Switching from BF to Formula at 6months

[CupcakesAndCastles]

Hi all,

I’m planning to switch from EBF to formula at 6months.

I’m due to go back to work PT at 7months and despite trying have never been able to successfully express (couldn’t get much milk out/baby refused bottle). This means I will have to switch to formula.

As DS does not like a bottle I’m thinking of weaning him using a cup.

Can anyone help with some advice/tips to help a FTM with the switching process?

Thank you :)

The current advice is to drop one feed every 2 weeks, this is to get baby used to the new amounts they’ll need to drink and reduces your risk of Mastitis.

Have you got a DH or DP that could try a cup of formula? Don’t worry if baby doesn’t drink much. BF babies drink roughly 1floz of BM per hour, so if your baby feeds every 2 hours, they’ll only be used to drinking 2floz in one feed.

Try to get DH/DP to do the same feed every day. Some people find it easier to get them to do the first feed around 7am while you have a shower. Once LO is used to that, try swapping another feed.

If you want to talk it through with someone who’s trained, give one of the Bfing Helplines a call. They can help with returning to work and stopping BFing.

Going back to work P/T and bottle refusal doesn’t automatically mean you have to stop BFing altogether. Of course it’s absolutely fine if you want to but some Mums find they prefer to feed first thing, on pick up and before bed as a way if reconnecting with their baby.