I successfully went Cold Turkey from breast to bottle

[* Paula *]

I would offer a sippy with water, but also try to make sure that your lo does not drink too much water, otherwise he won't want a bottle.

Good luck with the wean.  Keep us posted on how you get on.

[BensMamma]

I'm working on this too with my 5.5 mth DS, except I'm not doing it cold turkey for all feedings.  A couple of weeks ago we started offering him BM in the bottle, and he cried  A LOT.  I thought my DH should do it with me out of the room, but that didn't work for our LO so I caved into LO's hysteria and ended up nursing.  I think it didn't work for DH partly because he's extremely impatient and DS picks up on it.  After that, I took over the bottle attempts while DH was at work, and he took it (with some fussing) the first time.  The second time he didn't fuss at all  .  I continued to give our LO the bottle about once a day for about 5 or 6 days, and then finally let my DH have another go at it...no problem since then.  Now, as of 2 days ago, I'm starting to mix in some formula.  DS noticed the difference, but he is doing very well.  We're up to 2 or 3 combo (50/50) bottles per day, and our goal is 100% formula for the 3 middle feedings.  I want to nurse the first and last meals of the day and am hoping we'll soon be able to cut out the 4 a.m. feedings since I'll be able to tell how much he's getting during the day.  My LO has reflux and has always had a fair amount of intestinal gas which wakes him up so I'm trying the Similac (red can) for fussiness, spit-up, and gas...so far I haven't noticed any improvement.  In fact, his gas pains seem to be a little worse since introducing the formula.  I suppose it could be a result of mixing the BM with the formula, or that it's something his system isn't use to yet...don't really know.  Does anyone else have this issue?  If so, can you offer any suggestions or recommend a different product which might be easier on his tummy?  Thanks.

[* Paula *]

Hugs, I am sorry I don't know much about the formula you are using, but it could be that your lo needs to get used to the formula - how long has he been on it now?

Was the reflux under control before trying to wean?  Is he on any meds for the reflux? 

There are special formulas that are made for sensitive tummies, and reflux.  Might we worth chatting to your doctor to see if they can give you an recommendations.

Sounds like the weaning is going well though.  Congrats.

[BensMamma]

Hugs, I am sorry I don't know much about the formula you are using, but it could be that your lo needs to get used to the formula - how long has he been on it now?

Was the reflux under control before trying to wean?  Is he on any meds for the reflux? 

There are special formulas that are made for sensitive tummies, and reflux.  Might we worth chatting to your doctor to see if they can give you an recommendations.

Sounds like the weaning is going well though.  Congrats.

Thanks.  We had our 6 month checkup today and the doctor increased his reflux meds dose...he's on Axid, which had seemed to be helping until just a few weeks ago.  Hopefully the increased dose will do the trick.  I also told him about the trouble since starting the 50/50 mix of formula/BM earlier this week.  The one we've been using is a soy based product, and the doctor said that some babies have an allergy to both milk and soy.  I didn't even attempt the milk based product since he's always had some trouble with my BM causing him a fair amount of gas as well.  The doc did recommend a couple of special formulas for super sensitive tummies, so I might give them a try.  I've noticed that this past week I've felt some small anxiety attacks and blues since starting to wean during the day...even though I'm pumping for the 50/50 bottles.  I'm still nursing in the early a.m. and late p.m. - I wonder if my hormones are going wacky?  I've never heard of that happening, so maybe it's all in my head.

[* Paula *]

I am pleased that the doctor has increased his reflux meds and that things are improving.  Please keep us posted.

Let us know how you get on if you do decide to try another formula.

Unfortuantley I don't know much about BF, but you might want to pop over to the BF boards and see if the ladies over there can help you.

Hugs hun 

[BensMamma]

Thanks Paula:)

[myajazmum]

HI there

just marking my spot.

we have just returned from a 5 day holiday and decided that we needed to go cold turkey with my 5.5mo DS. He is not pleased, and previous attempts to gradually weaned him were unsuccessful. so tonight is day 1 I guess. He's an all or nothing kinda guy so I am guessing cold turkey would be the only thing that would work.

have previously posted on a separate thread, but was guided to this little goldmine..

keep your fingers crossed for me guys..

[myajazmum]

We decided that since the hol was horrid for my usually happy boy - he never cried as much as he did in the last 5 days, we thot we may as well carry on with it and go cold turkey from his 6pm feed, instead of first thing in the morning..

And of cos he refused when DH gave it to him and went to bed hungry I am so sad..

Question: Will EBM in bottle for him for the night time feeds, but how long can I keep it for if he refuses? I have a feeling we will be wasting lots of EBM

Also, for going cold turkey - does that include DFs too ? Am sure it does but just checking..

I think it's going to be a big struggle for him to take the bottle, I feel awful, but I have to go back to work in 2 weeks, that's what I say to console myself for being such a horrible mum..

[BensMamma]

Hi Jackie,
BIG hugs to you.  Change is always hard, but with you going back to work, it's good that you're starting the bottle now.  I can't answer the question about the DF, since I was able to continue BF'ding and bottle feeding in tandem for a while.  Like you said though, your LO may be an all or nothing kind of guy.  What happened to me though was that my milk supply finally went away since I started using formula for the bottle feeds  .  If you're able to pump enough to continue with just breast milk, then you probably won't have to worry about that.  With regards to storing the breast milk after he refuses, I think you can just pop the bottle right back in the fridge until the next meal.  I hope things get better for you soon.

Hi Paula,
It's been a couple of months since I posted, and I wanted to update you that we are successfully feeding our LO formula from a bottle.  We tried about 4 different kinds until we finally found one that was easy enough on his tummy (Similac Sensitive).  I'm still sad that I am not giving him BM anymore, but I wasn't able to get a regular pumping schedule down, and he became too impatient at the breast so everything dried up.  I do know that he's happy to be able to finish his meal quicker now, and I'm happy to not be waking up so many times in the night for feedings anymore, so that's all good.

Take care all.
Audrey

[myajazmum]

An update..

DS is now on FF! the bottle finally took.. after he realised that there was no more breast on offer. DH had to be the one to offer to him. He refused for the first feed, and went to bed, woke up 3 hours later at 10.30pm, refused for 30 min and then took it! then the next feed he refused for 10min.. and the one after that, he happily took it!

So if it helps another mum, the trick is to presevere.. and have DH or someone else offer it to him when you are out of the room/sight.. and also going forward, ensure that you and any other carers take turns to feed him the FF.. And the most important thing? is that you in your mind need to be clear and sure that you WANT to go cold turkey with your LO and that the breast will NOT be an option.. I think that is the most important thing.. we have started and stopped so many times but this time we succeeded cos we kept at it. as I am returning to work... there is no other greater motivation here!

Jackie

[* Paula *]

Fantastic news Jackie, I am pleased that things went so smoothly.