Surgery Soon - Need to Transition 9Mo Old to Bottle?

First of all, if it's going to complicate your life too much and is too stressful, it might be time to switch your daughter to formula, if you think it's the right decision for your family. It sounds like it's something you would like to do. Just so you know, it's ok!

I would give her the milk in her cups first and see how she reacts. If she is really upset by it then I would try the bottle. I would start this process ASAP even if it's just for one feed per day so that she's not having milk from a cup/bottle for the first time when you are not available.

There is no reason for you to introduce formula. The pain meds you will recieve after surgery should be compatible with breastfeeding. Make sure you let the surgeon know you are a nursing mom and they will write for meds that are safe. You can also find out how long the surgery will be and what the meds will be and contact a lactation consultant to see if they are safe, and if not, what the alternatives are.

The best time to add in a pumping to increase your supply if you want to is in the am. Our body responds the best to stimulation in the early am. The main thing will be after the surgery to pump to maintain your supply. Feel free to message me if you want more info.

I think you did a great job nursing her as long as you have. I unfortunately was only able to nurse for 7 months before my milk dried up to my dismay. You've done very well and the benefits your baby has gotten from you breastfeeding will pay off. So I wouldn't worry about switching to formula if it makes your life during the surgery and recovery easier on you. though formula isn't breast milk it still will give your baby what she needs. If you want to still be able to cuddle her and try to sooth her with a bottle with her formula try a bottle type that is similar to breast feeding. I used the NUK bottles. My baby took to them right away. Good luck with it.

I agree with Randie. Just because you're having surgery doesn't mean you have to stop breastfeeding. I'd contact your local Le Leche League, they can usually tell you which meds you can and can't have while breastfeeding. Also, you might be able to nurse your daughter right before the surgery and then again soon after. Then you wouldn't even have to worry about bottles/cup...... If after you explore all the options with continuing breastfeeding and you decide that formula is the better option, I would go to the cup. Don't introduce a bottle if you don't have to. Best wishes.

I would give her the formula so you can have some rest and a little peace of mind for yourself. Moms are always sacrificing so much for our children, that's what makes us good moms. But I have learned (in hindsight) to take time for myself and this is a good opportunity for you to get a little relief.

During the day we had our son to drink from a cup, then at night we gave him a bottle or nursed just because it relaxed him prior to sleeping. You may want to try that route so she is introduced to something new but still has something familiar that soothes her.

I say this because she's 9 months old...almost a year. And at one year, she can start drinking regular milk from a cup if you choose. Plus, if you can get her off of the bottle now and accustomed to drinking in a cup you will have such an easy transition after she turns one.

You should not need to wean due to surgery, and being so close to a year, why go to bottles and formula? Speak with a la leche league leader and/or a professional lactation consultant for advice and info on continuing to breastfeed when having surgery. You may be able to pump plenty of milk beforehand, and if so, I would feed her with the cup that she is used to rather than introducing a bottle at this late stage. Wishing you good luck and good health

Formula whatever way she will take it. Pain won't be bad after 24 hours.
Usually you get sent home the same day. So you may be able to resume
nursing after 48 hours.

I agree with Anna and Randie! You dont have to stop nursing. Talk to the surgeon, your OB and the pediatrician. There is a book Medications and Mothers Milk http://www.amazon.com/Medications-Mothers-Milk-Lactationa... that one of the Dr's should have access to and use/prescribe breastfeeding safe meds. Also, even if there is the slight risk of the meds crossing the milk you need to weigh the benefits of your milk compared to the risks of all the recalls and chemicals in formula. If you do go with formula, I would serve it in a cup. I wouldnt let her get used to formula in bottle. Your supply may drop a bit after surgery and the fast flow of sucking through a bottle can cause a nursing strike. Keep the sucking and nipple action on you! Good luck!!!