When did you stop BFing??

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-30-2003
When did you stop BFing??
9
Thu, 05-20-2004 - 9:49pm
I posted a couple weeks ago about Haylei having some problems with taking formula. Well after I thought about it I decided to go back to BFing and pumping. I just wanted to get some advice on what you think is a good time to stop BFing and switch to formula??

TIA,

Shelby

SAHM to Haylei

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 05-21-2004 - 12:19am
I stopped BF my son when he was 8 months but it was because he wasn't getting enough milk from me and needed to be put on formula. It took the damn military docs 8 months to realize that he was mal-nourished and actually ended up in the hospital for a week due to a severe bacterial infection because his immune system was so compromised. If I didn't have any problems I would of breastfed him til he was a year old....not a day later..but that is just me.

Kim

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2003
Fri, 05-21-2004 - 9:33am
I BF my son until he was two. At the very last he was only nursing to go to sleep at naps and at night. As long as the pumping is working for you I would go ahead with that. But if that is not working then slowly start adding formula to her breast milk. Until it is all formula. Consult your pediatrician about what kind of formula is most like mommy's milk. Also make sure you stick with the same kind of bottles and nipples so she doesn't become confused. If it were me I would try to continue pumping until she turns a year old as long as there isn't any problems. But that is just me,you have to make the decision that feels right for you. Everyone is different.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-16-2004
Fri, 05-21-2004 - 3:07pm
I started my son on formula at 6 mos. I had to go back to work and there wasnt really anyplce for me to pump there so i just started giving him the formula. If you are having luck with the pumping keep at it. You might even want to think about buying a better pump, instead of the formula. I imagine the pump would be cheaper in the long run...Formula is so expensive.

Sara
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-26-2003
Fri, 05-21-2004 - 6:10pm
I think it is a personal decision that should be based on you and your baby. I breastfed my first dd until she was about 7.5 months old. Actually, she weaned herself. She lost interest and wanted to look out instead of in. Unfortunatley, with my second dd I only was able to breastfeed her for 2 months because I had a retained placenta and my milk never came in good (she stopped gaining weight). I really struggled to breastfeed both times. My advice would be to do what feels right to you and not worry about what anyone else thinks and above all don't feel guilty when you decide not to breastfeed anymore.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-30-2003
Sat, 05-22-2004 - 1:07pm
I breastfed all three of mine until they were 2 yrs old. Formula is inferrior to breastmilk, and it's a proven fact. I have always felt that formula has it's place, but only as a last resort. Breastfeeding a toddler (even after they start solids) is completely different than breastfeeding a baby. Many moms are under the impression that nursing a toddler is the same as nursing a baby. Breastfeeding isn't on demand like it is when they are little. It's easier to pacify them with solid foods and juice if you need them to wait. It's MUCH easier to be descreet. Most people had no clue that my babies still nursed after they started on solids because I wasn't "on call" all the time anymore.

As for your situation. If you are deturmined to switch her to a bottle, I highly recommend to wait until after she gets a really good start on solids (if you start her on solids at the recommended age of 6 months, I would wait until at least 8 months to try to wean her). You want to know that if all else fails, she's at least eating food. There are cases where babies are sensitive to the transition from breast to bottle, and refuse the bottle while also go on a nursing strike. Whatever you do, do it as gentley as possible for her sake and YOURS! LOL Nothing hurts worse than mastitus!

Angie

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sat, 05-22-2004 - 8:28pm

Totally up to you, IMO. Sure, the data's there to say BFing is superior, and in my experience, it's much easier/cheaper than formula, but the new formulas aren't too bad

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2004
Sun, 05-23-2004 - 1:07pm
I read in many sources that at 3, 6, and nine months of breastfeeding showed major spikes in the child's IQ later on in life. I breastfed my son for a year. I would have gone longer, but I personally wanted my breasts back. ;) I would say to try for 9 months. However, any leangth of time you can do it is beneficial to your child, not to mention it saves a lot of money. My son's immune system is untouchable. He is also a very bright and happy little boy.
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-20-2004
Tue, 05-25-2004 - 8:41am
My ds weaned himself at 6 months. My dh and I had planned our wedding and then found out I was pregnant. My ds was 5 mo when we got married. That weekend was so busy, I hardly saw him. People were supposed to bring him to me to BF, but they never did. I was a little upset about that. Well, afterwards I had a hard time getting him to take the breast and we were leaving when ds was 6 mo for our honeymoon so I quit trying right before we left.

However, looking back, I wish I could have BF longer. My ds never got sick until I quit. He has had an ear infection since pretty much. He got tubes in his ear in January and his ears are infected for the 2nd time since he got his tubes.

It is your decision.

Tanya

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-13-2003
Wed, 05-26-2004 - 2:38am
It really depends on you and baby!

My dd never latched on from day one. We had a nurse come to the house daily for weeks after her birth, and then off and on for weeks after her birth. We tried nipple shields, starving (I never could do it though, I lied to the nurse...)

Anyway, I pumped from the day she was born, until she was 8.5 months. I kept the same bottles and nipples (and got new ones) but when I changed to formula, I made sure the temp was the same and it was the same nipple and bottle. She never had a problem. I think her first taste she made a funny face, but after I offered it again, there was no problem.

Good luck to you.

Lesley

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