer stash. I can probably do that for a few more weeks. But when should I start introducing formula? And how? Mix it with BM?

[ijack]

there are a million ways to do it. I would probably offer a bottle of formula once a day before you quit pumping, just in case they have an issue with the formula that causes them to need BM longer (rare, but better safe than sorry). Once that goes okay I would just cut down a session every couple of days and add in another formula bottle.
GL!

[sewpinkgal]

I know a lot of babies have no problem transitioning to formula, but my son absolutely balked at it when we had to start supplementing at 4m. Took us a month to slowly wean him onto it. He takes milk, frozen milk or formula no problem now, but just keep in mind that it may take you some time for your baby to accept straight formula. GL!

[slug*bug]

Jun 11, 2012 13:09:00 GMT -5 @cookiemonster03 said:

When our freezer stash ran out, we just started offering formula. We didn't want to risk wasting BM. They didn't care one bit.

I don't have personal experience, but this is what my BFF did right around the same time: she said her DD took the formula with no problem.

[tardyfortheparty]

I'm weaning now (DD is 8 mos). I am working through my freezer stash but have offered her a bottle of formula every day so that she gets used to it.

[madringal]

Thanks ladies! I figured I should start offering her some now. I have a few large samples but I don't know how long they are good for. If I open one now how long is the tub ok to use?

[sewpinkgal]

I think powder tubs are good once opened for 1 month. When J was only getting one formula bottle a day, we'd get through a tub in about a month.

[ijack]

is it just powder? if so then use it before the expiration date.

[madringal]

One more question - She is taking 5 5 ounce bottles a day. Do I make her 5 ounce bottles of formula? Her pedis rule of thumb is half of their weight, so since she is 16lbs he would recommend 8 ounce bottles. That seems like an awful lot!

[sewpinkgal]

J is almost 8.5 months old and he usually takes no more than 4oz at a time. Granted, I realize this is on the low end, but I'd start with 5 or 6 oz of formula and see how she does. You can always increase the amount or give her more if she wants it.

[ijack]

DD is 10 months old and only takes 4oz bottles.