switching to formula at 6 weeks

[AriannasMama]

I am breastfeeding right now, but am going to be switching to formula at 6 weeks when I have to go back to work and school, I don't want to just switch her over to formula just like that, so when should I start introducing it to her? She has had only a small bit in the hospital when she was having trouble latching and it didn't seem to upset her tummy, but I just want to be safe.

 

[blahblahblah]

Are you able to express? The method that will be gentlest on her tummy is to start with a bottle that's mostly EBM with an ounce of formula in, then gradually increase the formula until you're fully switched. If you do that, it would just be a case of how long you're willing to pump for!

 

[pachamama]

That's what I'm in the process of doing at the moment. I guess you could decide how quickly you want to make the change and up the formula - breastmilk ratio as you decide. I reckon doing it gradually over a couple of weeks is probably best - but there's no science behind my thinking...

I've done 1oz of formula to 4oz's breastmilk for about 10 days and am now onto 2-3oz formula to 3-4oz's breastmilk, which I will stick to for another 10 days or so... I've noticed that my lo's bowel movements have not been adversely affected so far, so I'm hoping it's easing him in gently...


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