My baby is 4 months old now and had been mostly breast fed. She was drinking 1 bottle of formula since she was 3 weeks old and is now up to 3 bottles. I was hoping to completely wean by the end of the month.
The problem is, she seems to hate her formula lately. Since the 1st of the month, she fights with anyone who feeds her the formula. She has a good day, then the next it takes 1/2 hour to get the 7 ounces in (the she wakes up in the middle of the night, starving). I got a call from daycare today, saying she's only eaten 2 ounces so far and she should have already had 2 full bottles.
I've already tried switching from Similac to Enfamil and that didn't work.
Does anyone know of any tricks? Will she get over this? It breaks my heart, but I just can't keep pumping at work forever...
I would try Carnation Good Start. It is supposed to be the closest thing to breast milk and when I weaned my kids they both did fine with it. Good Luck! -A.
It could be the bottles. You may want to consider switching the bottle brand. There is a bottle that is shaped exactly like a nipple. It is even round and soft all over. This may be something you could consider if it ends up being the bottle and not the formula. But formula and breastmilk taste completely different and even has a bit of a different texture, so give her some time and be patient with her she will eat if she is hungry and she may be holding out hoping that she will get breastmilk if she waits long enough. If it doesn't get better in a couple days call your ped. and see if they can offer some help.
Hey Sounds like your having a rough time. Well try switching bottles and ask the doctor about a different brand of formula or same brand just different type. My daughter was a bit of a pain when i tried her on it too. (( but i didnt stop breastfeeding just when others would watch her for me and her dad for ALONE time then she would have to take it or when we were out i had it for her)) She should get use to it but you should ask the doctor about this maybe they can tell you to try something else. I know how hard breastfeeding was i wish you luck and hope it all works out!
Try mixing 2 or 3 ounces of your breast milk with the formula. Your baby probably just prefers the taste of your milk. Formula is an ok substitute, but your baby is smart enough to know it's not the real thing.
Hi P. I had the same problem. I actually had to switch to Good Start. Now my son takes it like a champ. It may also depend on if it is liquid formula or powder. Most babies dont like powder formula. Enfamil is the most gross formula out there. I know I actually tried it. I felt I had to to see why he wouldnt take it. I sure found out. Good Start may be your best bet it tastes almost like brerastmilk. It has a little sweet taste to it. Plus if she isnt eating you have to do what you gotta do to get her to eat. Plus are you heating it up for her? At her age she wants everything warm.She is used to your warm body. Thats the best that I can offer you so if it helps it was my pleasure to help.
Hi P.,
Have you consider switching to Cow's milk and supplementary her vitamin intake by with vitasol solutions(it comes in drops). Don't force it she may just doesn't like it. It is okay. I know everyone says don't give cow's milk until the child is one year old. But my son could not take any type of formula he would throw it up perfusely. So being a first time mom I panic and called my mom. She said this to me. Look, dear I raise five children without formula and fed you cow's milk and all of you are grown healthy and happy. Give that boy milk. I did check with my doctor and he said that if he takes it just supplement it with vitamin drops. My son drank the milk (plus it was alot cheapter,too) and he is now 17 years old and has no ill effect. Are you also feeding her baby food. She is probably ready and wants a variety. Good Luck. I hope that helps.
Would you like to eat the same thing everyday? Breast milk chages everyday and with your baby's needs. Formula is like eating rice everyday for an adult. I agree that if you need to switch to formula, put some breast milk in it, but I would really consisder continuing to breastfeed, and suplmenting with rice cereal or wheat. You kidis smart, and knows what she wants, the real deal!
I had to stop breast feeding early due to Lupus and meds, relactated 2 times after 100% milk supply loss successfully, and ended up haveing another relapse w/ Lupus and decided it wasn't fair to my son to keep switching back and forth; at that time I ended up doing 1/2 bottle formula w/ 1/2 breast milk - then slowly weaned onto formula as my frozen supply dwindled down! For example, if she drinks 4oz, the first week do 3oz breast milk w/ 1oz formula, then for the next 1-2 weeks do 1/2 of each then do 3 oz formula w/ 1oz breast milk for about 2 weeks, then all together go to formula. This was an easy transition for us. Also - I agree w/ the other moms on the bottle nipple, have you tried Avent? It seems to be well accepted as the nipple of that bottle is elongated similar to the breast nipple. And we use Good Start - honestly after mixing all of the brands - it even LOOKS more like breast milk. I've tasted them all too - and this one has a sweeter taste as well, similar to that of breastmilk. I try everything my son tries!
Good Luck!
P., my daughter did the same thing. She never went back to formula. I ended up breast feeding until she was old enough for cows milk. She was about 13 mths old. Also you might try a different formula. Hope that everything works out for you and your baby. :)
