I was wondering if there is an easy way to go from breastfeeding to bottle feeding?

Question

my baby is a month old and seems to be not getting enough with just breast milk and i am concerned for her health she woke up and i noticed her soft spot was in a lil that is a sign of dehydration any help would be good

Answer 1

You didn't say but I'm assuming that you're home 24/7 with your baby? If breastfeeding is something you want to keep doing, then there are alot of things you should consider. You can also still breastfeed and supplement with formula. Many options.  Also, like the other girl mentioned, you need to talk to your pediatrician ASAP first and let them determine if she's getting enough. (Rule of thumb : she should have a messy diaper for every time you feed her and she should be wetting too- about 10 diapers a day total.)

But call your Pediatrician- it could be your milk supply itself (there are very, very few women who 'just don't make enough' but they are generally women who have a pre-existing medical condition) or she could be getting sick.

But there are many things to consider about why she might not be getting enough. There are different things that can affect the quality and quantity of your milk supply.

Do you feed your baby on a schedule or do you feed her when she's hungry? If you aren't feeding her often enough, or for a good amount of time at each feeding, then your body just may not be producing enough. The more she sucks, the more your body will make.

Are you still taking prenatal vitamins? They're just as, if not more important now.

Are you keeping yourself hydrated with plain old water (half your weight in ounces) and eating enough yourself? You still need about 500 extra calories a day - breastfeeding itself will help you lose weight without even trying, so now is not a time for dieting, if that's the case.

Also, since she's only a month old, I guess you haven't been back to your doc. for a 6 week postpartum visit?  Birth control can greatly affect your milk too. They have some on the market that are supposed to not affect the milk supply, but they still do.  

Breastfeeding is much like being pregnant. You have to watch what you do and don't put into your body. And though it's almost impossible, you have to take care of yourself before your body can take care of your baby.

Answer 2

well i never had any trouble breast & bottle feeding, but my son got his first bottle in the hospital cuz his blood sugar was low... i kept him on both until he weaned himself at 5 months. i suppose it will really depend on your child if she will accept it easily

Answer 3

First off, if you want to continue breastfeeding talk to the pedi about it and find out if your daughter is truly not getting enough. If you're convinced that you need to switch, it will be much easier on the both of you, if you're able to have someone else feed her. She's going to smell you and be accustomed to nursing you in the feeding position so she's less likely to balk if she doesn't have the option. Don't cut out the before bedtime feedings 'til you absolutely have to because that's always one of the most emotional feedings.

Answer 4

The easiest way to transition is to express milk from the breast into the bottle so when the baby tastes it at first she won't mind once she realizes it is the same. Next time try the formula you plan to use. You can always offer her some water or diluted juice in between to suppliment her fluid intake.

Answer 5

I picked up the "What to Expect in the First Year" book yesterday and it has an awesome section about going from breast to bottle.  I would make an investment if you haven't already done so.