Switching to formula at 4 months :: HELP

My DD just turned 4 months she has been strictly breast fed from day 1 however she has been on a horrible nursing strike for 3 weeks now. Her feeding time now consists of the both of us usually ending up in tears and stressed out to the very max. I am considering switching her to Gerber's Gentle Formula. This is such a heartbreaking decision to make, I now HATE breast feeding however I do know how amazing it is for them!! I guess I just need some help or encouragement ... I know millions of babies are formula fed and are fabulous but I have had it POUNDED into my head how good breastfeeding is. I don't know what to do .. please help

babies go threw this. i ended up FF and i beat myself up for the longest time but i also wasnt getting any milk flow.

try and stick to it. baby might be sick, teething ect.

Have you tried pumping and giving that to her in a bottle? Are you working with a LC? I had to make the switch at 9 months and it was devastating but it was what was best for all of us.

it will be fine hun. as long as your baby is fed , taken care of, and loved, thats all that matters

I never breastfed due to meds after pregnancy but i can tell you that my daughter is as healthy as a horse and has been sick one time from an ear infection. you gave her four months and thats great you have nothing to feel bad about as long as your daughter is full and happy!!

I had to switch both of my girls over at 3m. For some reason I stopped suppling milk. I am happy that they got the breast milk that they did, they are both healthy right now as toddlers.   Its not easy switching..have you tried pumping..i mean if formula stress you about it. I knew my babies needed to eat so I was willing to do whatever needed to be done to make sure they are healthy. I guess that was my own comfort way of thinking. If for some reason I stop supplying milk with this next baby, I will do the same. I know formula isnt as good as breast milk but if push come to shove its what has to be done.

Quoting Jennybananna:" Have you tried pumping and giving that to her in a bottle? Are you working with a LC? I had to make the switch at 9 months and it was devastating but it was what was best for all of us. "

This! I'm not against formula at all, but I did this and if she still refused it I would just freeze it. Both my kids would go through spurts of not eating for a while and then being little piggies...best wishes for both of you!

Stick with it hun, it's stressful now but it won't last forever.. They're babies for such a short time, and breast milk gives them the very best start to life. See your GP if you're really worried, but if you suppliment it'll affect your supply.

My oldest two were formula fed (personal choice) and this one is completely breastfed, all three are healthy and happy. If mom isn't happy and baby isn't happy, my guess is that formula would be best for this situation. If you are going to choose, I would say Gerber or Enfamil rather than Similac, it was so hard on my girls' stomachs when they were little :/ Good luck momma, keep your head up.

<blockquote><b>Quoting HotMom21ERF:</b>" it will be fine hun. as long as your baby is fed , taken care of, and loved, thats all that matters"</blockquote>




Yep  
Listen to this advice, and do what YOU want to do.

take your own advice! i wish i did in the beginning. i BF and it was a horrible experience. long story but awful. if i have another im going straight to formula. judge me all you want.

Thank you all so much!! I have really been struggling with this now for days ... This makes me feel so much better about everything. <3 I can not thank you enough

Quoting :: Chloe's Mommy :::" Thank you all so much!! I have really been struggling with this now for days ... This makes me feel so much better about everything. <3 I can not thank you enough"

no problem!