Hospitals and Formula

ehicks · December 2012

Anyone elses hospital not giving away samples of formula anymore?

They will provide it during our stay but my impression is that we don't receive samples at discharge.

I'm pretty angry about it, I mean I get WHY they're doing it, because it "discourages" breastfeeding and it upset too many people, but we really relied on those samples.

I'm not sure what formula we will use, I assumed I'd wait to see what she took at the hospital then send DH to the store before we come home to load up on our home supply. How are you choosing? I have coupons for both Enfamil and Similac.

Since we won't get a batch to take home bc of this new rule should I decide now and go buy a few cans?

mammamia24 · December 2012

I'm assuming your going to FF right? Either way I'd only buy 1 can and see how LO does. If LO does good with that kind I stock up on it then. We used the similac sensitive with DS (after trying 3 others) when we were suppliminting and finally strait FFing.

janecanadian · December 2012

We breastfed but did supplement with formula here and there (DD had a 2 week NICU stay and it was a while before we established a solid BF routine) so we started off using Similac Sensitive because that is what she was given in the hospital. If she would have had trouble tolerating it I would have tried something different then. When I stopped BF at 6 months we went to using Similar Sensitive on a full time basis and slowly switched over to Similac Advance to see if she would tolerate lactose and the changeover was successful.

you are not likely to know with the first few days if your LO isn't tolerating the formula you chose so why not pick one you feel comfortable with and buy a bit of a supply of it. Then if you notice that your LO is having trouble with reflux, gas, constipation, etc. start looking into solutions. Maybe it's probiotic drops she needs, maybe she needs a new formula, etc.

ANA6 · December 2012

We had Similac with DD, but we switched so much on other Similac eventually Good start ended up being the best. DD was sensitive she had bad lactose problems.

I didn't buy it till we went home, I found out hospitals switch brands a lot since they get samples from all the companies. I would wait till LO is born and have someone pick it up before you leave the hospital. I did the same with diapers I had gotten all brands, but the hospital provided pampers swaddlers I used them till DD out grew swaddlers then I switched to another brand pampers wasn't as leak proof on the next level, when Huggins brought out slip ons we used them till potty training began.

jinnymb · December 2012

You can also go to each brand's website and sign up for mailings and they should send you some samples and coupons. Ask your OB, cause I just got a free case of enfamil formula I gave to a friend through some special at my OB's office.

If money is an issue at all, I would go ahead and buy the sample packs of generic and start them off with that. I FF DS1 and used Similac. When they did the bug recall we switched to Costco brand and it was fine so I never paid for the name brands again.

ehicks · December 2012

We will be exclusively FFing. We went through 2 kinds with DD before finding one that agreed with her belly. She needed a sensitive formula.

I guess I could take my coupons and get a can of regular Enfamil, since I know they use that at the hospital, and just wait and see?

acesup · December 2012

I don't see how giving samples of formula discourages BF. That's absurd. If people want to BF, they will and they will try however hard works for them. If they decide it's not for them, so be it. I highly doubt anyone chose not to BF because their hospital gave free samples.

anyway, my hospital sent us home with formula last time and as far as i know they will again. We started DD on what she had at the hospital and then went from there. she had reflux and we went through several formulas before finding one that worked. we may ask if the hospital has the one that worked with DD, otherwise we will probably start with what they have and switch if we have to.

lkm2006 · December 2012

I would probably only buy a small can or two. Formula is readily available at grocery stores and it would be a pain to buy regular formula and then have to switch over to one for gas, reflux, etc.

Make sure to sign up on different websites so you can receive checks. They can be combined with coupons. Also, the swap board is a great place to exchange checks or coupons. For example, you could mail your simliac coupons to someone who has enfamil coupons.

kerbear135 · December 2012

Do they provide it on demand only (ie when baby wants to eat) or do they give you several containers that they leave in the room so baby can eat whenever? If they leave some in the room, could you stick it in your bag around shift change, and then when you meet your new nurse, ask for more? The hospitals don't pay for the formula anyway, the formula companies provide it for free. Maybe you'll get lucky and get a nurse that will slip you extra, but I'd try making what you have disappear and asking for more if they don't hold it for feeding time only. We choose Similac b/c they sent me an entire container of powder for free through the mail since I signed up for their online program, and so far she seems to be tolerating it fine (btw, the mailer contained an entire container of Similac Advanced AND Similac sensitive, plus a free bottle and 4 $5 coupons)

mommysangels · December 2012

My kid's pediatrician gives out "samples" (it's a full sized can) when I need it, but max of once a month. You could try that. Companies will send you samples but I see you don't have 6-8 weeks for shipping. We'll I guess that's all I can think of.

ehicks · December 2012

I signed up on the Similac and Enfamil websites so I could start getting checks and samples.

I'm not sure how often they bring you formula in the hospital now. I'm assuming they'll give me whatever I want, how could you say no? I'll try to send some home with DH when he leaves each day. I also know they kept bottles, blankets, diapers, pads and wipes in cabinets outside the rooms, maybe I can sneak some supplies out of there too. We totally filled a bag with DD but the nurse told us to haha

I'm just sad they won't give out the sample cans anymore... They only have the little individual bottles.

I'll ask my OB what the hospital provides and if there's a brand they try first and go from there.

jensriot · December 2012

I second asking your pediatrician. Mine will give samples of different brands but only if requested. The cans are small, but they gave me several at a time.

breannep · December 2012

Hospitals really shouldn't be in the product marketing business - which is exactly what giving out free samples of products is - plus formula would be much cheaper for everyone if formula companies would stay out of hospitals and doctor offices. There are actually worldwide guidelines on the ethical marketing of formula...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Code_of_Marketing_of_Breast-milk_Substitutes

However - despite the politics around formula marketing and hospitals, the best advice I have heard is to choose a cheaper generic formula (like walmart or costco brand) and start with it - since if you're baby tolerates it, it will save you tons of money in the long run, and the generic products aren't really any different in composition than the fancy brands...

stardust317 · December 2012

I haven't heard anything about this, but I would ask for a few to take home.

kelliejo74 · December 2012

My husband and I just had a meet and greet with our soon to be ped. This exact same question came up.Basically we were told that the hospital switches up formula all the time. They use what they have on hand and it could change daily. When we asked what type he recommended we were told that for the most part they're the same just watch the binding ingredients. Not that there bad - some are just higher in iron and such. He also mentioned that the store brands are just as good. With all of that we decided to start with Similac. The only reason for that is because I have tons of great coupons for it. We also plan on bringing it to the hospital with us. We want to start with the formula we plan to use at home.

zonagirlie · December 2012

ehicks:
I signed up on the Similac and Enfamil websites so I could start getting checks and samples. I'm not sure how often they bring you formula in the hospital now. I'm assuming they'll give me whatever I want, how could you say no? I'll try to send some home with DH when he leaves each day. I also know they kept bottles, blankets, diapers, pads and wipes in cabinets outside the rooms, maybe I can sneak some supplies out of there too. We totally filled a bag with DD but the nurse told us to haha I'm just sad they won't give out the sample cans anymore... They only have the little individual bottles. I'll ask my OB what the hospital provides and if there's a brand they try first and go from there.

If you are that hard up for supplies that you need to steal from the hospital, look into WIC (Women Infant and Children) program of your state so you can get assistance. It's not a hotel and you're not Ross Gellar.

nanabanana06 · December 2012

If your going to a 'Baby Friendly' hospital they dispense formula like medicine. They have to keep a log of how many bottles they check out, ect. They are doing this more for the nurses than for you. It prevents nurses from becoming formula pushers for those mothers who do not want to FF.

Just ask which brands they have. Usually you have a few options.

ehicks · December 2012

zonagirlie:
ehicks:
I signed up on the Similac and Enfamil websites so I could start getting checks and samples.

I'm not sure how often they bring you formula in the hospital now. I'm assuming they'll give me whatever I want, how could you say no? I'll try to send some home with DH when he leaves each day. I also know they kept bottles, blankets, diapers, pads and wipes in cabinets outside the rooms, maybe I can sneak some supplies out of there too. We totally filled a bag with DD but the nurse told us to haha

I'm just sad they won't give out the sample cans anymore... They only have the little individual bottles.

I'll ask my OB what the hospital provides and if there's a brand they try first and go from there.
If you are that hard up for supplies that you need to steal from the hospital, look into WIC (Women Infant and Children) program of your state so you can get assistance. It's not a hotel and you're not Ross Gellar.
 

LoL

ehicks · December 2012

GhostMonkey:
stardust317:
I haven't heard anything about this, but I would ask for a few to take home.
And you should and likely will be charged full retail for each and every one. 
Here's a news flash- this is YOUR child. YOU are responsible for feeding them. That means you should be planning on buying their food.
 
 
 

Wow hahahaha who spit in your cheerios this morning?

kellyrn9956 · December 2012

ehicks:
GhostMonkey:
stardust317:
I haven't heard anything about this, but I would ask for a few to take home.
And you should and likely will be charged full retail for each and every one.
Here's a news flash- this is YOUR child. YOU are responsible for feeding them. That means you should be planning on buying their food.

Wow hahahaha who spit in your cheerios this morning?

i totally agree with GM and I had a wonderful bowl of spit free Cheerios this morning. I work in a hospital. Do you have any idea of the cost of these supplies to the hospital? Supply budget overages = less dollars for staffing costs. If everyone had your mentality of "I'll just grab a few things out of the supply closet" the cost of supplies would become ridiculous. Feed your kid with your own money. And whatever nurse told you to take supplies would be fired where I work. Stealing. Point blank.

Momma2Michelle · December 2012

GhostMonkey:
stardust317:
I haven't heard anything about this, but I would ask for a few to take home.
And you should and likely will be charged full retail for each and every one.
Here's a news flash- this is YOUR child. YOU are responsible for feeding them. That means you should be planning on buying their food.

This. I'm not sure why you would expect the hospital to supply you with formula. It's a nice perk for sure, but they aren't required and they do pay for the formula and for the diapers. Also just as an FYI, if you guys make a habit of stashing formula to try and get more they will figure it out. Most rooms are stocked with a couple of 6 packs of the bottles and they know that you won't be going through more than 2 a day, max, or you are overfeeding. Usually when you leave, if you've been good to the nurses they will pack you up a bag of diapers, wipes, and formula bottles/nipples. Many formula companies also supply take home diaper bags that often have samples and some other cool baby items. The individual bottles are great because they can be served at room temp, all you have to do is shake them, take off the lid and snap on a nipple, no water mixing required.

I also second emailing the formula companies for coupons/samples and you can ask for samples at your OB/Pediatrician if they have them. If you are worried about changing the brand of formula that baby will be given in the hospital, I'd call up to L&D/mother baby (postpartum) and ask them what brand they are currently using so you can stock up on a few cans prior to babies arrival. Our hospital changed twice a year, January and July.

jglenn4 · December 2012

I don't condone helping yourself to the supplies in the supply closet just because you can, but I also recall reading in a few sources (when NY hospitals agreed to stop providing formula samples to new mothers) that a lot of the formula used in hospitals is provided gratis by the formula companies as part of the company's marketing (apparently studies show that mothers stick with the brand provided by the hospitals as a PP mentioned).

ASmallWonder · December 2012

I don't get what the samples have to do with the trouble in figuring out what kind your kid will eat. Buy a can. If it doesn't work, buy a different brand. Even if your hospital gives you formula, they'll only stock your room with one kind so you're still in the "if this kind doesn't work I'll have to go buy a different kind" boat.

PipSqueak0313 · December 2012

JenS2203:
I second asking your pediatrician. Mine will give samples of different brands but only if requested. The cans are small, but they gave me several at a time.

If you get the small sample size cans of powdered formula -- keep them.

I used to refill the small cans with the powder from the big containers and used the small cans in the diaper bags -- it was cheaper than buying containers to keep the formula in and when they did get lost along the way nbd.

Chocodoxies · December 2012

piglet6609:
I don't see how giving samples of formula discourages BF. That's absurd. If people want to BF, they will and they will try however hard works for them. If they decide it's not for them, so be it. I highly doubt anyone chose not to BF because their hospital gave free samples.

I want to address this because it is important for those who really want to try to BF to know and understand. I in no way am saying that I am anti-formula however.

The reality is that breastfeeding is really not easy mentally or physically, but it can be incredibly rewarding. During that first few weeks you will worry that your baby is not getting enough food because you can't measure exactly what they are getting. You will most likely worry that they are not getting enough food when they cry and you can't calm them down. It is really hard, and having a back up of formula is one of those things that you will break out when you are exhausted and confused and overwhelmed. I would strongly suggest you NOT have any in the house. But when the samples have been sent home with you by the hospital staff, it feels wasteful to throw it away, and every new mother who intends to BF worries that she won't be able to, so you hold onto them.

I know that the first time my husband watched our DD alone so I could run to the store I told him to not give her a bottle of formula. I had just fed her, and she WAS NOT hungry. Well, he panicked and gave her bottle when he had changed, cuddled, and run out of guesses. When I got home I popped a boob in her mouth and she calmed down instantly while the milk just ran out of her mouth and all over my lap. She wasn't hungry, she wanted mommy, but the formula made him feel he was doing something.

Bfing takes a few weeks before the feeling of reward starts to overtake you. For those first weeks it is exhausting and overwhelming, and you are still recovering so you are already down. It is very tempting to let daddy take that 2:00am feeding one week into sleep deprivation, and that is very often the start of the end.

bandwife · December 2012

ehicks:
Anyone elses hospital not giving away samples of formula anymore? They will provide it during our stay but my impression is that we don't receive samples at discharge. I'm pretty angry about it, I mean I get WHY they're doing it, because it "discourages" breastfeeding and it upset too many people, but we really relied on those samples. I'm not sure what formula we will use, I assumed I'd wait to see what she took at the hospital then send DH to the store before we come home to load up on our home supply. How are you choosing? I have coupons for both Enfamil and Similac. Since we won't get a batch to take home bc of this new rule should I decide now and go buy a few cans?

Actually, sounds like you don't get why many hospitals are no longer providing free formula samples.

It's not about upsetting people. And take the freak'n quotation marks off of discourages.

Free formula samples reduce the chances of establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship for those women that want to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is considered best for baby by the medical community.

Also, you answered your own question. If the hospital is providing formula, as you said they do, just send your DH to the store for the same brand.

mben1119 · December 2012

Buy your own formula. Why should the hospital and their other patients foot the bill through increased charges for feeding your child?

Unknown · December 2012

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Unknown · December 2012

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acesup · December 2012

Chocodoxies:
piglet6609:
I don't see how giving samples of formula discourages BF. That's absurd. If people want to BF, they will and they will try however hard works for them. If they decide it's not for them, so be it. I highly doubt anyone chose not to BF because their hospital gave free samples.
I want to address this because it is important for those who really want to try to BF to know and understand. I in no way am saying that I am anti-formula however.
The reality is that breastfeeding is really not easy mentally or physically, but it can be incredibly rewarding. During that first few weeks you will worry that your baby is not getting enough food because you can't measure exactly what they are getting. You will most likely worry that they are not getting enough food when they cry and you can't calm them down. It is really hard, and having a back up of formula is one of those things that you will break out when you are exhausted and confused and overwhelmed. I would strongly suggest you NOT have any in the house. But when the samples have been sent home with you by the hospital staff, it feels wasteful to throw it away, and every new mother who intends to BF worries that she won't be able to, so you hold onto them.
I know that the first time my husband watched our DD alone so I could run to the store I told him to not give her a bottle of formula. I had just fed her, and she WAS NOT hungry. Well, he panicked and gave her bottle when he had changed, cuddled, and run out of guesses. When I got home I popped a boob in her mouth and she calmed down instantly while the milk just ran out of her mouth and all over my lap. She wasn't hungry, she wanted mommy, but the formula made him feel he was doing something.
Bfing takes a few weeks before the feeling of reward starts to overtake you. For those first weeks it is exhausting and overwhelming, and you are still recovering so you are already down. It is very tempting to let daddy take that 2:00am feeding one week into sleep deprivation, and that is very often the start of the end.

I'm fully aware of this. You missed my point. My point was that I sincerely doubt anyone chooses to FF over BF simply because the hospital supplies formula during your stay.

AppleJacks81 · December 2012

GhostMonkey:
stardust317:
I haven't heard anything about this, but I would ask for a few to take home.
And you should and likely will be charged full retail for each and every one.
Here's a news flash- this is YOUR child. YOU are responsible for feeding them. That means you should be planning on buying their food.

whats wrong with saving a little money? Even if it is playing along with the formula makers marketing ploy? Do you scream at the ladies at the grocery store giving out samples of food? How about makeup, laundry detergent, etc? Same difference.

Why the condescending reply anyway?

ASmallWonder · December 2012

AppleJacks81:
GhostMonkey:
stardust317:
I haven't heard anything about this, but I would ask for a few to take home.
And you should and likely will be charged full retail for each and every one.
Here's a news flash- this is YOUR child. YOU are responsible for feeding them. That means you should be planning on buying their food.

whats wrong with saving a little money? Even if it is playing along with the formula makers marketing ploy? Do you scream at the ladies at the grocery store giving out samples of food? How about makeup, laundry detergent, etc? Same difference.
Why the condescending reply anyway?

Yes but no one EXPECTS the grocery store freebies and gets butthurt if there aren't any. You don't go there at lunch time expecting them to feed you and then get mad that you have to buy your own lunch.

abp51008 · December 2012

I don't mean to sound insensitive but seriously? Your complaining about not getting free food to feed your child? You are responsible for feeding your child, not anybody else. If you want it to be free then breastfeed. Buy a few cans of formula and get over it.

TMWarren85 · December 2012

Chocodoxies:
piglet6609:
I don't see how giving samples of formula discourages BF. That's absurd. If people want to BF, they will and they will try however hard works for them. If they decide it's not for them, so be it. I highly doubt anyone chose not to BF because their hospital gave free samples.
I want to address this because it is important for those who really want to try to BF to know and understand. I in no way am saying that I am anti-formula however.
The reality is that breastfeeding is really not easy mentally or physically, but it can be incredibly rewarding. During that first few weeks you will worry that your baby is not getting enough food because you can't measure exactly what they are getting. You will most likely worry that they are not getting enough food when they cry and you can't calm them down. It is really hard, and having a back up of formula is one of those things that you will break out when you are exhausted and confused and overwhelmed. I would strongly suggest you NOT have any in the house. But when the samples have been sent home with you by the hospital staff, it feels wasteful to throw it away, and every new mother who intends to BF worries that she won't be able to, so you hold onto them.
I know that the first time my husband watched our DD alone so I could run to the store I told him to not give her a bottle of formula. I had just fed her, and she WAS NOT hungry. Well, he panicked and gave her bottle when he had changed, cuddled, and run out of guesses. When I got home I popped a boob in her mouth and she calmed down instantly while the milk just ran out of her mouth and all over my lap. She wasn't hungry, she wanted mommy, but the formula made him feel he was doing something.
Bfing takes a few weeks before the feeling of reward starts to overtake you. For those first weeks it is exhausting and overwhelming, and you are still recovering so you are already down. It is very tempting to let daddy take that 2:00am feeding one week into sleep deprivation, and that is very often the start of the end.

While I do agree that breastfeeding is difficult in the beginning and extremely rewarding, it doesn't work for everyone. I wish I could breastfeed to share that bond, but it didn't work for me. And I kept thinking that the non-stop crying and constant hunger cues were just a hump DD and I needed to get past. I did everything that my lactation consultant, pediatrician and OB recommended, I even saw a lactation consultant daily for feedings once we got home from the hospital. And DD lost weight, a lot- more than 10% of her body weight. We even tried supplementing with a syringe and tube that we slipped into DD's mouth after she started nursing and we still couldn't get her to eat enough. I ended up pumping and having to supplement half of her needs with formula (after we had to put her on a high caloric formula to gain weight back).

I know that my situation is not the norm, and I understand why everyone is so pro-breastfeeding (I am too). But to tell a woman, especially a first time mom who hasn't yet experienced any of this that the inconsolable baby at 2 am is fine and she shouldn't even consider formula an option is a bit reckless. If I wouldn't have had access to a lactation consultant and waited to see her pediatrician again at one month I can't imagine what could have happened.

I plan to try to breastfeed again this time, and even though I am familiar with the cues that LO isn't getting enough (I've even purchased an infant scale so I can have weighed feedings) I am still nervous about DS going through the same process DD went through.

saturdaynightdoubletree · December 2012

Different states have passed laws on this, pretty annoying IMO. I get it too, but seriously... they let sick patients go out and smoke cigarettes, why can't women who need it get free samples for their babies! Anyway, check with your pedi. With DD I wanted to BF, but things didn't work out, so I didn't have any formula from the hospital and had no idea how to pick... the pedi sent me home with three bags full of powder, premixed, etc. With DD I used Enfamil, with DS Similac because those were the samples I started on. Luckily neither kid needed any special formula variations, so after a while I would sometimes use generic formula.

And for future reference in case you didn't notice from most replies here... the bump is VERY pro BFing. Also, very sensitive on subjects like attached parenting, co-sleeping, RFing car seats, holding off on introducing solids, and a few other things. Don't let your feelings get hurt, just know the crowd you're posting to.

Chocodoxies · December 2012

TMWarren85:
Chocodoxies:
piglet6609:
I don't see how giving samples of formula discourages BF. That's absurd. If people want to BF, they will and they will try however hard works for them. If they decide it's not for them, so be it. I highly doubt anyone chose not to BF because their hospital gave free samples.
I want to address this because it is important for those who really want to try to BF to know and understand. I in no way am saying that I am anti-formula however.
The reality is that breastfeeding is really not easy mentally or physically, but it can be incredibly rewarding. During that first few weeks you will worry that your baby is not getting enough food because you can't measure exactly what they are getting. You will most likely worry that they are not getting enough food when they cry and you can't calm them down. It is really hard, and having a back up of formula is one of those things that you will break out when you are exhausted and confused and overwhelmed. I would strongly suggest you NOT have any in the house. But when the samples have been sent home with you by the hospital staff, it feels wasteful to throw it away, and every new mother who intends to BF worries that she won't be able to, so you hold onto them.
I know that the first time my husband watched our DD alone so I could run to the store I told him to not give her a bottle of formula. I had just fed her, and she WAS NOT hungry. Well, he panicked and gave her bottle when he had changed, cuddled, and run out of guesses. When I got home I popped a boob in her mouth and she calmed down instantly while the milk just ran out of her mouth and all over my lap. She wasn't hungry, she wanted mommy, but the formula made him feel he was doing something.
Bfing takes a few weeks before the feeling of reward starts to overtake you. For those first weeks it is exhausting and overwhelming, and you are still recovering so you are already down. It is very tempting to let daddy take that 2:00am feeding one week into sleep deprivation, and that is very often the start of the end.
While I do agree that breastfeeding is difficult in the beginning and extremely rewarding, it doesn't work for everyone. I wish I could breastfeed to share that bond, but it didn't work for me. And I kept thinking that the non-stop crying and constant hunger cues were just a hump DD and I needed to get past. I did everything that my lactation consultant, pediatrician and OB recommended, I even saw a lactation consultant daily for feedings once we got home from the hospital. And DD lost weight, a lot- more than 10% of her body weight. We even tried supplementing with a syringe and tube that we slipped into DD's mouth after she started nursing and we still couldn't get her to eat enough. I ended up pumping and having to supplement half of her needs with formula (after we had to put her on a high caloric formula to gain weight back).
I know that my situation is not the norm, and I understand why everyone is so pro-breastfeeding (I am too). But to tell a woman, especially a first time mom who hasn't yet experienced any of this that the inconsolable baby at 2 am is fine and she shouldn't even consider formula an option is a bit reckless. If I wouldn't have had access to a lactation consultant and waited to see her pediatrician again at one month I can't imagine what could have happened.
I plan to try to breastfeed again this time, and even though I am familiar with the cues that LO isn't getting enough (I've even purchased an infant scale so I can have weighed feedings) I am still nervous about DS going through the same process DD went through.

This is precisely why I said that I am in no way anti-formula. Here is my story.

My DD was born at 5lbs 7oz, and left the hospital at 5lbs. My milk came rushing in, and I started to feed her thinking everything was candy. At her one week check-up she was still only 5lbs. My doctor begged me to supplement, if she dropped below 5lbs she was going to be put in the NICU, so obviously I supplemented. The next three months went like this: BF DD every two hours, then supplement with a bottle while pumping for at least 45 min. to increase my supply. I would get approximately 2oz from pumping. Meanwhile, DD developed the worst case of colic her pediatrician had ever seen, so I cut out dairy and sugar from my diet. I started seeing a lactation consultant regularly, and going through a $50 bottle of tincture twice a week to bump up my supply. I also drank milk producing tea twice a day. After three months, my DD didn't trust my body to feed her and screamed whenever I would try to get her to latch. I would start crying while begging her to "just latch baby, please just latch". She would eventually latch and suckle for a moment before crying again. This would lead to a 45 minute ritual of me crying, her crying, and me begging before she drank what she could from me and I gave her a bottle. While she would drink her bottle happily I would cry and apologize to her for being a failure. My husband tried telling me that this was not a bonding experience for either of us, this was actually torture for all THREE of us to go through every two hours. My lactation consultant finally, lovingly, put her hand on my knee and said, "You are still a wonderful mother if you give her formula", and I burst into tears. I finally folded, giving her formula exclusively and after a month the guilt subsided and I was able to just enjoy feeding my baby.

I do not feel that women should be made to feel that they are failing in any way if BFing is not a possibility. Clearly I am aware of how hard it can be, and that sometimes we must do what we can. Having said that, I never would have been able to try as hard as I did if I had cans of formula stocked on my shelves and nurses that pushed me to take them home to begin with. I am so sorry you had a rough time like I did, it was heartbreaking for me and no doubt was for you as well. I hope we both have a better experience this time around. Best of luck to you!

TMWarren85 · December 2012

Chocodoxies:
TMWarren85:
Chocodoxies:
piglet6609:
I don't see how giving samples of formula discourages BF. That's absurd. If people want to BF, they will and they will try however hard works for them. If they decide it's not for them, so be it. I highly doubt anyone chose not to BF because their hospital gave free samples.
I want to address this because it is important for those who really want to try to BF to know and understand. I in no way am saying that I am anti-formula however.
The reality is that breastfeeding is really not easy mentally or physically, but it can be incredibly rewarding. During that first few weeks you will worry that your baby is not getting enough food because you can't measure exactly what they are getting. You will most likely worry that they are not getting enough food when they cry and you can't calm them down. It is really hard, and having a back up of formula is one of those things that you will break out when you are exhausted and confused and overwhelmed. I would strongly suggest you NOT have any in the house. But when the samples have been sent home with you by the hospital staff, it feels wasteful to throw it away, and every new mother who intends to BF worries that she won't be able to, so you hold onto them.
I know that the first time my husband watched our DD alone so I could run to the store I told him to not give her a bottle of formula. I had just fed her, and she WAS NOT hungry. Well, he panicked and gave her bottle when he had changed, cuddled, and run out of guesses. When I got home I popped a boob in her mouth and she calmed down instantly while the milk just ran out of her mouth and all over my lap. She wasn't hungry, she wanted mommy, but the formula made him feel he was doing something.
Bfing takes a few weeks before the feeling of reward starts to overtake you. For those first weeks it is exhausting and overwhelming, and you are still recovering so you are already down. It is very tempting to let daddy take that 2:00am feeding one week into sleep deprivation, and that is very often the start of the end.
While I do agree that breastfeeding is difficult in the beginning and extremely rewarding, it doesn't work for everyone. I wish I could breastfeed to share that bond, but it didn't work for me. And I kept thinking that the non-stop crying and constant hunger cues were just a hump DD and I needed to get past. I did everything that my lactation consultant, pediatrician and OB recommended, I even saw a lactation consultant daily for feedings once we got home from the hospital. And DD lost weight, a lot- more than 10% of her body weight. We even tried supplementing with a syringe and tube that we slipped into DD's mouth after she started nursing and we still couldn't get her to eat enough. I ended up pumping and having to supplement half of her needs with formula (after we had to put her on a high caloric formula to gain weight back).
I know that my situation is not the norm, and I understand why everyone is so pro-breastfeeding (I am too). But to tell a woman, especially a first time mom who hasn't yet experienced any of this that the inconsolable baby at 2 am is fine and she shouldn't even consider formula an option is a bit reckless. If I wouldn't have had access to a lactation consultant and waited to see her pediatrician again at one month I can't imagine what could have happened.
I plan to try to breastfeed again this time, and even though I am familiar with the cues that LO isn't getting enough (I've even purchased an infant scale so I can have weighed feedings) I am still nervous about DS going through the same process DD went through.
This is precisely why I said that I am in no way anti-formula. Here is my story.
My DD was born at 5lbs 7oz, and left the hospital at 5lbs. My milk came rushing in, and I started to feed her thinking everything was candy. At her one week check-up she was still only 5lbs. My doctor begged me to supplement, if she dropped below 5lbs she was going to be put in the NICU, so obviously I supplemented. The next three months went like this: BF DD every two hours, then supplement with a bottle while pumping for at least 45 min. to increase my supply. I would get approximately 2oz from pumping. Meanwhile, DD developed the worst case of colic her pediatrician had ever seen, so I cut out dairy and sugar from my diet. I started seeing a lactation consultant regularly, and going through a $50 bottle of tincture twice a week to bump up my supply. I also drank milk producing tea twice a day. After three months, my DD didn't trust my body to feed her and screamed whenever I would try to get her to latch. I would start crying while begging her to "just latch baby, please just latch". She would eventually latch and suckle for a moment before crying again. This would lead to a 45 minute ritual of me crying, her crying, and me begging before she drank what she could from me and I gave her a bottle. While she would drink her bottle happily I would cry and apologize to her for being a failure. My husband tried telling me that this was not a bonding experience for either of us, this was actually torture for all THREE of us to go through every two hours. My lactation consultant finally, lovingly, put her hand on my knee and said, "You are still a wonderful mother if you give her formula", and I burst into tears. I finally folded, giving her formula exclusively and after a month the guilt subsided and I was able to just enjoy feeding my baby.
I do not feel that women should be made to feel that they are failing in any way if BFing is not a possibility. Clearly I am aware of how hard it can be, and that sometimes we must do what we can. Having said that, I never would have been able to try as hard as I did if I had cans of formula stocked on my shelves and nurses that pushed me to take them home to begin with. I am so sorry you had a rough time like I did, it was heartbreaking for me and no doubt was for you as well. I hope we both have a better experience this time around. Best of luck to you!

Wow- you definitely had a rough go- emotionally and physically. I appreciate you standing up on both sides- I've obviously been flamed a few times for "failing" at breastfeeding so it's a sensitive subject for me, I hope I didn't come across rude or insensitive. (I guess that's what I get for replying to a post... ) Good luck with your LO!

Chocodoxies · December 2012

TMWarren85:
Chocodoxies:
TMWarren85:
Chocodoxies:
piglet6609:
I don't see how giving samples of formula discourages BF. That's absurd. If people want to BF, they will and they will try however hard works for them. If they decide it's not for them, so be it. I highly doubt anyone chose not to BF because their hospital gave free samples.
I want to address this because it is important for those who really want to try to BF to know and understand. I in no way am saying that I am anti-formula however.
The reality is that breastfeeding is really not easy mentally or physically, but it can be incredibly rewarding. During that first few weeks you will worry that your baby is not getting enough food because you can't measure exactly what they are getting. You will most likely worry that they are not getting enough food when they cry and you can't calm them down. It is really hard, and having a back up of formula is one of those things that you will break out when you are exhausted and confused and overwhelmed. I would strongly suggest you NOT have any in the house. But when the samples have been sent home with you by the hospital staff, it feels wasteful to throw it away, and every new mother who intends to BF worries that she won't be able to, so you hold onto them.
I know that the first time my husband watched our DD alone so I could run to the store I told him to not give her a bottle of formula. I had just fed her, and she WAS NOT hungry. Well, he panicked and gave her bottle when he had changed, cuddled, and run out of guesses. When I got home I popped a boob in her mouth and she calmed down instantly while the milk just ran out of her mouth and all over my lap. She wasn't hungry, she wanted mommy, but the formula made him feel he was doing something.
Bfing takes a few weeks before the feeling of reward starts to overtake you. For those first weeks it is exhausting and overwhelming, and you are still recovering so you are already down. It is very tempting to let daddy take that 2:00am feeding one week into sleep deprivation, and that is very often the start of the end.
While I do agree that breastfeeding is difficult in the beginning and extremely rewarding, it doesn't work for everyone. I wish I could breastfeed to share that bond, but it didn't work for me. And I kept thinking that the non-stop crying and constant hunger cues were just a hump DD and I needed to get past. I did everything that my lactation consultant, pediatrician and OB recommended, I even saw a lactation consultant daily for feedings once we got home from the hospital. And DD lost weight, a lot- more than 10% of her body weight. We even tried supplementing with a syringe and tube that we slipped into DD's mouth after she started nursing and we still couldn't get her to eat enough. I ended up pumping and having to supplement half of her needs with formula (after we had to put her on a high caloric formula to gain weight back).
I know that my situation is not the norm, and I understand why everyone is so pro-breastfeeding (I am too). But to tell a woman, especially a first time mom who hasn't yet experienced any of this that the inconsolable baby at 2 am is fine and she shouldn't even consider formula an option is a bit reckless. If I wouldn't have had access to a lactation consultant and waited to see her pediatrician again at one month I can't imagine what could have happened.
I plan to try to breastfeed again this time, and even though I am familiar with the cues that LO isn't getting enough (I've even purchased an infant scale so I can have weighed feedings) I am still nervous about DS going through the same process DD went through.
This is precisely why I said that I am in no way anti-formula. Here is my story.
My DD was born at 5lbs 7oz, and left the hospital at 5lbs. My milk came rushing in, and I started to feed her thinking everything was candy. At her one week check-up she was still only 5lbs. My doctor begged me to supplement, if she dropped below 5lbs she was going to be put in the NICU, so obviously I supplemented. The next three months went like this: BF DD every two hours, then supplement with a bottle while pumping for at least 45 min. to increase my supply. I would get approximately 2oz from pumping. Meanwhile, DD developed the worst case of colic her pediatrician had ever seen, so I cut out dairy and sugar from my diet. I started seeing a lactation consultant regularly, and going through a $50 bottle of tincture twice a week to bump up my supply. I also drank milk producing tea twice a day. After three months, my DD didn't trust my body to feed her and screamed whenever I would try to get her to latch. I would start crying while begging her to "just latch baby, please just latch". She would eventually latch and suckle for a moment before crying again. This would lead to a 45 minute ritual of me crying, her crying, and me begging before she drank what she could from me and I gave her a bottle. While she would drink her bottle happily I would cry and apologize to her for being a failure. My husband tried telling me that this was not a bonding experience for either of us, this was actually torture for all THREE of us to go through every two hours. My lactation consultant finally, lovingly, put her hand on my knee and said, "You are still a wonderful mother if you give her formula", and I burst into tears. I finally folded, giving her formula exclusively and after a month the guilt subsided and I was able to just enjoy feeding my baby.
I do not feel that women should be made to feel that they are failing in any way if BFing is not a possibility. Clearly I am aware of how hard it can be, and that sometimes we must do what we can. Having said that, I never would have been able to try as hard as I did if I had cans of formula stocked on my shelves and nurses that pushed me to take them home to begin with. I am so sorry you had a rough time like I did, it was heartbreaking for me and no doubt was for you as well. I hope we both have a better experience this time around. Best of luck to you!
Wow- you definitely had a rough go- emotionally and physically. I appreciate you standing up on both sides- I've obviously been flamed a few times for "failing" at breastfeeding so it's a sensitive subject for me, I hope I didn't come across rude or insensitive. (I guess that's what I get for replying to a post... ) Good luck with your LO!

Don't feel badly at all. I totally understand the feelings of failure that are thrust upon us for not thriving with breastfeeding. It is enough to make you spit nails. I have since done lots of research to ensure that anyone who attempts to belittle me or any other mother for their feeding choices get an earful of education before they are able to make me, or anyone else, feel inferior. Best of luck to you and your LO! I hope all goes well.

Kingston54 · December 2012

I don't see how that discourages breastfeeding. They obviously have the wrong idea. I think most people have decided before going to the hospital whether they will breastfeed or not. It's not like you'll change your whole plan if they offer you some free formula!

I'd go onto different formula sites and sign up. I didn't do this because I plan to BF, but somehow I still got some free samples in the mail - so they are out there. Hope you can find some. Good luck!

Chocodoxies · December 2012

Kingston54:
I don't see how that discourages breastfeeding.nbsp; They obviously have the wrong idea.nbsp; I think most people have decided before going to the hospital whether they will breastfeed or not.nbsp; It's not like you'll change your whole plan if they offer you some free formula!I'd go onto different formula sites and sign up.nbsp; I didn't do this because I plan to BF, but somehow I still got some free samples in the mail so they are out there.nbsp; Hope you can find some.nbsp; Good luck!

Here is a good article, by the NY Times, explaining the reasons that hospitals have begun to stop the practice of handing out free samples. Generally, if your doctor offers it people tend to trust immediately. This can lead to a tired, frustrated and overwhelmed mother giving formula even when she really does want to BF. Without the right support system and with a backup readily available it is easy to throw in the towel.

https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/16/health/hospitalsditchformulasamplestopromotebreastfeeding.html?pagewanted=all_r=0

nanabanana06 · December 2012

Kingston54:
I don't see how that discourages breastfeeding. They obviously have the wrong idea. I think most people have decided before going to the hospital whether they will breastfeed or not. It's not like you'll change your whole plan if they offer you some free formula!
I'd go onto different formula sites and sign up. I didn't do this because I plan to BF, but somehow I still got some free samples in the mail - so they are out there. Hope you can find some. Good luck!

The bolded is an untrue statement. I "chose" to BF DD. However, the hospital staff kept handing me formula. I was drugged out and out of it. After have seen the LC's a few times and being handed a nipple shield and no real advice it was frustrating. The LC's were the ones who gave me the formula free samples. Even with trying like heck I couldn't get DD to latch and failed at BFing. I blame this on the hospital pushing formula and no real BFing help.

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