I hate to admit it, but I am seriously getting tired of breastfeeding and really want to wean Emma on to formula. I feel so guilty even admitting it, but I work full time, and pumping is really getting old. Not to mention, she doesn't eat very well and it is really hard to know exactly how many ounces she takes in a day when half are through a bottle, and half with breast. Anyway, to my question. Any experience on what formula I should try first? I have never avoided milk or soy products in my diet, and Emma seems fine with the dairy/soy in my breast milk so I would like to just try the regular Infamil Lipil. Complicating things is the fact that my five year old ds WAS MSPI. I didn't nurse him, and he was on Nutramigen for the first year. But, at that point he transitioned to whole milk with no problem. Emma doesn't have any of the excema/nasal allergies that Evan had/has, so I am thinking she doesn't have a problem with dairy. I am so conflicted though because her reflux is tons better lately, and I really don't want to aggrevate it if formula would be rougher on her. AHHHHHHH, so frustrating! Any advice? By the way, anyone know why I can't use any of the smiles anymore? I put my mouse on them and click, and they simply do nothing. It is like they have been locked or something. So, consider yourselves smiled at! :)

That's funny. I manual put a smile in (using the colon and parenthesis) and it showed up!!! But, I can't get any of the cool ones....:(

Donna...I think the Enfamil Lipil would be just fine, or you could try Carnation Good Start, the proteins are already broken down so it is easier to digest, and it is cheaper then Enfamil.... Either one of those I think would be fine, especially since she hasn't had any issues with your diet.

We did well with Nestle Good Start for both my girls. The proteins are more broken down. A tad closer to breastmilk (just a tad) than regular Enfamil Lipil. If you decide to make the switch to formula, slowly introduce it and try to keep pumping until you KNOW Emma can handle the formula. This way, if need be, she can go back to the breast and you will still have the supply necessary for her. After she's proven that she can handle the formula, then you can stop pumping and allow the milk to dry up.

I agree with Judy and wanted to add that any formula will probably be harder on her.

Thanks ladies for the Good Start idea. I had never thought of that one for some reason. Does it have the same nutritional values as Infamil? I know I am going to have to do "double duty" for a while just in case she can't tolerate it. I don't want my milk to dry up too early. I might try a half and half bottle tommorow and see what happens....wish me luck!

Almost all formula's are nutritionally similar. The only difference between Good Start and Enfamil is that the proteins are broken down a bit already with Good Start. Cady couldn't handle Enfamil at all, but did well on Good Start.

Hi,
I just wanted to reiterate what Judy said as it is IMPERATIVE that you continue to pump while introducing the formula just so you have a supply going incase you should need it. I am just NOW starting to wean my one year old (in 4 days) from breast to whole milk. I've been very paranoid about it only because I've heard tons of stories of BF babies who got so much worse when switched to formula. I do not mean to sound negative at all, maybe Emma will do just fine and that woudl be great as I'm sure lots of other GERDLings who've switched over have been aswell. Just want to make sure you have a back-up incase you shoudl need it. I have no forumla advice to give because we never used any but wanted to wish you luck.

Thanks Sara and Judy too. I am very nervous because I have heard those accounts as well, and Emma has done very well on breastmilk. It is just becoming a logistical nightmare as my schedule has increased at work. I think I will start with the Good Start mixed with breastmilk and see if she tolerates it. I am off this week for spring break, so I think it will be a good time to try and make the switch. I will keep you guys updated!