If you don't plan on BF or you plan on EPing...

coachg · April 2011

How do you plan on handling this conversation at the hospital (or if you are a 2nd time mom, how did you handle this)?

I always assume the nurses are going to be pushy with BFing and not cooperate if you choose to do formula or EP. When the nurse comes to teach you how to BF your baby, do you just say "No, I'm not BFing, bring me formula?" I just want to be prepared for how to handle the situation and make it the least amount awkward as possible.

nbbride06 · April 2011

I do plan on BFing. However, when I went to L&D a couple weeks ago with contractions (all is fine now), they asked me if I planned on BFing along with if I wanted an epidural etc. So, my guess is that it's fairly standard practice to ask you prior to actually having the baby.

mbritto4 · April 2011

You can ask for a pump while in the hospital. Mine was very pro breastfeeding, but had formula available.

lucylea · April 2011

I breastfed, and will again, and went to a pro-BFing hospital, but upon admission they simply asked if you were formula or breastfeeding and then noted it in your chart as well as on the baby's bassinet. I didn't feel like I got pressure either way. I've had two friends deliver at the same hospital and FF and they both had similar experiences with no pressure. They also asked about pacifiers and noted that too.

ETA: Also, at the other hospital in town its the opposite of what you are expecting. BFing moms are constantly pushed to FF and have a hard time getting support.

mainemommy · April 2011

They asked me when I checked in if I wanted to BF or FF. Then they asked me again after baby was born. Never pushed one way or another I loved it. I didnt want guilt over not BFing after just giving birth.

12bailey18 · April 2011

My doctor's and nurses were all very supportive of my decision. (Even the LC was nice to me...LOL) I just told them that I'm bottle feeding and they were very accomodating. They asked me if I had any questions about it (how often, how much, etc.) and that was it. No side eyes or conversation about it. That's what I liked about my whole labor and delivery process; I got to decide what I wanted and nobody ever pushed anything on me.

miller4285 · April 2011

The hospital I had my others at, the nurse didn't teach you to BF. A lactation consultant did. So they would only send her to you if you were bfing OR pumping (for tips on how to effectively pump). If you were formula feeding, the nurse still gave you info on breastfeeding, in case you changed your mind....or maybe decided to try it along with ffing. So nothing was pushed on you. They had special diaper bags for BFing moms with no formula samples or coupons.

abergale · April 2011

I bf last time and will again this time but my hospital was not pushy. They actually asked when I got there I planned to bf, had brought a pump, or wanted formula brought to the room. When I said I wanted to bf she asked the appropriate questions for that. Also they didn't really come to teach me to breastfed. She asked if I felt that I need assistance and she asked if I wanted to see the LC when she arrived. Nothing pushy at all. When you get settled and are assigned a nurse this is something you can talk about. Are you going on a hospital tour? Ask how they handle this for your specific hospital. I think now there are so many women that do a combo or one of the three so I don't think bfing gets pushed at least from my experience. Good Luck!

momtoRaegan041008 · April 2011

I believe they asked me when we got to the hospital. They will also ask if you want your child to have a pacifier. I BF/EP, but I just thought I would answer your question.

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