Anyone tried the gradually-diluting-formula method?

[franch]

Does it work?

DD2 (5 months) is breastfed but I was thinking of introducing the odd bottle of formula when I start weaning her anyway. (She takes bottles of EBM no problem.) She's currently feeding every 2 hours between about 11/12 and 6/7 - I'm sure she still needs some nighttime feeding, but was thinking of trying to eliminate any feeds less than 4 hours apart (her previous pattern).

I need to do something as I'm currently a complete zombie and no use at all to her or to DD1 (2y) during the day

My situation was very similar to yours - i had ds2 (5 months) waking twice a night for a feed and ds1 (3 years) waking sometimes 3 or 4 times ostensibly for his potty but probably more for attention. I know how the zombie state feels!

So I tried the gradually diluting formula method, starting with 5 scoops in 6oz for 3 nights, then 4.5 oz in 6 for 3 nights etc until I got down to 3oz. Amazingly the second feed seemed to get later and sometimes he dropped it (he didn't particulary like the diluted feed although he would settle with it). His feeding increased during the day and i was then confident he was getting enough to be able to drop the night feed, so i decided enough was enough and he should stop - the fact that I'm going back to work in a couple of weeks helped me make my decision.

The first night (2 nights ago) I woke him at 10pm for a feed (this was extra - don't usually do this) and checked he was OK when he woke at 1.30am before letting him settle himself. He cried for around an hour before going back to sleep (I led on the bed in his room to check he was OK without him knowing I was there). Last night he woke up a couple of times then settled himself without crying.

I'm hoping this will continue - will let you know how tonight goes.

I know many people don't like leaving them to cry but ds1 only dropped night feeds at 15 months after I let him cry and I was determined that I wouldn't go through it again - sleepless nights seem to negatively effect every area of your life. Perhaps if you try giving diluted formula it will work for you without any crying - here's hoping

Thanks so much EHmum. Please please do let me know how you get on. I tried diluted formula with DD2 last night but didn't have much luck - she fussed over the bottle, took about 2oz and didn't settle - after a couple of hours I just breastfed her. I'm going back to the 'easy' method (just taking her into our bed and bf-ing her) for the next few nights to let me recover, and will then try again.

Like you, I'm determined not to go through what I went through with DD1 - I resisted controlled crying till I was almost dead when DD1 was about 11 months - it worked instantly and I really shouldve done something earlier.

Thanks for replying

Ds2 woke at 2am, cried a wimpy cry for a minute then settled himself, then cried a bit more forcefully at 4am so i went in to check his nappy etc then left him to it and he was asleep again within 2 minutes.

Amazingly ds1 didn't wake for his potty either - his bladder has miraculously enlarged overnight! I think we're all sleeping better now

Would also recommend Gina Ford routine so that you know dd2 is getting enough nourishment during the day. She also gives some tips on moving from boob to bottle (sounds like it will make it easier if you do this first - if that's what you want). If you are confident that she is putting on plenty of weight etc you won't feel so bad about getting tough. Also the mumsnet spiel on sleep seems pretty good (I got there from the home page yesterday).

If you're anything like me you can be a danger to your kids with sleep deprivation - have you ever driven the car without strapping them in etc - I once even didn't close the car door properly because of my zombified state and being distracted by ds1 - I'm just lucky the car beeped at me before I went round a bend.

I think you've been brilliant to stick through it so long especially with 2 teeny ones to look after all day. Good luck and let me know how you get on - I really hope you can crack it you sound like such a good mum

EHmum, thanks for the kind words So glad you're getting somewhere. I decided to just go with the flow last night and was very lucky - DD2 just woke at 11.15 and about 4.30 - bf'd her both times, we all slept well and DD2 only spent 4.30 onwards in our bed.

I don't expect this will last tho so once I'm human again I'll start thinking about solutions and am v grateful for your advice and experience

franch if you're still out there I just wondered how you are getting on. my ds2 still doesn't have night feeds - although sometimes he will cry and i check on him but he settles within seconds. would definitely recommend the gradually-diluting-formula method

Fantastic news EHM - thanks for the update. I'm having trouble getting DD2 to take formula at all but have had some advice in the feeding topic and am going to try aptimil. Not giving up breast yet but do need to give occasional bottle.

Nights go through phases but currently awful - it's mainly a question of me finding a 'good' time to do this as I know it requires even LESS sleep in the short term - difficult to contemplate while DD1 is more demanding than ever (seems to be dropping her afternoon nap ) AND we're moving house! As well as weaning, potty training and the rest ...

Anyway thanks for the support

You don't do things by halves - moving house on top of the rest sounds very stressful - good luck with everything!

thanks :)