Help needed from mums who've BF then FF

[Pinkvc]

LO is 15 weeks, and has been EBF until just over a week ago when we introduced a bottle of Hipp Organic of an evening. Plan was to gradually increase amount of formula so I don't need to express when I go back to work.

I secretly hoped it would also help her sleep! LO only woke once at 4am from birth to 12/13 weeks, then things went pear shaped! We've introduced a bedtime routine, which the bottle is part of but her sleep seems to be gettin worse!

So my q's are:

Is this just a phase - early 4 month sleep regression? All my friends keep asking "is she STTN now you've introduced formula?" - NO she bloody isn't thanks!!!!

Should I try different formulas? She's not windy or constipated, but won't take more than 5oz and will want to BF about an hour after the bottle,

Stupid question - is it normal her poo has charged consistency? Thicker/lumpier - sorry TMI!

Thanks in advance!

 

[renee1306]

Hi! We had a 4 month sleep regression... thats when I introduced 2 tbsp of rice cereal mixed with 2 tbsp breast milk at our suppertime. I asked our doctor and health nurse before I did it, and they both said it was ok to introduce a tiny amount of cereal mixed with formula or breast milk. There is a lot of arguments about starting cereal early, so talk to your doctor or paediatrician. I'm not going to get into it just ask your doctor.

As for formula - we just switched our little guy to formula at 6 months because he had a nasty biting problem that ended both him and I in tears at the end of each feeding.. not good!

It is normal for the poo to change and become thicker/lumpier. The breastfeeding after the bottle might be a comfort thing.. the smell, the sucking, its you she wants. My little guy only takes 6 oz bottles right now.

The best thing I can say about sttn is to remain consistent.. keep the consistent bed time routine and eventually she will catch on.

 

[mommy0629]

Could be a sleep regression or could just be a growth spurt. It's truly a myth that just because a baby is on formula they STTN,

If she's not having any digestive issues, then don't switch the formula, stick with what works. 5 ounces at a time is right on for her age. as the pp said, she's just wanting to nurse afterwards for the comfort of it. Not sure what to tell you there because my lo was younger when I switched so she didn't have an attachment to the bfing yet, hopefully someone can give you advice on that.

It's normal that her poop changed.

 

[Pinkvc]

Thanks for the replies.

We tried LO on SMA last night and she seemed to enjoy it - took 5oz but again an hour later wanted to BF (and she is drinking not just comfort sucking).

Sleep seems to be getting worse! She falls asleep on our arms and once on Moses basket, she sleeps for 5-10 mins before waking! She did go 11pm til 1.30pm last night but the rest of the night was in and out of the basket. It's got to the point where I'm so tired that when I pick LO up to comfort her, I'm falling asleep with her in my arms, so last night she spent more time sleeping on me than in her basket! Help!!!!

 

[gem84]

I could have written this my lively sleeper turned a nightmare at the same age, i read that if they fallasleep on there own they last longer so i ave up on the moses basket got my swing out swaddled her, fed her, white noise on and in the swing rocking in the dark and there she stayed next to my bed swinging, fell fast aleep after an hour i turned the swing off and she slept for 6 hours woe to feed and another 5 hours went by, its now night 3 and we have ad some good nights, i read that if you keep doing this but gradually turn down the swing until you can just put them down in it and they fall asleep they are then ready to transition to the cot.

Now obviously safety comes into it, my daughter cant roll and i strap her in so she is safe as can be but maybe if you have a swing it is worth a go. Goodluck

 

[Pinkvc]

Ooh I don't have a swing - LO has everything else! Baby bean bag, bouncer, jumperoo, playmat etc.

Wonder if it's worth getting a swing? Which one have you got?

 

[mommy0629]

Ooh I don't have a swing - LO has everything else! Baby bean bag, bouncer, jumperoo, playmat etc.

Wonder if it's worth getting a swing? Which one have you got?

My lo sleeps in a swing too, STTN actually (9:30 or 10:00 to about 8:30) I also have her swaddled in the swing and use white noise.