Teach me about formula

[Becca]

DD was exclusively BF - never a drop of formula

I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that I may need to supplement with this LO. Looking ahead to DH's chemo and radiation and misc other appts, and his inability to help with DD, I am just not sure if I can EBF this time. I want to, and will probably bawl with the first formula bottle, but I need to be realistic. Nursing and pumping was a FT job last time, and I just won't have the time this time.

I have plenty of baby experience, so I know how to make a bottle, but what else do I need to know? What kind of formula to buy? How much should I have on hand in the beginning? Anything in particular I need to know? I was going to buy a small thing to keep on hand JIC, but the formula was all locked up at the grocery store, and I felt stupid not even knowing what to ask for.

I am expecting baby to be here in a month or so (man, that went quick!) and with all the holidays, I feel like I need to scramble and get ready.

I feel like this is a stupid post, but I don't know what I don't know...

[sewpinkgal]

First, big huge hugs. You've got a ton on your plate - you do the best you can with BFing, but if that has to go to help you keep your sanity, please let it go and take care of you.

My pediatrician had said that he thought Gerber Good Start tasted a bit better than the other ones out there and he liked the protein base for that one, so we started there when we needed to supplement. J took it easily and I never wanted to rock the boat so we stayed with that til the end. Could you see if your pediatrician has any samples for you to keep on hand? That way in case one doesn't work, you can switch to another one without being out a ton of $.

[pugz]

Our hospital had similac so we've used that so far. Prob switching to costco brand soon though since it is cheaper.

I've been thinking of your family often. Tons of good thoughts and prayers.

[froggy76]

I tried the samples that were mailed to me, and liked Similac Advance the best. It looked and smelled just like my BM, and the powder dissolved really easily. I only supplemented a little, so I wasn't too concerned about the cost... if I had needed more, I probably would have tried some generics.

I really agonized about giving DD formula, but it was a HUGE weight off my shoulders and allowed me to breathe. With everything you have on your plate, you need to take care of yourself and stay sane. There's no reason to feel guilty about that. You're always in my thoughts- hang in there.

[UnderProtest]

My hospital, and therefore pediatrician, had similac. They sent me home with a bunch of samples which got me through a couple days. I did switch one of the kids to the sensitive similac, but I didn't switch brands at all. I probably could have, but it wasn't high on my priority list. I was able to get some manufacturers coupons, samples from the doc and stocked up when it was on sale.

Good luck. I don't always post in long threads, but I have followed your stories and have been thinking about your family a lot. Hugs. I really hope 2013 is great for you guys.

[pugz]

Oh and i have a ton of similac checks if you want some! Best deal is to buy at costco and use one check per cannister.

[Deleted]

We supplemented in the beginning and used Similac because that's what we got at the hospital and we got some free samples from Similac. You can sign up here for free samples/coupons: similac.com/formula-coupons-free-samples

It can be very hard to give formula when you want to BF so badly, especially at first. LO was given formula in the hospital because of low blood sugars. I felt like I was failing. But it's absolutely ok to give him formula, so be gentle with yourself! Especially given how much you have been through in the past few years. Hugs, mama!

[mollybrown]

Sign up with all of the major formula companies now, and they will send you samples. With both kids I received about a month worth of free formula. Once the samples were gone, we switched to Costco brand. DD had no issue switching between the different formulas.

If you're only supplementing, I wouldn't bother having more than a can or 2 on hand. A can will go a long way if you're only making the occasional bottle. I highly recommend getting one of these for the night feedings: www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Powdered-Formula-Dispenser-Colors/dp/B000RFCXIK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355813208&sr=8-1&keywords=formula+dispenser . You just pre-measure the bottles with water and pre-measure the formula into the dispenser before going to bed. You can make a bottle in just about the same time it takes to open a nursing bra without even turning on the light.

Good luck!

[Saudade]

We used Similac ready to serve because that is what we were sent home with and it was the easiest for my parents to use while I was in the hospital. We also didn't know how long we would have to use formula before I could BF so I didn't want to waste a lot. It was very expensive so if I had had to FF I would have just used the cans and probably switched to Target brand.

[Becca]

Thanks ladies! I will sign up for some samples - not sure why I didn't think of that.

Because I am on blood thinners (and will continue on them after delivery) the ped. already warned me that I might have to supplement. That combined with DH's issues, it just seems like something that more likely than not is going to happen.

When DD was born, she was early and couldn't latch well. I cried for an hour over a bottle of EBM that DH fed her. I am trying to get comfortable with this idea before I cry all day over formula. I know formula isn't poison, it just has always seemed like something that is ok for other babies, but not mine (if that makes any sense). Either way, I will be thrilled to have a baby to begin with. Just 'gotta keep my eye on the prize.

[drloretta]

We used Similac because that's what DD got at the hospital. We switched to Target brand after the recall, with no issues. I'd get a can of powder and a pack of ready to eat to have on hand, and take it from there.
HUGS

[brit1017]

The brand/type only matters if your DC reacts to them. We had to try a few different brands before we found one that DS could tolerate. We ended up using Earth's Best Organic, which was not particularly MM, but better than a sick baby.

As far as bottles, I wouldn't get a ton of one brand until you figure out which one the baby will take/works best for you. And then don't get a bunch of the small sizes (2 and 4 oz). My kids only used them for a few months- we needed more of the 8 oz ones.

You could always BF the most that you can, not worry about pumping, and supplement the rest, if that works for what you have going on. I really struggled with supply issues with both kids. With DS, I was BF and pumping at every feeding to try and increase my supply, and then we were supplementing b/c I wasn't making enough. After about a month, I was exhausted and stressed (I hated pumping, and each feeding was taking 45 min to an hour between the BFing and punping- and DS was eating every 2ish hours), and gave it up when I got mastitis in both breasts. With DD, I decided to take a more relaxed approach. I BF as much as I could (took domperidone to try to boost my supply), but didn't pump and didn't stress about what supplementing we had to do. My supply tanked at 8 weeks, but I had such a more positive experience.

[starlily]

When you sign up with the companies, check the box for "planning to breastfeed." Apparently BFers get sent more swag than people who actually use formula.

[madringal]

My hospital had Similac samples, so when I started to supplement, that is what I used. My kids were pretty easy and we never had any issues with it. I would get a formula dispenser to keep on hand. It makes it easier to travel with formula.

[Brie]

Dec 18, 2012 13:10:12 GMT -5 starlily said:

When you sign up with the companies, check the box for "planning to breastfeed." Apparently BFers get sent more swag than people who actually use formula.

Yes. I get TONS of formula checks and samples at regular intervals. The checks go to friends and any samples they don't want go to the church food bank.