[Lauren S]

Hi ladies,

I found out today that I have to wean right away. I have shingles and had to start medication for it that is not safe for breastfeeding. I'm happy we made it 5.5 months breastfeeding, but I'm also really sad that we have to stop.

I have other health issues and tried to wean about a month ago so I could take some other medications. I started giving straight formula bottles. He took 2 bottles and then decided he wanted nothing to do with them. He would gag himself when the formula would drip in his mouth! Because of that I gave in and decided not to take the medicine and to keep BF.

But now I really have no choice. I took the first pill tonight after I nursed him to sleep. I have about 20 bottles of BM frozen. My question is whether or not I should give him those 20 bottles of BM first so he gets used to taking the bottle. Or should I start mixing some BM and some formula right away?

I know the next few days are going to be really tough since I already tried this, and he was not happy. But hopefully we'll get through without too much trauma!

I have a couple of cans of Enfamil formula from the ped. I was planning on using that unless anyone has a suggestion on another brand that would make the switch easier.

Sorry this was so long! Thanks to anyone who reads and responds.

Sorry you're dealing with this.

I would recommend gradually getting him used to the formula by putting a little formula in a bottle of breastmilk and every day adding more formula and less breastmilk.

Also using a slow flow nipple can help as they have to work for it much like they do for the breast so it's more familiar to them.

[Lauren S]

Thanks! The first night I gave him straight BM that was frozen. Then the next day I mixed BM with formula. Last night he had straight formula. So far so good!

The only real problem is the engorgement. I've never been in so much pain in my life!

Hi there, and welcome to the board!

I'm sorry you have to wean so suddenly. I understand the engorgement. I weaned Kirsty at 6.5 months. My plan was to drop 1 feed per week, but she weaned overnight. I was engorged for about 2 days, then it eased, then I re-engorged for a further few days. In all about a week. My advice is to wear a tight bra... even in bed.

I think you have done the right thing in using part BM/part formula. If he is fine with taking full formula, that's great!! But you still want to use up the BM, right? How do you plan to do it? 1 bottle BM per day? Or mixed formula/BM in his bottles?

How is he doing today?