Getting rid of formula samples

Mike_Patti

Here's a question for all you ebf moms:

How and when did you get rid of the formula samples that you had?

 

DD is 4 months and we have 5 cans of unused formula in the cabinet. I don't plan to ever use it. DH is suggesting I give it away to a family member who doesn't want to BF. Somehow it still seems soon, like I would be jinxing myself on my EBFing mission. I also feel weird about encouraging exclusive FF.

gidge

My friend gave me hers when her DD turned 6mo and they started solids.  I will probably pass any unused samples on around the same time depending on how my supply is.  I hope to be back to EBF by then (just in time to start solids:P)

lil_jen051708

Mike_Patti:

I also feel weird about encouraging exclusive FF.

I gave it away to a family member who is FF and I also send along the checks/coupons I get for formula.  I don't get the problem with your "encouraging exclusive FF" as long as the baby gets fed, who cares if it's BF or FF.  Some people can't or don't want to BF.  Why should you let the formula go to waste?

mle929

I gave it away. I posted it for free on craigslist or gave it to a friend who works at a daycare center, so the babies there could use it. I passed along the formula checks to the same friend. Formula is food. I prefer not to waste it.

jennygirlmt

It never occurred to me that I was jinxing anything. I got some samples in the mail and donated them to a food bank at Thanksgiving.

Jbleigh

I kept one kind of formula (already used when I had my gallbladder taken out last month, thank God we had it), and sent the rest to the food pantry at my church.

tokenhoser

They went to the food bank shortly after they arrived. Even if I did need formula, I can buy it. A food bank user probably can't.

violajack

I kept my samples as a "just in case" back up until I felt confident in my freezer stash and my ability to replenish it with pumping as needed. Then I gave them away to friends who who use formula. That was around 3.5 months. 

MississippiCatfish

I don't like the temptation of having it in the house, should we go through a rough patch with breastfeeding. So I give it away as I get it.

Christina_Diane

I am taking my formula samples to school this week (I am a teacher) because we are having a canned food drive for needy families in our district. 

ETA: I've just now felt comfortable parting with the samples. LO is almost 8 months old, I have about 200 oz frozen, and I've got a three week break from work coming up soon.  

pepomntpat

lil_jen051708:

Mike_Patti:

I also feel weird about encouraging exclusive FF.

I gave it away to a family member who is FF and I also send along the checks/coupons I get for formula.  I don't get the problem with your "encouraging exclusive FF" as long as the baby gets fed, who cares if it's BF or FF.  Some people can't or don't want to BF.  Why should you let the formula go to waste?

'

This. You are not encouraging anything. She already made her decision.  

meganandchase

Formula is like gold in shelters or at food banks.  Donate it!

bpv101283

Gave mine to the food bank when my son was about a month old. Figured we could buy it if we needed it.

kalette

I threw mine away. It never occurred to me that I could donate them anywhere+. I just didn't want them in the house to tempt me while I was having BF troubles, which I believe is their intent.

pb_bride

A friend of mine is due in 2 months, so I might give them to her if she's interested.  If not, one of the children's hospital in town takes formula donation for the "failure to thrive" babies.  It would be a shame to throw formula out, esp considering how expensive they are!