Communities

Breastfeeding Moms

All Communities > Breastfeeding Moms > Weaning 51/2 month old

Weaning 51/2 month old

Lesley - posted on 05/26/2009 ( 3 moms have responded )

89

15

I've decided it's time to wean my son. I've struggled from day one to nurse him. I had open cracks for 8 weeks, 3 yeast infections and my supply is constantly low no matter what I've tried. I've given it almost 6 months and finally feel ok to transition to formula. He is eating cereal in the morning and veggies in the evening.

My question is, how much formula should I be giving him? I've read 6-8oz for his age, but he's never had more than 4oz in a bottle that I've pumped and I feel like 6-8oz is way too much?

Join Circle of Moms

Sign up for Circle of Moms and be a part of this community! Membership is just one click away.

Join Circle of Moms

3 Comments

View replies by

Lesley - posted on 05/27/2009

89

15

well i did use lansinoh and after 10 weeks I finally got nursing down. But my problem recently was the milk supply. I drank sooo much water, tried the tea's, and fenugreek and my son would only nurse for 2-3 minutes each side and just cry after. He's also really little. Only 13lbs at almost 6 months. So I feel like I need to just give this up and do what is best for him.

Charlotte - thanks for the advice. My son seems satisfied with 4oz but everyone is telling me to give him 6oz...but the advice s coming from moms who don't nurse at all. I just didn't want to not give him enough. He's had formula here and there since he was 4 months and I always gave him 4oz. I want to continue to nurse in the morning and evening if my body will keep up. It's hard letting this go. :(

Charlotte - posted on 05/26/2009

221

26

My neice is 7 months old and recently transitioned to mostly formula (she was exclusively breastfed for the first 4 months and then the Drs pressued formula because she wasn't gaining weight; well she's now mostly on formula and still not gaining! but anyway...). She takes 4 oz bottles (in additon to nursing once and eating some solids).



I think 6-8 oz in a single bottle is a heck of a lot. That ammount probably assumes that baby would only be taking about 4 bottles a day. His tummy probably can't hold that much and I would think you'd end up wasting it. You know, you can offer a 4 oz bottle and then if he drinks it all and still seems hungry, you could offer 2 oz more. Formula is very expensive so if I were you I'd want to avoid throwing any away.



5 and a half months is awesome, especally considering the pain and frustration you have had to deal with. Give yourself a pat on the back; you have given your baby a wonderful gift.

Tiffany - posted on 05/26/2009

5

0

I think there is a guideline chart on the back of the formula cannister.

I havent given a bottle in many years and the guidelines are much different now.

You could also ask you pediatrician as well.

Regarding the cracking nipples, have you tried Lansinoh? It works wonderfully and keeps them lubricated so they dont dry out and crack. He also might not be latching on to the entire nipple like he should be.

Anway-if personal choice is to ween, that must be respected. But it will be an adjustement for him if he hasnt already been supplemented with formula. Formula not only doesnt taste anything like breast milk, but will take a while for his body to adjust too. I started my first son on formula when he was 5 months old and it was because of that experience I have chose to nurse the 3 that followed him breast only--let's just say for a very long time :) I have always been fortunate to make enough by drinking lots and lots of water and eating good with a high calorie, healthy diet.



Good luck to you all and congrats on your son! He is a cutie :)

Want to find out the opinions of this community?

Add Poll