Author Topic: Introducing formula to a bf baby  (Read 1037 times)

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Offline nattymarsh

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Introducing formula to a bf baby
« on: June 20, 2006, 23:32:07 pm »
I would like to be able to offer the very occasional bottle of formula to my lo.  (i.e. when I work a 12 hour shift...that's a lot of pumping).  Any suggestions on how I should introduce formula to her?

Offline Carter'sMama

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Re: Introducing formula to a bf baby
« Reply #1 on: June 21, 2006, 01:50:21 am »
Does your lo take a bottle well?  I guess that would be an important thing! :)

I didn't have any experience giving formula to my DS but when it came time to wean him onto soy milk at about 12 months the literature I read suggested mixing 3/4 bm with 1/4 milk (or formula in your case)  Do this for a few days and then go to 1/2 and 1/2 then 3/4 formula with 1/4 bm.  This way you can gradually get your lo used to the new taste.  Make sure you don't do anything else new so that you will be able to notice if there are any allergic reactions or upset tummies because of the formula.  It would be ideal if you could pump enough to always give half and half bottles (half bm and 1/2 formula) but I undertsand how hard it can be to pump large volumes!

When you mix the breastmilk with the formula make sure that you make the formula according to package directions (with water) and then add breastmilk to it.  It doesn't work if you just mix the bm with the unprepared formula  :)

HTH and good luck!

Cathy - Mama to:
Carter Luke - March 29, 2005
Mason Henry - April 7, 2007
Daphne Catherine Grace - May 30, 2010