How do I switch from breast to formula feeding?

[hkz]

I am going to phase out breast feeding with my 12 weeks old but am not sure how to do this without getting engorged breasts/mastitis etc.
Which feed should I replace first etc?
Any advice much appreciated.

Are you stopping breat feeding to go back to work? Do you want to stop? A gradual stop is probably best for both you and baby eg dropping just one feed a day and replacing it with bottle.

If you want to still feed and go back to work then it is totally possible....I have had 6 children and have gone back to work and still bf as well as bottle fed....maybe this could be an option for you. If not then try stopping very slowly and use massage on your breasts and cabbage leaves are fantastic

Thanks, Mini. I am stopping to go back to work. I'm not sure if I want to stop or not, am just starting to think about it. I might just try doing breast and bottle. I don't want to express at work as I am normally flat out all day and can't imagine fitting it in (I'm a teacher).

hi hkz - i just wanted to point out that by law your employer has to make the time and space for you to express. I know that could be really difficult being a teacher, and you may also not want to express while at work, but they do have to sort it out for you if you want to - whether that is you not doing all your lessons, or them letting you have slightly longer breaks or something i don't know, but they need to help make it work.

i would definitely try mixed feeding rather than deciding to go straight to formula. although not everyone's supply stands up to it, it does work for lots of people (i did it under different circs for one feed per day for 8 months) and it means that your DC will still get plenty of the bf benefits.

i would start dropping one of the middle of the day ones as they'll be the ones when your DC will be bottled fed when you're at work. keep the morning and evening and any night feeds until last as you'll still be able to do those when working if you want to.

probably best to drop a feed a week (can do it every 3 days but i hear from friends that a feed per week gives your boobs more time to cope). if you start to experience fullness before the next feed, i would express off just enough to relieve the pressure.

HKZ I detect some reluctance about stopping. Am I right? If YOU want to stop then gradual approach prob best like mini says. However, if you want to continue then it is up to your employer to provide you with the correct conditions. I know that's really hard. I was a teacher too and cannot imagine how on earth it would have worked but your school must enable you to continue feeding if you want to, e.g. provide you with somewhere to express. Could you express before first lesson, then break, then lunch then end of day or something? Sorry not much help but am sure there will be plenty of people along who know what they're talking about soon. How long until you go back?

Hi hkz I am a teacher as well and I haven't expressed at work due to time as well but i still managed to combine bf and bottle. I must admit I used formula mostly because the time needed to express meant that I couldn't spend enough time with my other lo's. When I went back to work I bf in the morning and childminder gave lo breakfast (solids) ....for the first couple of weeks I was a bit engorged and had to make sure I had plenty of breast pads and a change of top just in case but it soon settled down. I then feed lo when I get home....usually right away and then as normal at night. At weekends and hols I feed when I and lo wants. I have done this 4 times now and with success....feedig ds3 till he was 10 months...dd1 till she was 13 months...ds4 till he was 22 months and dd2 is 10 months old and still feeding.

I think that because I was determined to do it - it worked....see how you feel and what is right for you. Just think though when you get home you get that special cuddle time while you feed....nothing like it and during weekends and hols you don't need to make up or heat up bottles...always a bonus for me!!!

Good luck in whatever you decide xxxxxxxxxx

Thanks for all your encouragement and responses. I am sure my school will be supportive and provide a place to breastfeed, but I can not see myself having the time to sit down and express.
I didn't breastfeed DC1 for long as I had a hard time of it, but with DC2 it has been a breeze and I'm really enjoying the ease and intimacy of it, so ideally I think I will combine FF with BF and see how it goes. I stillhave a month before I go back....

HKZ - I am phasing down to go back to work too and did same with DD. Dropping a feed a week is the way to go. I bf both mine on no schedule whatsoever so couldn't work out how to 'replace a feed with a bottle' at first as they were always at different times IYSWIM. So I just started one in middle of day and went from there and they naturally spaced themselves out. With DD I stopped altogether when I went back but with DS I am on first thing in am feed and any night feeds and an evening feed and am keeping that going for now as its so nice. We'll see how my supply holds up but so far its a nice balance.

Sydney, I think thats why I am confused, because I haven't really established a clear BF routine so am not sure where to start..middle of the day sounds a good place to start!