Breastfed baby pooping question

Question

So my 4 month old son has had only breastmilk (except once) until two nights ago. We have been giving him 6 oz of pumped milk in a bottle before bed every night. The pediatrician recommended we may try 8 oz, but that is just too much for me to pump during the day while he's continuously nursing every 2.5 hours. So we thought we'd give him 2 oz extra of formula. We used Similac Advance (free sample). My son normally has one poopy diaper every 2-3 days and never goes in his sleep. This morning his diaper was so full, there was no white visible! I had to give him a bath, throw out his jammies, and wash his sheets, swaddle blanket, changing table cover, and mattress protector. Is there any chance his tummy will adjust to having a bit of formula? Should we try switching brands? Has this happened to any of you?

I should note, one other time my husband gave him formula when he was like 6 weeks old and he had an explosion (though not as bad) the next day. This never happened otherwise.

Answer 1

Switching between formula and breast milk can be quite hard a baby's belly - it changes the flora in the stomach and intestines.  I suggest you let him nurse off of you - if you have a good enough supply to pump a 6 oz bottle then he most definitely will be able to remove that much milk from your b*****s himself.  Babies are way more efficient than any pump.  Nursing at bedtime and night time are very calming for baby, why would you want to take that away from him and offer a bottle?  Save the bottle for when you can't be with him.

Answer 2

He could be showing an intolerance for milk (i am assuming that it is a milk based formula).  You could try a soy based formula and see how that goes.  Why does your dr. want you to supplement?

Answer 3

Ahh I like to call those "Brown-Outs." If he is not acting as though he is uncomfortable, like having a tummy ache or something I would not worry about it. Babies on formula are supposed to p**p every single day, especially when they are under 6 months. It may be a mix of him not being used to formula, and the formula just making him p**p. If you are realyl concerned call his doctor just to be sure. If it keeps up I would definitely call, especially if its diarrhea.

Sorry about the bad p**p experience, unfortunately it probably won't be the last.

Good luck!!

Answer 4

Your baby is adjusting to formula, diarreah is normal when introducing it. I think starting slowly, and waiting a week is best. If he doesn't adjust, then ask your doctor what formula you can buy that is most like mother's milk and gentle on the tummy.  

Answer 5

I have no formula experience so can't help a lot there other than to say it sounds like his tummy doesn't like it. Have you considered doing a little rice cereal mixed with breastmilk before bed instead(fed by spoon)? For some babies it helps and for some it doesn't. You also might try nursing him every hour or more before bed so he gets lots of hind milk which is heavier, then giving him a few ounces of pumped milk if you can get it down him.

I feel you on the waking to eat every 2hrs, my son is the same way at 5 months. We have tried it all to get him to sleep better. We have our odd night or two where he sleeps great but most of the time he is up every 1-2hrs all night. The nights I can get him to eat every 30-60min before bed he does usually make it 4-6 hours. You can even try waking him 30min after he goes to bed to get him to eat one more time. My son has started this the last few nights and he slept 6.5hrs last night for the first time.

Answer 6

That sounds like he's having a reaction to the formula, if this only happens when he has formula.  

Your best bet would be to nurse him at night before bed just like you do all day.  Why are you giving it to him in a bottle?  

If you have to give him a bottle for whatever reason - During the day, try to pump on one side while he's feeding on the other so you're sure to get a good let down and get the 2 more oz you need for the night.  

If you have no other option except for formula, see your doctor about your son's reaction.