Who's formula feeding?

rachlee2010

Just needing some support as we move from nursing/pumped milk to all formula. There were a bunch of factors in deciding to make the full switch to formula and would love to see who is with me for whatever reasons you have/had to not breastfeed either at all or anymore. 

Our main factors were I was always in pain..went to a lactation consultant and it didn't help.  I didn't enjoy it..Felt really tied down to the baby and the house and that I couldn't leave him for more than 2 hours. It wasn't allowing me to spend as much time with my older son to name a few.  

LadyBugMe101

I am exclusively formula feeding. I did not get past week 3 with my little guy. For one I was not producing regardless of all I tried to get my milk supply up causing frustration for both me and baby. My mother and sister were unable to produce as well, I guess I was hoping I would and put all this pressure on myself. His feeding needs were much more than anything I could provide. It was not an easy decision, I kept pumping and pumping and I would get maybe half an oz. I even saw a consultant to make sure I was using the pump properly. 

You are not alone, I struggled with the switch. Obviously we all wish this to be a wonderful experience but for some of us it is not.

MollySm

I have FF all 3 of my girls.   I have extremely sensitive breasts,  and so I just can't BF.   My sister,  mom and grandma all have the same problem.   I love FF,  and don't feel at all sad that my kids don't get breast milk.   I love the bond my  husband has with even our littlest babies.   I love cuddling them and feeding them,  so I don't worry about missing out on bfing.   But I do have a hard time with the fact that my body doesn't work the way it is supposed to,  and with feeling like there is this club I cannot join.   For the most part though,  I am good with my decision and formula feeding works great.  

m6agua

 I have been exclusively FF since  she was one week old.  I was able to  BF in the hospital to get her colostrum. But when I got home everything got really difficult. I got the flu  and she was always hungry. We met with the LC and found out that my milk never really came in and I wasn't producing anything (like 5-10 mL).

She isn't picky and liked all the different types of formula we tried so we went with the Costco brand (which is similac) because it's way cheaper! However she wasn't pooping often and finally once it was too difficult for her to pass I had to give her a suppository. We are using Enfamil Gentalese now and hoping to switch back to Costco once her digestive system matures a bit.

She is now 7.5 weeks and eating about 4-5 oz every 4-5 hours. We are working on getting longer stretches at night.

how much are your babies eating?

MollySm

Mine is 6weeks, and is eating about 4oz every 3 or so hours during the day.   She sometimes does one 5-6 hour stretch at night,  but often it's 3-4 hours.   

kvruns

@m6agua how often did you th different brands or kinds? I have s ton of samples I know I will use but I worry about switching betweeen Enfamil (that he gets some of now) and Similac (which I have ton of samples)

rachlee2010

I am worried about switching too @kvruns
We are still doing whatever frozen breastmilk I have during the day and formula at night.  He is getting similac advanced.  He went from pooping a ton to not pooping for 3 days. We also have similac for supplementation which I probably should have started with but wondering if I should try that for now and then go to the advance. They say the supplementation on has more prebiotic to keep their poops like breastfed baby poops. Or should I try the sensitive.  he doesn't seem too uncomfortable except sometimes he does seem to be trying to poop and either nothing comes out or just farts do.  

I also have samples of enfamil and gerber but again worry about switching and upsetting his tummy.  

MollySm

I have switched my kids before,  and they never had any issues with it.   But they have relatively strong stomachs.   

rachlee2010

Ok thanks @MollySm
The ingredients are exactly the same so I may try the supplementation one since we have it (probably should have done it first) and then when it's finished go back to the advance.
What formula do you use?

MollySm

I used Similac advanced with my first.   With my it her 2, I used Similac advanced liquid to start,  and then transitioned to the Costco Kirkland formula,  which is what I am using now. 

m6agua

I tried enfamil newborn, gentalese, Gerber, and Costco. I was switching every time I mixed formula for a bit. I do think it messed with her a little so then I just stuck to one can, finished it and then did the next until I decided on what one I was going to use.

m6agua

FYI the Costco brand formula is about .50 per ounce where the other brands are typically 1.00+ per ounce.

BLyn627

Our experience with switching formulas: We are supplementing right now, but we've been through several different types of formula bc they were all samples from our pediatrician every time we go in for a weight check. We started with similac for supplementation 2oz ready to feeds, then switched to enfamil infant individual powder packs, and now enfamil newborn can. We've had no problems switching around, but we didn't have problems switching with my daughter either. However, I do know some babies who have sensitive stomachs or who are just picky and can't be switched around. 

kvruns

@rachlee2010 I have Similac supplementation too but I wasn't sure what the difference was. Right now he has Enfamil newborn and supplement 

kvruns

Do those who switch also use the Gentleease and Sensitive samples? I have those plus Similac advance 

lenacoilbov

Hi guys! I'm exclusively formula feeding my lil guy who's 8 weeks! I didn't produce much at all in the hospital and generally just didn't feel that breastfeeding was for me. We've tried all the samples (similac, Enfamil Newborn & Gentlease) and he had a hard time with fussiness on all of them; he did okay with the Gentlease but was still crying a lot and had painful gas and pooping. We went to the pediatrician two weeks ago and she had me take stool samples and when they tested it, he had some blood in his stool she said that's indicative of a milk sensitivity (almost the other colicky symptoms as well as nasal congestion) and had us switch to Nutramigen - so far it's been a week but he's doing better, thank God!! It's definitely more expensive (35-40 per 20oz can) but SO worth it of course to see the lil one smiling and feeling better.

In terms of feeding amount- our pediatrician recommends 3oz every 2-3 hours, which we do during the day mostly, but he eats 4oz during nighttime feedings and that helps him sleep. What amounts are other people feeding? 

MollySm

My daughter is 6 weeks,  and she eats about 4 oz every 3 or so hours during the day.   At night she also takes 4oz, but it's sometimes longer between feedings.   I follow her cues as far as feedings,  but in general we try to follow eat,  play,  sleep.   So she usually eats right after she wakes from a nap.   

PrettyPalomino

DD has been on formula for a week and a bit now. She will be 8 weeks on tuesday.

Swapped to formula due to low supply (long story). She's having 4-5oz every 3ish hours, and sleeps 6-7 hours at night followed by a second 4-5 hour stretch (I know... life is good...)

We have her on nestle good start alsoy, and she likes it, no signs of reflux or gas, but unfortunately she's constipated her poops are clay-like clumps/balls, and she screams to get them out (and then passes out from exhaustion). 

Will this go away? I can't bare to see her struggle once a day!

BLyn627

@lenacoilbov, I've heard of some insurances covering all or at least part of the cost of  nutramigen. Most you have to meet certain requirements like it's deemed medically necessary and/or get it through a medical supplier, but it might be worth the call to your insurance to find out. 

rachlee2010

@PrettyPalomino  have you spoken to her pedi about her poops? I don't know if she just needs to adjust to the formula a bit more or if it's not a good formula for her?  I would def ask if there is something you can give her to help make pooping easier for her or if you should try a different formula.

I am hoping my son just starts pooping more frequently.  In the meantime he is making such stinky smelly farts since starting formula.  When he did finally poop yesterday it was the right consistency so he doesn't seem constipated. 

I did ask my pedi about switching from one formula to another bottle to bottle. Like we are currently using regular similac but my SIL uses similac sensitive for my 3.5month old niece. I asked if we are at their house is it bad to use their formula for that one bottle and then back to the regular at home..she said it was fine to do that.  

It looks like after today most likely we will be out of frozen breastmilk and he will be 100% on formula..I am kind of excited because I feel like then we can start working on a better schedule and amount.  I think with breastmilk he eats a different amount and goes shorter times between so it will be nice having some consistency.  Now if only my boobs will stop hurting and producing milk!

Anyone have tips for drying up? I'm using ice and cabbage leaves and eating peppermint stuff.

PrettyPalomino

@rachlee2010 I was doing the exact same, today was her last day on BM. I have been pumping for relief only when I was feeling full/uncomfortable. You're not supposed to pump to empty but I did, and the times I needed to pump got further and further apart very quickly. I'd say maybe over 4 days it dried up. And she got that fresh BM as I pumped. Now I'm done pumping, the boobs are officially permanently pancakes (omg slightly devastating. I hope they start to look more full like before!)

kvruns

I'm a little afraid of what my boobs will look like when I stop. They weren't much to begin with lol and I'm afraid it will be more deflated 

MollySm

I tried Sudafed this time,  at the suggestion of my OB.   I dried up much more quickly than with my last 2, so I think it helped! I took it as often as it said to on the package.   

m6agua

So I stopped BF at one week old so back in November (my milk never really came in). Yesterday my nipple was hurting and then when I looked at it I had a pimple with puss on the side of the nipple. I also noticed when I would push on the area I would have a little milk coming out.

Have you guys noticed milk coming out long after you stopped BF? I called the doctor and am waiting for the nurse to call back.

rachlee2010

@m6agua. It hasn't been as long for me. The last time I pumped was Thursday the 12 but my one boob is still leaking A ton. My breast pad gets so full. My boobs don't really hurt anymore but I am still leaking and thought I'd have stopped by now. 

lenacoilbov

I made this into its own post but it should probably go here... 

Hi all, I'm really hoping for your advice/experiences because I'm driving myself nuts.

My LO Gabe is almost 10 weeks old, we're formula feeding with Nutramigen since he has had milk sensitivity. Our pediatrician has advised that he eat 3-4oz every 3-4 hours. Our boy is a voracious eater! I don't know if Nutramigen passes through him faster because it's more broken down than regular formula, but he eats 4oz every 2.5 hours and the last two days it's been closer to every 2 hours. Over the course of 24 hours he's been consuming 32-36 ounces. He's been waking up every 2-3 hours during the night as well and he's HUNGRY. DH and I are debating whether we should try 5 ounces, and if so - during the day, or just at night? 

On the one hand, I feel a lot of anxiety that I'm overfeeding because he's eating more than the doctor advises, but on the other hand my mama instincts and what I've read online advise to feed a hungry baby! I'm scared that if I keep upping his ounces he'll keep eating and it will somehow be detrimental to him in the long run. 

If you're formula feeding, can you share how old your LO is and how much they eat, and do any of you have advice, personal experiences that can help ease my feeding OCD? Also, btw, he's in the 33 percentile for weight and 86 percentile for height, so he's by no means super chunky right now. TIA! 

m6agua

9w 4 days and eats between 3-5 ounces per bottle. She isn't chunky either.

@lenacoilbov maybe put 5 ounces in the bottle and see if your baby eats it all? I guess pay attention to your LOs cues when eating on if they are hungry or not.

I really was hoping to use the Costco brand formula but it seems to make my LOs poops thicker and makes her more constipated.

tvh1982

It's tough to know what to do @lenacoilbov.
Ive struggled a lot with my little girl who is now 12 weeks.
From feeding 14-16 times a day to 6 times a day. From smaller bottles to bigger bottles to not finishing them.
She might have cowsmilk allergi, so we were in a biscuits circle. Once we changed the formula she was overcompensating and wanted to drink a lot. Now she hates the taste (it's quite bitter) so she eats just enough.
We swopped formula again today.

Id say listen to your mummy instinct, she knows! As your LO is eating so often he already eats more than he is recommended by doctors. So why not offering more and let him drink what he needs. He might just drink less often just a bigger bottle. And he might not want more, sometimes it's just a drop or two extra they are craving!
See if he is fuzzy when drinking. If so he's not really enjoying his bottle and won't get satisfied. He then wants food again quicker. 
The formula my little girl got was horrible, I tried it and it was disgusting, she was not amused when eating it. Today we tried a different one that tastes more like 'regular' formula.

But again listen to your instincts, I wish I did sooner, it would have saved me some sleepless nights!

hjmommaplus1

@tvh1982- what formulas have you tried due to the cows milk issue? My LO has a dairy intolerance too and we're using nutramagen. She's not a fan.

m6agua

Im bummed the Costco brand formula isn't going to work. LO gets constipated. We are now trying Aldi's brand and then on to target and Walmart brands. If non of these work we will need to go with Enfamil. 

tvh1982

I live in the Netherlands @hjmommaplus1, so unsure we have the same brands.

Hero nutrasense pep is the one I used, but my girl is not a fan of the taste.
We then tried Nutrilon HA (which is hypoallergenic) she liked the taste, but as it's to prevent cowsmilk allergy she reacted on it after her 4th bottle. (We were unsure she was allergic or just sensitive. Reacting on that one shows she's allergic)

I will now try Nutrilon Pepti. I just got called about that. The plan was to use the Nutragimen, but they are out of stock.

Difference between these brands is how they are created. If they have eHF-W (extensively hydrolyzed whey) or eHF-C (extensively hydrolyzed casein)
Hero Pep: has both
Nutrilon Pepti: eHF-W
Nutragimen: eHF-C
It apparently tastes a little different. So now it's just finding one she finds less horrible.
Ive read it helps if they don't smell it. Not sure how much my little girl can smell it once it's in the bottle...

lenacoilbov

Has anyone tried/used Neocate? 

sarac986

So my lo supposedly has reflux and has been on previous for two weeks. He cries and cries after he eats and wrenches like he is in pain. He are using Dr. Browns, similac total comfort, mylicon with every feeding. I have noticed a slight difference. I might get two to three hours a day where he is actually happy and content. I  worried about sending him to daycare and having him left crying all day because he gets so inconsolable. We have tried the similac sensitive with no relief. I head that the Gerber formula is different? Anyone have any luck with that? I'm going to ask my PED about it today. 

tvh1982

I am not familiar with any of those formulas, are any of the above for when your LO is allergic or sensitive to cows milk?
When reading how your LO reacts after feeding he very much resembles my little girl. First they thought she was just sensitive, but now they figured out she's allergic.
She is doing so much better with a formula especially for babies with cow milk allergy.

m6agua

@sarac986 maybe start trying different brands. Also maybe some soy based formulas. I am in the process of trying different ones because certain kinds seem to effect her poop and make it harder to pass.

RhodaMorgenstern

My daughter reacted the same way as your LO. It didn't stop until we switched her to a dairy free/soy free formula. We tried everything; gentlease, reguline, one for sensitive stomachs. We use it as a supplement to breast milk which is good because A hates the taste. Maybe you should talk to the pediatrician about trying the dairy green formula?

tvh1982

Before trying soy based formula I would check for the cowsmilk allergi as you then also could react to soy based formula.
What did your PED say today's @sarac986?

sarac986

So we are going to try nutragimen for a milk allergy since the prevacid helped only a little. Plus we had a family history of needing it. Of it helps we will try and get off the reflux medicine

sarac986

On another note. I found our that my insurance will cover some of the costs of formula for home delivery. Even the regular types. All I need is a script.  Worth checking into your coverage. Every little bit helps

SandNStarsNJ

This might be weird but does anyone have a need for 5 or 6 cans of formula? I can't remember what types they are but I have a few samples that I held onto incase BF wasn't a reality. I'm willing to mail them if anyone is interested - just private message me your address. I swear I'm not trying to be creepy. Throwing them out feels like such a waste. 

m6agua

SandNStarsNJ said:

This might be weird but does anyone have a need for 5 or 6 cans of formula? I can't remember what types they are but I have a few samples that I held onto incase BF wasn't a reality. I'm willing to mail them if anyone is interested - just private message me your address. I swear I'm not trying to be creepy. Throwing them out feels like such a waste. 

If you have Enfamil Gentalease I would take that. That's so nice of you.

otherwise it might be easier for you to give them to someone you know in your area so you don't have to mail them. I know in my area there is a kids sale FB group and people put stuff like that on there all the time.