I'm going to have to express, aren't I?

[APipkinOfPepper]

I'm hoping I can get some advice about expressing, as I've not done it before.

DD is 9 months old, and breastfed on demand, as well as eating breakfast, lunch and tea. She happily drinks water from a beaker at meal times. I want to continue breastfeeding, but also want to be able to spend a bit longer away from DD to do things with my DS, and do some days in work in preparation for when I return in the summer.

I have been trying to get her to take formula in a beaker at breakfast / mid morning feed. However, she doesn't seem to like the taste, and will take a mouthful or two then spit it out. I've tried different makes, warm, cold from the fridge, DH feeding it to her. She just doesn't seem keen. So - I think I am going to have to express until I can give her cows milk, but I've never done it before. Can I give her expressed milk in a beaker? What is the best time to try and express? Any other tips? Or anything we haven't thought of for getting her to drink formula?

[ExBrightonBell]

My ds is nearly 9 mo, and eating well. He will also drink water with meals. I had a day at work and was worried about this similarly to you. However he was fine all day with just meals and water. I had left some expressed milk but he didn't seem bothered by not having any during the day.

When I got home he had a big feed, and then we were back to the usual evening routine. If you are just having the odd day here or there it may well be that your dd will be ok without needing any expressed milk during the day.

If you do need to express, first thing in the morning is supposed to be the best time to do it. It's fine to give bm in a beaker (or a doidy cup). You could also try mixing a little bit of formula with bm to help her get the taste for it. You can then increase the proportion of formula gradually.

I would also do a trial day where you are away but can come back if necessary to see how she gets on.

HTH.

[APipkinOfPepper]

Thanks for the reassurance and advice. Will definitely do a trial day!

[Mutley77]

Why not try formula in a bottle? Both of mine were reluctant to drink milk from cups until much older.