My dd is one year old and I am about to return to work. I am still breastfeeding and would like to continue to do so, but pumping has become a bit of an issue since I can't seem to get more than an ounce at a time. I will be able to nurse her in the morning and at bedtime, but will miss two feedings during the day. I would like to just give her cow's milk in a sippy cup for these feeds. Has anyone done something like this? How did it work for you?

By Heaventree on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 01:24 am:

I became pregnant when ds was 9 months old. I asked the dr. when I could put ds on cow's milk and he said right away. I started with 4 ozs. and dropped only one feeding the first week. I slowly increased the amount as he seemed to need it. If I gave him 4 ozs and it seemed like he wanted more the next feeding I have him 5 ozs and so on. I used the Advent system and put the sippy nipples on the bottles as the bottle warmer melted the sippy cups. I still warm his milk, he drinks it better warm than cold.

I think the second or third week I was able to drop two feedings, but you have to be careful not to upset your dd and listen to your own body as you don't want to get ingorged, not a nice feeling.

I had the same problem with pumping and I hated pumping anyway.

DS now drinks three 9oz bottles per day. One at 10 am, one at 2 pm and one at 7 pm. He now only nurses for comfort or if I need an extra hour of sleep in the morning. I would say it took me approx. 3 weeks to wean.

I would still suggest that you speak to your doctor first, but I'm fairly certain that by 12 months you can probably go ahead with whole cow's milk.

How long before you return to work? Try not to do too much at once. I read that weaning and big changes can be difficult, I guess it depends on the child.

Good luck.

By Hlgmom on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 08:17 am:

There is no issue with introducing cows milk and still breastfeeding. If you are not planning to wean completely, I would definetely start replacing a couple of feedings with the cows milk befire you return to work. Try and pay extra cuddle attention and allow the other nursings to linger so she is not feeling deprived. My sister went back to work at this time as well and continued to nurse whenever she was home and used cows milk in the sippy cup otherwise. It worked out great! As long as she finds that you are still accessible fro nursing when you are home she should adjust rather quickly. You may find that she wants to nurse a couple of times or a little more during your home hours! I am sure it will go great! Way to go on still nursing! The American average is WAY too low compared to the rest of the world!!


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By Trina~moderator on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 08:25 am:

I BF my youngest for 16 mos.. I started giving her milk in a sippy cup during meals in her high chair at the dinner table at 12 mos..

By Emily7 on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 10:56 am:

I only BF my dd at 11am & at 8:30pm, the rest of the time I give her milk.

By Frasersmama on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 12:29 pm:

Thanks everyone for the help. Fortunately my dd has taken to the sippy cup, and has never had a problem taking a bottle even if I am around. I am not planning to wean her yet, and will breastfeed whenever I am home, just cow's milk when mom is not available.

H1gmom, you are right about the American avg, but I can't help you there, I am Canadian.