cutting back bottles

[Anonymous]

Our feeding therapist thinks it’s now time to cut back Hailey’s calories that come from the bottles. She takes about 16oz (used to be 12) of 30 cal/oz formula from her bottles which are sleep feeds, and about 5oz of soy milk from a sippy on average.

I am struggling with whether we should bring her bottles down to 20cal/oz and then after a few weeks cut out her night bottle, or if we should do them both together. Any thoughts. I’m so scared to do this, but I know that it’s time to take these steps.

[Anonymous]

I might be of base here but why is it that some doctors are in such a big hurry to get reflux babies off formula? Our doctor says that Colt will continue on formula until he is 2 years old. I know there are issues with bottles and teeth but theses babies eat so little solids its scary to take away their bottles. Are they wanting to do this because they think she will eat more if she doesn’t have a bottle? I think I would be scared that she wouldn’t start eating more and then she also wouldn’t have her formula anymore. I feel for you but I don’t have a answer because I still think that at her age formula is the way to go. I have read some of your stories about Hailey and she doesn’t eat well enough as it is. Will she take her formula from a sippy cup? That might be an option.

[Anonymous]

Lori, it’s such a hard decision. I think if it were me, I’d probably
bring all bottles down to 20 cal/oz – that way you are reducing her
caloric intake (which at her weight should be OK) which will hopefully
make her hungrier, but will be keeping her hydrated too. Then maybe
after 1-2 weeks cut out the night bottle? What did the feeding
therapist say? I hope it goes well whichever way you go and hope Hailey
starts to eat more soon.

On a side note, I was so glad to read that Sarah is doing OK after her shots! Hope she continues to feel well.

[Anonymous]

Lori,

I haven’t been in your position so I’m probably not really in a position to give advice on this, but what I think I’d do is try the 20 calorie formula for a few weeks to see if that would increase her appetite during the day. This way she stays hydrated like Karen said.

After a few weeks, whether she’s eating or not during the day, I’d start reducing the number of ounces of formula in her bottles, either by making smaller bottles (4 ounces versus 6) or by watering it down a little if she’ll drink it. Again, so she stays hydrated.

From there, I guess I have to wait and see how she does before deciding to drop night feeds altogether.

That’s great that she’s drinking from a sippy. Is she eating anything?

Good luck. I hope you can get her off sleep feeds. It must be so hard.

Christine

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your opinions.

Kathleen, our pediatrician does not want to wean Hailey off formula. He wants her on it until she’s 18-24 months. The idea is not to get her off fomula, but to get her to take more of her calories from food than from formula. Hailey no longer has serious issues around texture etc, and she can in theory feed herself, but she’ll take one or two bites and then she’s done. But she’s still gained weight, so that means that she’s getting enough calories from her formula. Based on that info, she’s probably too full and doesn’t feel hungry which is why she doesn’t eat. There really isn’t an issue with a baby/toddler taking in too much formula, unless they don’t take solids in an age appropriate way (i.e. not enough). Also, research has shown that night feeding (whether by bottle or feeding tube) can dramatically decrease daytime hunger. That’s why they want to cut out her night bottle- not her daytime bottles. Anyhow, I feel the same way as you do, but I don’t think we have much of a choice here. I think it’s very scary, and I’m petrified to do it, but she needs to learn proper hunger cues and that eating food makes her feel full.

Christine, unfortunately it’s the nightime bottle that has to go, because of the reason that I explained. Also, she only takes 4oz per bottle, so can’t cut much back there.

Thanks again for your feedback.

[Anonymous]

Lori,

I really have no idea how you should do it! I really just want to show you some support! I hope it goes well whichever way you do it!

[Anonymous]

I guess my suggestion in the other board is no good then? Sorry it must be so hard but i think she is going to make it through!!!

[Author]

Posts