What Comes After Breastmilk?

You do NOT want to start cows milk at 6 months. This is way too early. When you go to the doctor s/he should have samples of formula. You may want to ask for a sample. That way you can see if he does ok with the formula. I know people who have been successful with all of the different formulas out there. My doctor says that they are all ok to use.

On a side note, my son did not latch on either and I could not pump all of the time. More power to you!! You are a strong woman.

OMG, A. we sound like twins. I am at exactly the same point. Really wanted to breastfeed but with a c-section it made it very difficult and he wouldn't latch either. I as well intend to keep pumping til 6mths but as of late I haven't been able to keep my supply and you're right, its so hard!! So, I started with Similac formula and he does about half that and then the other bottles are breast milk. He's gaining weight and doing very well so I think the transition will just keep going this way til he's on full time formula. I asked the doc yesterday if I should be using Soy based or cows milk and he recommened cows milk unless he has allergies which he doesn't. Between now and 6 mths you can start introducing rice cereal and eventually moving on to solids. But for the first 6 mths the milk is all they need. Good luck!

I breast feed my daughter until 6 months and then we just gave her formula. We used Gentlease by Enfmil and they also have a generic version at Target that is a lot cheaper. She did very well on this type after breastfeeding.

I stopped pumping after one month, so I really admire you going this long. Yes, we just went to formula.

Maybe you can gradually give him more formula as you wean him from breastmilk. You don't just stop when you want to stop. Depending on your lactation amount, it takes time for you to decrease your breastmilk. Maybe you can do both. Offer him formula at every other feeding and nurse the rest of the time until your supply gradually stop. You are already an amazing mom, putting so much hard work at nursing given the problems that you have.

You cannot offer cows milk until they are one. I am guessing you may have been given several formula samples at the hospital. If you saved they try them first. Formula is expensive you you might want to check out the prices if that is a problem. I would start with one bottle a day to see how he does (constipation is often a problem) and if he likes it. He may refuse it at first but sometimes they actually like it better. You won't know until you try.

Don't feel guilty that you couldn't nurse him. Don't feel guilty if you don't make the six month mark. I have four children and nursed all but this last one. I was unable to produce milk for her and it was hard. I felt so guilty. Don't beat yourself up like I did. You are still a great mom and you have done awesome for pumping this long. That would be so hard!!

SAHM to four awesome kids, 18 months to 9 years old.

Yes...there is a great alternative to breastmilk. It is a combination of raw goats milk, carrot juice and breastmilk (if possible) or pure water. The formula is 1/3 of ea. This is the most nutrient rich alternative next to your breastmilk. Esp. if you are trying to avoid formula. I also have a 4 month old and plan to switch to this substitute when I am done. It may be difficult to find raw goat's milk, it is best...you can use pastaurized it's just not as good. Goat's milk is the easiest to digest milk other than breastmilk. And best is to juice the carrots as you need them; however in this day & age of "busy and crazy schedules" I have had patients of mine use pre-juiced store bought carrot juice as well.
Good luck and HUGE KUDOOS for hanging in there as long as you have! You have really given your son a great start to a lifetime of great health!!

Dr. C.

Dr.'s recommend that you breastfeed him or provide formula until 1 years of age, because their bodies can't handle the cows milk properly. I actually started introducing small "samples" of 2% cow's milk by giving her bites of my cereal and then in her own small bowl of baby cereal around 9 months, and after noting no problems, allergies, etc., I switched from breastmilk to cow's milk at around 10.5 months. She WOULD NOT take formula and I just couldn't physically/emotionally breastfeed anymore. She did fine. I did notice some constipation in the beginning, but with plenty of water and oranges and juice and Pediasure w/fiber, she is a happy camper. I personally wouldn't try it before 11 months again, just do to the risks involved. Good luck.

Go with formula. It's fine and healthy for your baby. Cow's milk (whole Milk) shouldn't be given until your baby is at least a year old. Maybe a little sooner depending on your babies needs. Breast milk is best but not every mom can do that and babies are just fine with formula. You'll have to find one that works best for your baby and his digestive system. Start with just the basic Enfamil Lipil. Giving your baby formula does not make you a bad mom or endanger your baby's health. good luck.

Pediatricians say that you should not feed a baby cow's milk before 1 year (9 months might be ok, but with pediatrician supervision only). Babies can't process cow's milk that early on. You should talk to your Dr. about any possible alternatives to formula, but generally speaking babies have to have breastmilk or formula for the first year of life.

The fact that you have been pumping for four months is a wonderful accomplishment. That is awesome and very painful. I'm sure your son is benefiting greatly. About switching, your son would go to formula. They aren't supposed to have cow's milk until 1 year of age. I breastfed my son exclusively for five months before switching to formula. He had allergies that we couldn't figure out. I did the elimination diet with everything and he still had blood in his stool so we finally switched to Neocate formula which is for severe allergies. He has been free of blood ever since. I was very emotional that I had to stop breastfeeding but my doctors reassured me that my son would be fine and that the mothers antibodies, etc start to decrease after four months. If you still want him to have breast milk you could maybe have some of his feedings be formula and some breastmilk. That would give you a break but also give your son some antibodies as well.

Have you tried Lanisoh or whatever it's called? I used to hurt so bad I'd cry when I pumped, but I found that stuff (it's in a purple box/tube) and put that on under breast pads (i didn't care what they looked like on the outside). I also used a warm, moist heat before pumping. Once I started that, the let down was MUCH better. Aside from all that, when I decided I didn't want to pump any more, I looked ahead on the calendar, like you have. I started slowly mixing formula in. I believe we were told it was okay to mix the formula with the breast milk. Whatever is comfortable to you and son, though, is what you should do. We transitioned slowly, eventually replacing the breast milk with formula.

They strongly caution against giving milk until a child is 1 year old. That's about all I remember. I think we started transitioning the milk in slowly just like from breast milk to formula around 11 months, so I wouldn't turn to milk, yet.

Congratulations on making it to 4 months! Don't EVER get down on yourself for what you have sacrificed and given to your son! And don't feel guilty when you stop. Your son will NOT remember or be harmed in ANY way because he has YOUR complete and undying love!

Well, I am no expert, but they say delaying cow's milk till they are one is best. Talk to your pediatrician about what formula would be right for you, they might even give you samples.
BUT all that aside, I just wanted to congratulate you for the hard work that you've endured with Breastfeeding. You could have easily through in the towel and called it quits a long time ago. But you have stuck it out. GOOD FOR YOU. Sorry about the laching issue, not fun. Just wanted to encourage you to keep it up it's only for a season and you've already come so very far. Go with your heart.

I am one of those mother's who had a horrible time breast feeding -- I am genetically inferior, so was my mother. But I did what I could. My children were only breast fed for four months. I am a high school science teacher and when I went back to work I could not keep it going. Both my children are never sick and never go to the doctor, so they turned out fine.

I would switch to formula and try some rice cereal (mix formula with it). No cow milk until a year. I had big babies, so they were hungry and needed something more by four months. See if you can find the small plunger bottles with holes on the bottom (this was 12 years ago). The nipple has a bigger hole for the rice cereal to come out. That will get you to 6 months when you can give jar food. Start with vegetables and NOT fruit.

Don't let the "breastfed fanatics" make you feel guilty. You did it longer than a lot of people who don't even try. My cousin has inverted nipples and never did one day. My doctor told me to do at least two months. I was so proud that I got to four months. Pumping did not work for me. I remember I pumped the most ever, 6 ounces, but then knocked it over by accident. Let's just say I sat and cried.

You would want to feed your baby formula once you stop breast feeding. I would talk to your doctor about which one works best. There are a lot of formulas out there. You DON'T want to give your son cow's milk until he is at least 1 yr. old. And I would recommend Organic Whole Milk. That is what I gave my son. Good Luck!!

At 6 months you really should NOT go to cows milk. Children that young just cannot digest it properly. You will need to go to formula, get breastmilk from a milk bank (can be VERY expensive), or you can do your own research on raw goats milk. It is VERY close to breastmilk and not too hard for babies to digest.

Good luck.

Please keep up the good work. I know it is work, believe me. At least going to the 6 month mark is a good goal. 12 months is ideal. I made it to 9 months somehow with my second and only 4 with my first. If i had to do it over i would have stuck it out to 12. But yes, after you stop if it is before 12 months you do need formula until they are 12 mo. Please get organic formula because the chemicals and antibiotic and hormones are in the regular stuff which is proven to be unhealthy ( they did not have organic formula when I weened my first son) Good luck.

First of all, you are absolutely amazing A.! Never for a second doubt yourself, as what you have done with the breast pump is way above and beyond what most women can handle. I hope you take care of yourself as well too. Get a pedicure and a massage as soon as possible and give thanks to yourself! Cow's milk is not introduced until 12 months. Check with local lactation consultants for the formula they would switch to, and ideas for weaning yourself. It is very important to wean properly to avoid infection, and after what you've been through, well that would be very unfair. Good luck and congrats on making it this far!

A., first of all I suggest you contact your pediatrician to see what he/she says. However I know tht Dr.s want to have babies get the nutrician from breast milk OR Formula for the 1st year. Most do not suggest giving whole milk till 12 mo. and then I, as a LVN and Lactation Consultant always suggest moms mix half and half (either br milk or formula) in a tippie cup to get them used to the taste of the whole milk and let their bodies adjust.
To address your sore nipples, if you are getting blisters you may have the wrong size breast shields or the pump on the wrong setting. Stronger does not necessarily mean better. Sometimes at a lower setting you can get a more effective pump and rhythm for your milk to come out. So play with your pump a bit and see if it makes a difference. Also Medela has softfit breast shields tht seem to massage rather that "pull" moms tell me. If you want to discuss it further you can look up my website and get my 800 number or email me back.. Good Luck. C. Harding LVN CLC BestFedBreastfeedingCenter.com or my email ____@____.com.

a) good luck with pumping, i tried three different ones and had a favorite (Medela Pump in Style Advanced). Perhaps your breast shield is too small (they come in sizes, which I didn't realize until very late in the game!) and your nipples rub up the sides as the pump sucks the milk out?
b) if you need to supplement with formula, you can gradually incorporate it by mixing it in with your breastmilk.
c) if you need more supply, you can pump at the same times every day, gradually increase the amount of minutes you pump for (one minute extra per day is about right), use a hot pack to help your milk "let down" or look at a photo of your kid, and once the pump stops getting milk out, massage your breasts and use sweeping motions all around the nipple, always toward the nipple, to get more milk released from your milk ducts, and then pump one more time to get that milk out of your breast (may take a few minutes to start the milk flowing once you turn the pump back on). Your breast will make more milk for every session at which your milk ducts are emptied completely (your pump may not empty you completely, sometimes hand massage is necessary).
Cow's milk is NOT recommended for babies under 1 year, so formula is what you will switch to, if you switch. You may still want to pump once or twice a day just to keep giving your son your immunities as you continue to be exposed to viruses, etc., just to keep his immunities up. Cold season doesn't end for a while, yet...
If you feel like you want him to nurse from you instead of the bottle, a "supplementer" bag with feeding tube can be worn around your neck and filled with your breast milk, which is delivered to your son through a tiny (tiny!) tube that you hold next to your nipple, so your son gets used to "drinking" from your nipple. My mom did that for my adopted sister, so she could "Nurse" formula from my mom's breast, to simulate real nursing for her.
I hope I haven't overwhelmed you with information.
Good luck,
T.

No way on the cows milk!!! If you must stop, then your baby will need formula until at least one years old.

Now, congratulations on choosing to breastfeed your baby. I'm so sorry for the trouble you have had. Pumping DOES take a lot out of you and I don't blame you for being tired and frustrated. You don't say what past LC's have said, as to why he isn't latching. Could he be tongue tied? Have you seen more than one LC? One should be able to tell you the "problem" by just watching you. Have you tried an LLL support group in your area? Breastfeeding although uncomfortable at first, is not supposed to hurt when done right.

Whatever the outcome here, congrats for at least making it this far, try if you can to get some better help to make it further (if that is what YOU want) and most of all, enjoy your new baby!
M.

First of all, I applaud you for your efforts to make it to the 6 month mark. I know it is difficult. When you decide to stop pumping, introduce formula. Hold off on cows milk until one year of age. The main formulas are enfamil, similac, or nestle good start. The choice is really up to you. The only other bit of advice I have for you is that if you are getting some blisters on your nipples from pumping, you may need a larger pumping shield. Your nipples should not rub against it while pumping. If they are, that may be giving you the blisters. I don't know what pump you have, but if it is the medela pump in style, they have different sizes (standard, 27mm, 30mm, 36mm)

you should read the book super baby foods. it's awesome! i can't remember the author, but it has a purple cover. the book helps you schedule feedings after nursing and gives suggestions and recipes. it was one of my greatest investments as a first time mom. now i'm on # 3 and i'm definitely going to pick it up again. good luck!

First, I have to say that you would have to be insane to feed any raw milk to an infant. Do a search on raw milk and you will see why. The risk of infection is simply too high. Formula is not the best choice for a baby, but I would rather feed my baby that than raw milk.

Secondly, have you tried to get your child to latch on again? It might be worth a try, and it would be much easier for you if you could get it to work- consult a lactation specialist if you're interested.

Last, never ever ever feed an infant under one cow's milk- it wreaks havoc on their stomach. You will have to switch to formula until he is one. Fortunately you have a lot of options. I would highly recommend using generic- it is usually made in the same factory as the name brand stuff, and has to meet the same guidelines, and it is much cheaper. Plus many of the specialty formulas are available generic (soy, lactose free, comfort protein, etc). You may have a hard time at first getting him to drink it, but if you do try changing the formula until he is okay with it, and watch for any reactions. Some babies will have skin or other small reactions that you may not relate to the formula, but often switching to soy will clear them up.

Good luck, and remember that only you can make the right decision for you and your family.

that's a good question for your pediatrician or nutrition consultant. I would encourage you to breastfeed as long as possible. Did you try La Leche league for some help? They were great for me.
good luck!

A.,
I had a lot of trouble breastfeeding as well. My daughter was a preemie. You will want to get your son to start drinking formula. It doesn't matter what brand but once you start a brand you should stick with the same one. Their little tummies get use to it. I started by mixing breastmilk and formula together. Then I gradually went to just formula. I used Enphamil. I hope this helps.
Mom of a 15 month old.

I had the same problem with my son not latching on and a very low milk supply, and I tried everything too, but I only lasted 6 weeks and then I gave up. I have to say, formula was easy to use and it did take a huge load off of my shoulders, but I felt so guilty for not being able to breastfeed like I had wanted to. I applaud you for lasting for 4 months!!!If you stop breastfeeding then you will have to do formula until your son is 12 months old, then you can switch to cow's milk. Good luck with everything!!

Formula is your only other option. Cows milk can cause intestinal bleeding, anemia, and sever allergies to different foods later in life.
I would recommend trying as long s you can to breastfeed. Maybe he would latch on now that he is older. Wait until he is hungry and try to get him to.
I have 5 kids. All have nursed to st least the 2 year mark.

My son breastfed for 24 months, and I had sore nipples and occasionally blisters throughout the forst 9 months. He was a power sucker... ha! I know how much it hurts. When you stop feeding him breastmilk he will switch to a formula - definitely not cows milk. Try a mild formula, too, since it will be a shock to his tiny system. Try a non-iron fortified formula so you don't constipate him. You may need to try several different formulas until you find one he tolerates well. Good luck!

A.,

bless your heart for continuting to get your son breastmilk. You're a wonderful mommy for going the extra mile. I am too a first time mom to a 3 month old girl. I plan on breastfeeding her until she is 6 months also. If you do wean at 6 months, your son will need formula - he will not be ready for cow's milk until he is 12 months. My pediatrician suggests to intruduce solids anywhere from 4 to 6 months (usually starting with rice cereal). Talk with your son's pediatrician, and he/she will tell you exactly what to do when.

I recently started my daughter on 1 formula bottle per day to get her used to it since I'm going back to work in a couple of weeks, and will need to supplement. I took the suggestion from many of my friends to try Nestle Good Start. Supposedly it produces the least gas and constipation. My daughter took to it fine. (every child is different though)

hope this helps!

L.

first of all, you are doing a great job!!! i know what it's like to pump (not exclusively, but i did it a lot when i worked). at 6 months baby will still need the nutrients that you find in formula. i do not recommend introducing cow's milk until after the 1 year mark- at least that's what i have done with my own kids. as far as formula goes, there are myriad options, from organic to cows milk based to ones with DHA/ARA (i think that they all have that now), powders, ready to use, etc. just figure out what works best for you and baby boy. again, great job you are amazing! M.

Hats off to you for your commitment! I would start introducing formula at about 5 months to get him used to the taste so when 6 months rolls around it will be a smooth transition. I think 6 months is to soon to start introducing regular milk. Your Dr can best advise on that. I nursed for 1 year with my daughter and supplemented with formula(didn't have enough milk plus there were definite benefits to using formula like longer hours of sleep at night)for the first year and then transitioned over. My kids are now 9 & 7 so it was a while ago. Good luck!

Hoorah for you for expressing and bottle feeding. I am doing the same thing as my son never latched on. I wanted you to know that we just made the six-month mark of giving him only breastmilk. We introduced rice cereal and fruits and veggies a week ago, and he still takes the same amount of bottles. He's just now starting to slow down on the amount of milk he needs. Until your son is a year old, you'll need to give him either breast milk or formula. Our doctor told us that in the next three months, he'll continue to drink about 24 ounces of milk a day.

Hang in there. I know it's frustrating and time consuming, but it has been so worth it for me when I see my son smiling as he has his bottle.