Formula feeding

brittbee0715

I've been trying to breadt feed for the past two weeks and it's just not going well. I've seen the lactation consultant and she was really helpful until I got home. My baby still won't latch correctly and I'm feeling like a failure. I keep thinking why can other moms do it and I can't? Am I a bad mom for wanting to throw in the towel and just formula feed? Are there any moms who are exclusively formula feeding? I'm having a really hard time with this..

kleshelle

I'm in the exact same boat! I've been pumping for almost a month now due to her lip tie she won't latch hardly.. But I've been bottle feeding her.. I'm just so done with it, it's so exhausting having a pump hooked to me every 2-3 hours on top of taking care of her with no help. Most of the time I can only pump 3x a day and my supply is dropping bad. My SO works 2 jobs so he's hardly home right now. I'm actually contemplating calling her pediatrician today to ask about formula. I feel SO guilty though!

brittbee0715

I do too. My SO doesn't understand why I'm so upset. I read all the benefits of breast feeding vs formula feeding and everyone tells you that it's the best thing for your baby. Its a lot of pressure. I'm going to try pumping every 3 hours so he will at least get my milk that way but I am afraid that my milk supply will drop. But if you get to talk to your pediatrician let me know what they say. I have an appointment to see his on Thursday so I won't be able to talk to him till then.

yl1m32015

Breastfeeding is HARD. It's way tougher than anyone tells you. You are NOT a failure. However you feed your child is just fine. Breastfeeding didn't work for me either, I choose to exclusively pump. You have to do what works for you.

brittbee0715

@yl1m32015 when you exclusively pumped did you milk supply drop? If not how did you keep it up?

yl1m32015

brittbee0715 said:

@yl1m32015 when you exclusively pumped did you milk supply drop? If not how did you keep it up?

My supply skyrocketed when I started EPing. The best way to keep it up is to pump consistently and empty every time. For the first couple weeks I pumped every 1-2 hours for stimulation. Now, 6w later I pump every 4-6 hours and I produce enough to have 5-6 full bottles in the fridge at all times, and 2 bags to freeze everyday. So I actually have an oversupply now. But I'm cool with that.

Gingermom15

Breastfeeding is hard and sometimes it just plain sucks. Babies are born knowing how to root and suck, but not to latch and nurse. They are learning with you and those first couple of weeks during recovery, caring for a newborn and hormones balancing out are tough. Nothing prepares a new mom for how challenging it really is. If breastfeeding doesn't work out for you remember that babies thrive on formula every single day. There is no need to feel guilt over feeding your baby regardless of how you do it. There are formulas out there very close in design to breastmilk and most babies digest formula just fine.
You could contact a different LC or find a breastfeeding support group to see if they can help with baby's latch. Sometimes mom and baby just need a support person that meshes well with them.

ETA My baby gets an occasional formula bottle when SO stays up overnight with him and he doesn't want to wake me up to feed the baby or if he has run out of pumped milk. He doesn't care what he is eating or from what and doesn't seem to notice much of a difference. It doesn't make him gassy or fussy. If breastfeeding didn't work out then I would feel perfectly comfortable with formula.

navyblueladybug

I tried to BF too but baby wouldn't latch either so I pumped and supplemented with formula. I started slacking when I pumped and my supply went down though. I just didn't have time to keep up with pumping every 2 hours. I pump every day, usually just once and get about an ounce from both breasts, so I'm basically done. I was so sad at the beginning but it's so much easier to FF! Baby is getting the nurtition she needs and I'm not driving myself insane!

mltarrio

I am a FTM and I have not yet had my baby, but my sister tried for several weeks to breastfeed my niece and they could never work it out. There are lots of good reasons to breastfeed, and lots of good reasons not to. Please don't feel like a failure. If your kid is being fed and taken care of that is all that matters, and it doesn't make you any less of a mom that baby doesn't feed at your breast.

ammnam14

I'm still trying to breastfeed but it's becoming too much. I find that pumping and supplementing with formula is a whole lot easier. It does suck to be hooked up to a pump every few hours and I contemplate switching to formula every single day. You are not a bad mom. Do whatever keeps you sane! Happy mom, happy baby.

Gingermom15

Kudos to you EPers. I can hardly stand nursing half the time because he does it so much and I'm already looking forward to weaning the little guy, I can't imagine being tied to a pump all day long.

ssn109

yl1m32015 said:

brittbee0715 said:

@yl1m32015 when you exclusively pumped did you milk supply drop? If not how did you keep it up?

My supply skyrocketed when I started EPing. The best way to keep it up is to pump consistently and empty every time. For the first couple weeks I pumped every 1-2 hours for stimulation. Now, 6w later I pump every 4-6 hours and I produce enough to have 5-6 full bottles in the fridge at all times, and 2 bags to freeze everyday. So I actually have an oversupply now. But I'm cool with that.

How did you switch? I'm seriously thinking about doing it, but haven't even gotten a full ounce pumping after feedings in the last 24 hours. I'm worried about him having enough while I switch.

redfallon

I am nursing when he will latch, but we are FF a lot. I had breast surgery back in 2003, and we also had issues with my daughter with this. I like when he will nurse, but he gets frustrated sometimes (when he's super hungry) and so we give him formula. I don't know yet how much I am producing. I had to order some larger flanges for the pump before I can use it and they will be here tomorrow.

Marchmellow2

It didn't work out for me either. Don't feel guilty. We tried our best. I had to EP for his first 2 months of life since he was 13 weeks early. I just never got a big enough supply no matter how hard I tried. So now we are exclusively FF and I'm so much happier now. I make his bottles for the day ahead of time too. So I make 24 oz all at once then make 7 bottles. Then when it's feed time I just use a warmer.

Mizuiro007

It's really all a matter of what works for you. It doesn't always work to bf and that's absolutely no reason to feel guilty. DS was EFF after two months of EBF. DD we've done different combinations of BF and FF and it's been the easiest for us. I bf when she's awake enough for a full feeding and we give bottles the rest of the time and I pump. Like @Marchmellow2 I make bottles ahead so they just need to be warmed. We do half expressed milk and half formula.

ColoradoHiker

yl1m32015 said:

brittbee0715 said:

@yl1m32015 when you exclusively pumped did you milk supply drop? If not how did you keep it up?

My supply skyrocketed when I started EPing. The best way to keep it up is to pump consistently and empty every time. For the first couple weeks I pumped every 1-2 hours for stimulation. Now, 6w later I pump every 4-6 hours and I produce enough to have 5-6 full bottles in the fridge at all times, and 2 bags to freeze everyday. So I actually have an oversupply now. But I'm cool with that.

This. I EP, pump about 7x a day (generally every 3-4 hr), and get around 5oz per breast per session- way more than needed, but I'm fine with it. It's a commitment, but I usually only pump for ten to fifteen min, until I'm empty. I'll go an extra five min past empty if my supply seems to be dropping a little, and that helps after a day or two.

Also, there is absolutely no shame in FFing. That was and still is my plan if my supply drops too much, or I finally tire of pumping (DS is 6w). Don't let anyone guilt trip you for making sure your baby is fed. Formula is a great thing, too, so don't feel bad if you use it. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about EPing.

Gingermom15

I hear Fearless Formula Feeders is a great support group if you decide or need to go that route.

LeggoxMyxPreggo

I gave up after a week. He was always crying because he was hungry. There is no shame in making sure your child is fed.

I use the newborn Enfamil formula because it was what the hospital had on hand when I first tried FF. I heard great things about Similac too.

kleshelle

I just called my pediatrician, they recommended the sensitive similac since she has acid reflux... Told me to start introducing it maybe 2 feedings today and up it tomorrow. (Also this could potentially help me put milk back) so now it's just up to me to give up on it all together or not.

littlebitmom

Thank you for posting this. I feel the same way. I've been BFing her exclusively 3 1/2 weeks. I am losing my mind. She had her tongue clipped but is still so gassy and fussy. I don't know how much she is eating, then she throws up/spits up and I don't know what to do. People talk about letting down and stuff, and I have no idea what that means or feels like. Breastfeeding is so hard. I think about switching to formula almost every feeding. Especially when I feel like I can't get any break because of BFing.

redfallon

There's also a formula feeding forum on TB. It's not as active as other forums, but it's there

groovylocks

yl1m32015 said:

Breastfeeding is HARD. It's way tougher than anyone tells you. You are NOT a failure. However you feed your child is just fine. Breastfeeding didn't work for me either, I choose to exclusively pump. You have to do what works for you.

This. There are some great formulas out there too! Honest Company makes some! My niece was exclusively ff and not only is a freaking genius but has a strong, deep bond with my sister. Your lo will be just fine with a loving mom like you behind her.

UptownPearl

The woman I nanny for had her 4th this summer and gave up BF after 3 weeks and switched completely to formula. She didn't feel like she could make enough and with 3 other kids couldn't sit as long and as often as her baby needed. I completely support her decision and feelings and am understanding. That being said, her baby immediately had horrible gas issues when she switched to formula. Her whole body would go rigid for hours on end while she cried and screamed. She started spitting up a significant amount close to a dozen times a day, covering everything (including myself) in vomit every day. Six months later she is adjusting better, but still has a lot of gestational issues. Because of that experience I can see how beneficial it is to try your best to continue BF, even though it's a lot of hard and frustrating work. What's most important is for you to do what works for you, whether that be BFing, pumping, formula, or a mixture, I just wanted to share with you my only experience with a solely fed formula baby. That's not to say other babies don't do great on formula, I just haven't had that experience myself unfortunately. I hear lactation consultants can make all the difference, I would have one on speed dial and plan to! (BTW, I just want to clarify I'm not against formula and definitely plan to use the samples I've gotten in the mail, there should be zero judgement about what each mom decides is best for her and her baby)

Gingermom15

I think this would be a great subject to sticky to the top of the board. We have a breastfeeding support thread, why not a formula thread? I'm certain FF mom's need support and advice just as much as BF moms. Maybe more because there are so many formula/bottle options available and every baby is different.

JStill0603

Lurker from N15, DS was born dec 8th. I wanted to and tried BF and pumping but by 1 week old, DS was exclusively FF. We use similar sensitive and have had no issues. It took the pressure off of me after I got over the initial "baby blues" of not being able to BF. My milk never fully came in, the most I could pump at a time was 10ml when I combined what I got from both breasts. DH was back at work, I was trying to take care of a newborn and my 5.5yo SS and pump every 2 hours and it was a nightmare. Once I made my mind up to FF, everything got instantly easier. DS slept longer (3 hour stretches) and was satisfied, I got some sleep as feedings now took 30-45 minutes instead of 1.5-2 hours, I'm happy, he's happy, daddy can feed him when he's home, it's really been a win-win for us. I knew I was at least going to have to supplement if not lose my supply all together when I went back to work in Feb so we just went with what worked and all 3 of us are no worse for the ware. (Also pedi and nurses said FF was just fine and not to be upset or ashamed about it)

yl1m32015

ssn109 said:

yl1m32015 said:

brittbee0715 said:

@yl1m32015 when you exclusively pumped did you milk supply drop? If not how did you keep it up?

My supply skyrocketed when I started EPing. The best way to keep it up is to pump consistently and empty every time. For the first couple weeks I pumped every 1-2 hours for stimulation. Now, 6w later I pump every 4-6 hours and I produce enough to have 5-6 full bottles in the fridge at all times, and 2 bags to freeze everyday. So I actually have an oversupply now. But I'm cool with that.

How did you switch? I'm seriously thinking about doing it, but haven't even gotten a full ounce pumping after feedings in the last 24 hours. I'm worried about him having enough while I switch.

Bfing never worked for us. My daughter was a premie and was literally too small and weak to bf. We used a syringe for the first while. After she gained weight we kept trying but she struggled to suck and eventually was already accustomed to the bottle. LCs told me to get rid of the bottles and force her to nurse, but being that she was only 4lbs I refused to let her lose any weight due to ME wanting her to bf.

brittbee0715

Thanks ladies. You guys have made me feel better about using formula. I'm going to try to pump and FF that way he's still getting my milk as well. You guys are awesome!

hummingbird35

@littlebitmom have you tried keeping baby upright during feedings and 20-30 minutes post feeding? That's what my pedi said to do and he hasn't spit up since! & is less gassy I think. 

littlebitmom

VegDumpling said:

@littlebitmom have you tried keeping baby upright during feedings and 20-30 minutes post feeding? That's what my pedi said to do and he hasn't spit up since! & is less gassy I think. 

@VegDumpling yes. We've tried all that. She is now on baby Zantac, I do think that is helping! Poor thing has some stomach issues

Mizuiro007

@littlebitmom Is it vomit or spit up and is it shortly after feeding or longer? Does it seem like there's gas with it? Is it while she's still upright or right after laying her down? We went through a lot with DS when we were trying to figure out what his stomach issues were and these were things we looked at.

kleshelle

Does formula make babies spit up more than breast milk? I gave baby her first bottle of formula today to test how she would do, she spit up SO much & afterwards she cried and cried like her belly hurt... I gave her juice to help her poop and she's been popping awesome since... Not sure if it was juice or formula that made her bowels start up good.

RSB1982

I'm currently still in the hospital and working with lactation consultants.  I didn't think breastfeeding was going to be a piece of cake, but man, you just can't prepare for it.  I get so frustrated - she's hungry but won't latch, or she'll latch and then won't suck.  And she's usually screaming while trying to feed to top it off.  I'm going to keep at it and see where it goes but I totally get why mom's choose to formula feed.  I may be one of them.... this process can wear one down emotionally and I need to keep it together for Alice's sake!

brittbee0715

@kleshelle I'm not sure about formula making babies spit up more but I did read that babies poop more when on formula. It said that with breast milk, since it is designed by your body for your baby, it has less "waste" than formula. What kind of formula are you using? We are using gerber good start gentle and DS hasn't spit up or vomited since we started him on it. The nurse at the hospital told us that most of the babies that where on enfamil newborn where spitting up more than the ones that were on gerber good start gentle. I would try different kinds until baby finds one she likes.

katy4128

We decided to start FF after a stressful first two weeks. Lo had bad jaundice first off so we had to do home phototherapy then I had a feeling he wasn't BFing well. Turns out I was right and he some how wasn't getting enough. We went for his two week check and he didn't gain any weight since we left the hospital. I decided that we were moving on to formula. He is now a little over 3 weeks old and has gained a pound in a week since switching to formula. He is still a little thing weighing 8lbs 1oz but he is doing so much better! I was a little sad about not BFing anymore but it just didn't work out.

kleshelle

@brittbee0715 I had her try similac sensitive.. With my breast milk she's having issues pooping so I was amazed when she blew it up after formula although she screamed for a little bit until it was ready to come out. Maybe formula will be better for her belly than my milk? I'm not sure the spitting up worried me & I felt bad holding her while she screamed.. so I continued breast milk the rest of the day. Maybe try again tomorrow?



Also, how are you suppose to warm formula up? I just mixed it w room temp water and gave it to her.. She didn't seem to mind.

littlebitmom

Mizuiro007 said:

@littlebitmom Is it vomit or spit up and is it shortly after feeding or longer? Does it seem like there's gas with it? Is it while she's still upright or right after laying her down? We went through a lot with DS when we were trying to figure out what his stomach issues were and these were things we looked at.

@Mizuiro007 mostly spit up but sometimes vomit and its when she is still upright. At 4:15am I had fed her about 10 minutes before and then all of a sudden she threw up all over her and me. She was elevated when this happened....

Mizuiro007

littlebitmom said:

Mizuiro007 said:

@littlebitmom Is it vomit or spit up and is it shortly after feeding or longer? Does it seem like there's gas with it? Is it while she's still upright or right after laying her down? We went through a lot with DS when we were trying to figure out what his stomach issues were and these were things we looked at.

@Mizuiro007 mostly spit up but sometimes vomit and its when she is still upright. At 4:15am I had fed her about 10 minutes before and then all of a sudden she threw up all over her and me. She was elevated when this happened....

@littlebitmom If she's upright when it's happening that does not sound like reflux to me. Doesn't sound like she ate long enough to have over eaten either. Have you tried different formulas?

esscapelle

@littlebitmom is your LO drinking too fast by chance? I supplemented BFing with a bottle the other day for my little guy and he drank it way too fast and spit up what seemed like the entire bottle. So now if I supplement with a bottle, I give him 2-3 breaks during drinking it to burp him and make sure he isn't gulping too fast.

*edited because I directed at the wrong person.

Mizuiro007

esscapelle said:

@Mizuiro007 is your LO drinking too fast by chance? I supplemented BFing with a bottle the other day for my little guy and he drank it way too fast and spit up what seemed like the entire bottle. So now if I supplement with a bottle, I give him 2-3 breaks during drinking it to burp him and make sure he isn't gulping too fast.

I think you meant this for @littlebitmom. Maybe try a slower flow nipple? A lot of moms in the bf thread have said they've gotten better results with Dr Brown's bottles with preemie nipples.

redfallon

@kleshelle said:

Does formula make babies spit up more than breast milk? I gave baby her first bottle of formula today to test how she would do, she spit up SO much & afterwards she cried and cried like her belly hurt... I gave her juice to help her poop and she's been popping awesome since... Not sure if it was juice or formula that made her bowels start up good.

You can also try a slow-flow nipple. Sometimes even the #1 size nipple can be too big and baby drinks too fast. That's what happened when I tried a regular #1 size the other day. We have some slow-flow ones that we got from the hospital, but they also come with those ready-to-use 2 oz formula bottles.

Gingermom15

Is it possible that a sudden switch could make babies belly upset, as well? Maybe try an ounce or two at a time after breastmilk if possible, the increasing the amount of formula. Also, the preemie nipple has been a life saver for us. Henry is 6 weeks and still using it when we feed him pumped milk. I bought it mainly to mimick the slow flow of the breast but helped with his reflux and gas tons.