I think it's time for me to pull the plug on pumping. I've been pumping and formula feeding my twins, but now as they're getting older and are more alert I have ZERO time to pump. Today, I pumped at 8am and didn't get a chance to again until 10pm (hubby participated in a spartan 5k race and was gone almost all day) so I was DYING. I go back to work next week, so I know I'll be able to pump then, but I'm wondering if the stress makes it worth it. I have a low supply anyways so even when I do pump regularly, we still probably only do 20-30% breast milk and 70-80% formula. I wish I could've kept this up longer seeing as formula feeding twins is going to be crazy expensive, but probably worth my sanity I suppose
@beckyk9109 I took a break from pumping (tho I do still breastfeed before giving a bottle of formula) and my mental game thanked me for it. Still haven't decided if I am going to try it again or not. I hate the pump
@beckyk9109 I took a break from pumping (tho I do still breastfeed before giving a bottle of formula) and my mental game thanked me for it. Still haven't decided if I am going to try it again or not. I hate the pump
It's not even that I mind pumping. Honestly, when I do get to pump I kindof winddown from the madness. It's when I don't have time to pump (which is 99% of the time throughout the day while hubby is at work) and I become super engorged that I wonder if it's worth the discomfort since my girls only get 1-2 bottles of breastmilk a day anyways. My poor boobs are in a constant state of pain
I EFF from Day 1. In the hospital we used the Similac Advanced. Now we are on Similac Sensitive and I stocked up on the equivalent Target brand before my daughter was born. She hasn't had any major issues with gas or spit up (apart from the usual occasional issue) and we are thrilled.
almakie also, put cabbage leaves in your bra is you are stopping. I swear by them to help engorgement and they are supposed to dry you up!! plus they are nice and cool. Leave them in there until they start to wilt and replace them.
Today my pediatrician told me that the Wal-Mart brand parents choice formula is made by the same company that makes similac. Has anybody else heard this? I looked online and it said they were the same nutrition wise but not that they were made by the same company.
Does anyone else get WIC? I'm going to start introducing formula so he can get used to it for when I return to work. (I hate pumping and it hates me). It's my understanding that they issue Similac Advance. I'm nervous about being limited to one option. I think if I can get his pedi to write that he needs a different one, they do issue something else. But that seems like a big hassle. I have my WIC appointment next week and will be able to talk to them at length about what my options really are, I just wonder what everyone else's experiences are.
@SarahBaby87 I get WIC. We EFF since my attempts at breastfeeding and pumping didn't work. We started out with Similac Advance, since that's what the hospital gave DD in the hospital. However, you can switch to Similac Isomil (soy formula) without a dr writing a prescription. Other than those two, from what they told me, you need a prescription to be issued vouchers for any other formula they cover. Oh and you usually get 9 cans a month. And they don't cover all formulas, I know they told me Similac Gentle Ease isn't offered. I hope your appointment goes well, best of luck!
@SarahBaby87 I get WIC. We EFF since my attempts at breastfeeding and pumping didn't work. We started out with Similac Advance, since that's what the hospital gave DD in the hospital. However, you can switch to Similac Isomil (soy formula) without a dr writing a prescription. Other than those two, from what they told me, you need a prescription to be issued vouchers for any other formula they cover. Oh and you usually get 9 cans a month. And they don't cover all formulas, I know they told me Similac Gentle Ease isn't offered. I hope your appointment goes well, best of luck!
Thanks for the quick response! Do you find 9 cans to be enough? Or do you have to buy extra to get through the month?
Does anyone else get WIC? I'm going to start introducing formula so he can get used to it for when I return to work. (I hate pumping and it hates me). It's my understanding that they issue Similac Advance. I'm nervous about being limited to one option. I think if I can get his pedi to write that he needs a different one, they do issue something else. But that seems like a big hassle. I have my WIC appointment next week and will be able to talk to them at length about what my options really are, I just wonder what everyone else's experiences are.
I receive wic as well and get enfamil infant. I told them what I used when I signed up and that's what they gave me coupons for.
How do you know to start feeding your LOmore per feeding? We're at 2 oz a feeding every 2 hours and she seems good on that for now but wondering what it'll be like when we have to up it
@katyertl it'll be very apparent that they're still hungry after finishing a bottle. If I have a couple days of LO asking for more at at least 2 feedings a day, I up the amount by an ounce. LO ate 1.5 oz for 2 weeks, then 3 for 3 weeks, and ate about 4 for a week, and now this last week and this one she's been consistently finishing 4 oz bottles. I know every baby's different, but my pedi said this was a very common timeline. Just look for extra hunger signs after s/he finishes.
@katyertl it'll be very apparent that they're still hungry after finishing a bottle. If I have a couple days of LO asking for more at at least 2 feedings a day, I up the amount by an ounce. LO ate 1.5 oz for 2 weeks, then 3 for 3 weeks, and ate about 4 for a week, and now this last week and this one she's been consistently finishing 4 oz bottles. I know every baby's different, but my pedi said this was a very common timeline. Just look for extra hunger signs after s/he finishes.
Ok! Yeah she usually just passes out. We've given her an extra ounce a few times before but it's never a constant. We've been giving her 2 ounces for the last month that we've done formula. But she was 4/11 when she was born and now I don't think she's even hit 7 yet.
@SarahBaby87 No problem! Right now, it seems like 9 is enough, DD will be a month old this Sunday, but we'd gotten 4 cans of the advance before this month started, when we reported her birth. I certainly hope it'll be enough. 5 cans cost $83 here!
I think our formula switch was the best thing we've done! We're already only on day 4 and we can see such a difference! Last night she slept from 8-1! Then 4-7. The 8-1 was awesome!
My husband (cheapest man alive but I love him for it) just got a great deal on similac from babies r us. Currently it's $10 off a purchase of $75 or more of similac. He purchased four and used three $2 and one $5 off manufacturers coupon (mailed to us). On top of that he had $5 vouchers (again mailed to us) he used for each. If you haven't signed up for similac moms club it's so worth it!! In total he saved $41 on four containers of
Are the $5 vouchers you're talking about from the similac moms club? Im going to babiesrus (hoping mine has this deal going on!) and wasnt sure if I would be able to use more than one of the $5 off coupons in one transaction?
I can't breast feed due to medication im taking so I used the formula they were giving him in the hospital which was similac advanced after a few days he started getting really gassy and fussy and couldn't poop as much as before so I switched to similac sensitive and he's been doing really good with it if he has bad gas I just give him some gripe water it works wonders and he loves it. I just got wic and they switched him to gentlease I had to switch back to similac sensitive because not only did he hate the taste but he was in constant pain too...with similac sensitive he can have 3oz and knock out easily he's only 3weeks old and now weighs 9lb 8oz
I've been using similac advance since I made the switch to formula. He's been doing great on it but I noticed recently he's been having more gas. I already use dr Browns bottles. I've debated using gas drops but I think I'm going to to give them a try. Which drops do you ladies recommend?
@btm013 thanks for the heads up about babiesrus, we were also successful at our formula stock up today!! The dual pack of the similac tubs, priced $49.99 were $5 off, and they had the $10 off a $75 similac purchase. So I got two dual packs (4 tubs) and saved $20 alone on instore promos and they let me use two of my $5 off similac mom coupons. Total, i saved $30 on formula so i essentially got a whole one free!
Oh, and I have a question. I'm going to ask our pedi at our appt on Tuesday, but anyone know the difference between similac advance and similac breastfeeding supplement? I received an $8 off similac breastfeeding coupon and was wondering what exactly makes it different and why it's "better for supplementing"
@beckyk9109 I don't know the difference but I was sent a 4 pack of the breastfeeding supplement bottles as a sample in the mail, and I used one, and now keep 2 in the diaper bag, leaving 1 left at home. Easier than carrying around formula to mix or mixed bottles, right? Once those get used I may go ahead and use my $8 coupon to buy some more for that very reason.
I was reading through the booklet of information my pediatrician gave me and he said to add a little extra water with the formula (because we live in a dry climate) to prevent constipation. He says add one extra ounce to two of your bottles daily. This may help those of you who live in the dessert or dryer climate.
My son was 6 lbs 15 oz when we had to have an emergency c section on June 27, 2015. My breast milk never really came in, so we started with formula early on. We started with Enfamil newborn. Now we are using Enfamil Gentlease. He does really well with the Gentlease. Far less tummy troubles
I've been using similac advance since I made the switch to formula. He's been doing great on it but I noticed recently he's been having more gas. I already use dr Browns bottles. I've debated using gas drops but I think I'm going to to give them a try. Which drops do you ladies recommend?
We have been using the Little Remedies brand. I used them 2 years ago with my first son as well. They work well and I've never had any issues with their products. We use their gripe water too.
I just scored 3 tubs of similac for $30!! My hometown has this market with various venders (food, purses, sunglasses, candies, wood furniture pieces, everything you can name) and a stand had similac for $10 a tub! He only had 3 tubs or else I would've bought more. He said he's there every Wednesday and can stock me up when I need!
I'm struggling with feeling guilty about quitting pumping. With my twins I just can't keep up, and can't find the time to pump. My supply is legit crap right now so it is a good time to wean. I know we'll be better off (happy mom means happy babies) but still feeling a guilty
For those of you in an area with Kroger stores, mine (in Ohio) has a deal going on right now where you get $10 off for spending $40 in the baby aisle - and we all know that doesn't take but a hot second!
I also had $5 Similac check coupons to pair with each, so it ended up being even better!
We are making the switch from pumping to formula since I'm going back to work. How long did you try a formula before switching to another? We're on Enfamil gentlease and it seems to be making LO constipated. I'm not sure how long I should give him to adjust before trying another kind. Any advice?
We started with Gerber gentle and we felt the same and only used it until the first big tub was gone. So a few weeks. Now we're on Gerber soothe but I still feel like she isn't a happy baby and want to switch again but just fear it'll screw her up even more I heard you wait 2 weeks until a switch and then gradually change to another
I can't breast feed due to medication im taking so I used the formula they were giving him in the hospital which was similac advanced after a few days he started getting really gassy and fussy and couldn't poop as much as before so I switched to similac sensitive and he's been doing really good with it if he has bad gas I just give him some gripe water it works wonders and he loves it. I just got wic and they switched him to gentlease I had to switch back to similac sensitive because not only did he hate the taste but he was in constant pain too...with similac sensitive he can have 3oz and knock out easily he's only 3weeks old and now weighs 9lb 8oz
It takes a couple weeks to adjust to a formula switch.. It's really hard on their system switching especially so frequently, it would be impossible to tell how LO is reacting to formula unless you give it about 2 weeks.. 1 week at very least, talk to your pediatrician and before you switch again (if you do) give LO time to adjust.. Good luck
We started in Gerber gentle and it really upset her tummy. We switched to Similiac advanced because it was another same we had in the cupboard. She switched over just fine. I now buy Similiac Non GMO from Target. I use the manufacturers coupons as well as Target's cartwheel when it's on there. Also, make sure you sign up online to get points and free formula, similiar to what you should be doing with diapers too.
We started with Gerber gentle and we felt the same and only used it until the first big tub was gone. So a few weeks. Now we're on Gerber soothe but I still feel like she isn't a happy baby and want to switch again but just fear it'll screw her up even more I heard you wait 2 weeks until a switch and then gradually change to another
Yes... Tagging at @mariecoss , need to wait 2 weeks at least to switch
All babies, especially formula fed babies will have gas and fussy stages.. Please speak to your pediatrician before switching formulas, as they will not recommend switching formulas frequently... It's very hard on your LO's system
Re: Formula mama's
I get WIC. We EFF since my attempts at breastfeeding and pumping didn't work. We started out with Similac Advance, since that's what the hospital gave DD in the hospital. However, you can switch to Similac Isomil (soy formula) without a dr writing a prescription. Other than those two, from what they told me, you need a prescription to be issued vouchers for any other formula they cover. Oh and you usually get 9 cans a month. And they don't cover all formulas, I know they told me Similac Gentle Ease isn't offered. I hope your appointment goes well, best of luck!
No problem! Right now, it seems like 9 is enough, DD will be a month old this Sunday, but we'd gotten 4 cans of the advance before this month started, when we reported her birth. I certainly hope it'll be enough. 5 cans cost $83 here!
My breast milk never really came in, so we started with formula early on. We started with Enfamil newborn. Now we are using Enfamil Gentlease. He does really well with the Gentlease. Far less tummy troubles
I'm struggling with feeling guilty about quitting pumping. With my twins I just can't keep up, and can't find the time to pump. My supply is legit crap right now so it is a good time to wean. I know we'll be better off (happy mom means happy babies) but still feeling a guilty
I also had $5 Similac check coupons to pair with each, so it ended up being even better!
I heard you wait 2 weeks until a switch and then gradually change to another
ETA- and spit up