Switching from Breastfeeding to Formula Feeding

Erica McClannahan, RN, BSN, IBCLC

When doing their research and considering how they would like to feed their newborn, most parents set out with the goal of providing breast milk to their baby. In fact, 83% of babies are breastfed at some point- but that number drops to just 25% being exclusively breastfed at six months of age.

One of the most common things I hear moms and their partners say in the first few days after delivery is, "this is so much more challenging than I expected!" The movies and media make breastfeeding seem like an easy, natural thing that happens on its own, but in reality, it can be much more complicated than people anticipate.

Our mission here at Leva is to help families achieve their feeding goals, especially during those challenging times, but we also understand that sometimes those goals change, and we are here to support you through that as well!

Why do mothers stop breastfeeding early?

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding with complementary foods (solids) for up to two years or older.

So why are only a quarter of infants exclusively breastfed at six months? Here are some of the key reasons listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Issues latching baby to the breast

• Insufficient milk supply

• Concerns about infant weight loss or slow weight gain pattern

• Mother's concern about taking medications while breastfeeding

• Unsupportive work policies and lack of parental leave

• Cultural norms and lack of family support

• Unsupportive hospital practices and policies

Many of these factors can be overcome with the proper support, but some families may still choose or need to discontinue offering breast milk for other reasons. If your baby is under a year old, breast milk should be replaced with formula to meet the baby's nutritional needs.

How to transition your baby to formula

The first step in transitioning your baby to formula is to get them acclimated to the bottle if they aren't already. Start by offering pumped breast milk in a bottle first. You may also consider dropping breastfeeding sessions slowly rather than cold turkey!

If your baby is struggling to take the bottle, have a different family member or caretaker try it when mom is away, so the option of the breast isn't as available. Always be sure to bottle feed your baby upright and pace the feeding, so they don't take in too much too fast. For tips on paced bottle feeding, check out this link.

The next step would be to slowly start mixing formula with the breast milk so your baby can get used to the taste and change in consistency. This can also help ease any tummy discomfort they may experience. Then, gradually increase the ratio of formula to breastmilk over time.

How do I stop producing milk?

Cutting back on the frequency of milk removal, especially when done abruptly, poses a risk for engorgement, clogged ducts, and mastitis (an infection in the breast), so it's essential to be mindful when weaning. It's best to gradually reduce the number of times you remove milk daily to lessen this risk. You may also consider feeding or pumping for shorter periods to slowly down-regulate your production.

If you develop any hard, lumpy areas in the breast, apply heat such as a heating pad or take a warm shower and utilize gentle massage to try and get the milk flowing. Anytime your breasts are uncomfortably full, you should express milk for a few minutes, just to the point of comfort, to prevent worsening issues. If you develop flu-like symptoms or a fever, it's best to call your healthcare provider, as these are signs of mastitis and may require medical attention.

Over time, the less you stimulate your breasts and remove milk, the less your body will produce.

Maintain closeness with your baby

The benefits of breastfeeding go beyond just the milk itself! Don't sacrifice skin-to-skin and moments of physical closeness with your little one, even if they are no longer latching. Skin-to-skin contact is an excellent way to bond with your baby and provides them with warmth and comfort. Some studies show that it even helps with brain development and increases confidence levels in both mothers and fathers! In addition, skin-to-skin contact releases the hormone oxytocin, which also helps decrease the risk for postpartum depression.

Reach out for professional guidance

Your feeding journey may face turbulence at some point along the way, and it's normal for questions to arise. Everyone's unique circumstance differs, and we are here to help you navigate tough decisions by offering professional guidance. Don't hesitate to reach out and let our team know how we can best support you.