Which formula do you use??

candyreesecup · June 2013

I thought my my supply was getting low, but I think it has "adjusted" recently. I EP, so I know exactly how much I produce daily (Found a great app on iphone to keep tack of it!).

My goal is to pump for 6 months, but I never know when my supply might dry up.....so, I would like to start researching about which formula I should buy. We have given DD the simulac already-made formula and she seems to be ok with that, but there are tons of choices in the formula section!

Which formula are you giving your LO and why?? TIA!

jensahokie · June 2013

We used Similac (I can't remember what it is called, has the blue packaging) until we found out all 3 DDs had milk protein allergies. I BF + supplemented all 3 kiddos and used Nutramigen, and I would be confident using Enfamil products, too. I know that's not much help, but congrats on sticking with it and I hope your supply stays strong!

jmorta04 · June 2013

We are using the Similac Advance powder (the blue container) at the moment. The only reason we started using that brand in particular is because when we had the whole breast feeding debacle, that was the only kind of formula I had in the house (bc Similac had sent me two cans as part of their Strong Moms program). L seems to tolerate it well at this point. It's also a formula available at our local "buy-in-bulk" store, so we have continued to use it. I normally would have done some research before picking a formula, but we were in a bit of panic when we had to start supplementing and this was what we had. Luckily, it has worked out well for us. GL!

Ruthie04 · June 2013

I was never able to EP or EBF, but I did pump/BF for 7.5 mos. In the beginning we used Similac Neosure for weight gain and Enfamil. We now use Enfamil only. The hospital gave us a choice between Enfamil and Similac and we didn't know what to do, so the nurse picked for us!! I don't know about other Similac products, but the Neosure smelled awful and clumped up. We also liked the packaging of Enfamil better. The boys hated Neosure, but that may have been specific to the high calorie formula.

ccam · June 2013

We started on Enfamil Newborn since that was what the hospital gave us. He was gassy and fussy on that so we switched to Enfamil Gentlease and he was better with that (we also started reflux meds, switched bottles and fixed a tongue tie around the same time, so who knows which really helped). Since it was working, we never switched and he's still on Gentlease.

itsmevkb · June 2013

We use the Target Up & Up and mainly the one made for gassiness and fussiness. Generic formula is basically the same as the name brands but it's quite a bit cheaper.

IBackBevo · June 2013

Well, we are on Alimentum because LO has a milk protein intolerance... but no reason to do that unless you have to since it is twice as much. I like Similac myself, but I don't know if there is really that much of a difference in the brands at the end of the day. I did seem to find that the other major brand (can't think of it right now) did seem to foam more when you mixed it up.

I EP for about 2 months (maybe a little longer) and to be honest with you I found that the EP led to serious supply issues. I even tried all sorts of things like fenugreek, cluster pumping and even RX meds (reglan, domperidone, etc.) all which basically gave me very little success. If I had it to do over again, I would not have put myself through that h**l. If you chose to switch to formula, do not feel bad about it. My LO has flourished on formula. I don't know why I even put myself through so much before and I wish I had all of that time back that I spent tied to a pump back to spend with LO.

mnj05 · June 2013

We were on similac adavanced from birth until about 3 weeks ago. I had supply issues and went EFF at three weeks old. H started fighting his bottle real hard and took an hour to eat instead of his normal 15 minutes. We switched to Similac sensitive and it's made a world of difference for us.

candyreesecup · June 2013

IBackBevo:

Well, we are on Alimentum because LO has a milk protein intolerance... but no reason to do that unless you have to since it is twice as much. I like Similac myself, but I don't know if there is really that much of a difference in the brands at the end of the day. I did seem to find that the other major brand (can't think of it right now) did seem to foam more when you mixed it up.

I EP for about 2 months (maybe a little longer) and to be honest with you I found that the EP led to serious supply issues. I even tried all sorts of things like fenugreek, cluster pumping and even RX meds (reglan, domperidone, etc.) all which basically gave me very little success. If I had it to do over again, I would not have put myself through that h**l. If you chose to switch to formula, do not feel bad about it. My LO has flourished on formula. I don't know why I even put myself through so much before and I wish I had all of that time back that I spent tied to a pump back to spend with LO.

I feel like I am glued to my pump and I take my pump bag everywhere! I really wish I could've nursed for a little bit b/c it's such a special thing and only mama can do that, but I was happy that I could at least pump. I finally started getting comfortable with EP recently, so it's a bummer. I am going to miss my pump sessions when my supply dries up because they became part of my daily life, but you are right, I can dedicate the time to spend more time with LO!

ELF4321 · June 2013

Similac Advance. We started with the RTF bottles, but it seemed to make DD gassy, so we switched to the powder version. I know other babies who were the opposite and were gassier on the powder. There's a bit of trial and error involved, but it can take a few weeks to adjust to any new formula, so don't be too quick to change just because your LO may seem to have issues at first.

Saraevh · June 2013

If I were you I would ask for some samples from the ped next time you take LO in for a check up. Then if you need to use it you can see what he/she does best on. I wouldn't go out and buy stuff because while my daughter had no issue with the regular Enfamil we gave her, my son would just throw it all back up when we tried it with him so we ended up needing to try out a couple of different kinds before we found one that worked for him. In the end the Enfamil AR was what prevented him from spitting up so much.

IBackBevo · June 2013

candyreesecup:
IBackBevo:

Well, we are on Alimentum because LO has a milk protein intolerance... but no reason to do that unless you have to since it is twice as much. I like Similac myself, but I don't know if there is really that much of a difference in the brands at the end of the day. I did seem to find that the other major brand (can't think of it right now) did seem to foam more when you mixed it up.

I EP for about 2 months (maybe a little longer) and to be honest with you I found that the EP led to serious supply issues. I even tried all sorts of things like fenugreek, cluster pumping and even RX meds (reglan, domperidone, etc.) all which basically gave me very little success. If I had it to do over again, I would not have put myself through that h**l. If you chose to switch to formula, do not feel bad about it. My LO has flourished on formula. I don't know why I even put myself through so much before and I wish I had all of that time back that I spent tied to a pump back to spend with LO.

I feel like I am glued to my pump and I take my pump bag everywhere! I really wish I could've nursed for a little bit b/c it's such a special thing and only mama can do that, but I was happy that I could at least pump. I finally started getting comfortable with EP recently, so it's a bummer. I am going to miss my pump sessions when my supply dries up because they became part of my daily life, but you are right, I can dedicate the time to spend more time with LO!

My LO had IUGR and was too tiny and weak to be able to nurse. It also took a week for my milk to come in and he had to be started on preemie formula because he needed the calories. By the time he was strong enough to be able to nurse (which was at least 6 weeks or more), he had grown accustomed to the faster flow of the bottle and would have nothing to do with my less rewarding boob. So, alas, I was stuck pumping.

But if you enjoy pumping, you are way ahead of me. I felt like I was shackled to the pump and I hated having to revolve my life (and sleeping schedule) around pumping. Nights really sucked because DH and I couldn't even alternate getting up with LO. He would have to get up and feed LO and I would have to get up at the same time and pump. Or, if I did take over feeding duty for the nights, that meant that by the time I fed LO and pumped and got back to sleep (if I got back to sleep at all), I got about 15-30 minutes of sleep before it was time to start the cycle over again. Of course, we also had to feed LO every 2-3 hours at first because he was so small and could only take tiny amounts of formula.

There are some women who do manage to EP for long periods of time...but I was not one of them. My supply was low from the beginning and it just got worse and worse no matter what I did. Of course, none of that ultimately mattered because he got taken off of BM anyway at about 2 months due to the milk protein intolerance.

candyreesecup · June 2013

Saraevh:
If I were you I would ask for some samples from the ped next time you take LO in for a check up. Then if you need to use it you can see what he/she does best on. I wouldn't go out and buy stuff because while my daughter had no issue with the regular Enfamil we gave her, my son would just throw it all back up when we tried it with him so we ended up needing to try out a couple of different kinds before we found one that worked for him. In the end the Enfamil AR was what prevented him from spitting up so much.

I had no idea that I could ask samples from the ped! Good timing because her 2 mon appointment is this Friday. Thanx for the tip!

candyreesecup · June 2013

IBackBevo:
candyreesecup:
IBackBevo:

Well, we are on Alimentum because LO has a milk protein intolerance... but no reason to do that unless you have to since it is twice as much. I like Similac myself, but I don't know if there is really that much of a difference in the brands at the end of the day.  I did seem to find that the other major brand (can't think of it right now) did seem to foam more when you mixed it up.

I EP for about 2 months (maybe a little longer) and to be honest with you I found that the EP led to serious supply issues. I even tried all sorts of things like fenugreek, cluster pumping and even RX meds (reglan, domperidone, etc.) all which basically gave me very little success. If I had it to do over again, I would not have put myself through that h**l. If you chose to switch to formula, do not feel bad about it. My LO has flourished on formula. I don't know why I even put myself through so much before and I wish I had all of that time back that I spent tied to a pump back to spend with LO.

I feel like I am glued to my pump and I take my pump bag everywhere! I really wish I could've nursed for a little bit b/c it's such a special thing and only mama can do that, but I was happy that I could at least pump. I finally started getting comfortable with EP recently, so it's a bummer. I am going to miss my pump sessions when my supply dries up because they became part of my daily life, but you are right, I can dedicate the time to spend more time with LO!

My LO had IUGR and was too tiny and weak to be able to nurse. It also took a week for my milk to come in and he had to be started on preemie formula because he needed the calories. By the time he was strong enough to be able to nurse (which was at least 6 weeks or more), he had grown accustomed to the faster flow of the bottle and would have nothing to do with my less rewarding boob. So, alas, I was stuck pumping.

But if you enjoy pumping, you are way ahead of me. I felt like I was shackled to the pump and I hated having to revolve my life (and sleeping schedule) around pumping.   Nights really sucked because DH and I couldn't even alternate getting up with LO. He would have to get up and feed LO and I would have to get up at the same time and pump. Or, if I did take over feeding duty for the nights, that meant that by the time I fed LO and pumped and got back to sleep (if I got back to sleep at all), I got about 15-30 minutes of sleep before it was time to start the cycle over again. Of course, we also had to feed LO every 2-3 hours at first because he was so small and could only take tiny amounts of formula.

There are some women who do manage to EP for long periods of time...but I was not one of them. My supply was low from the beginning and it just got worse and worse no matter what I did. Of course, none of that ultimately mattered because he got taken off of BM anyway at about 2 months due to the milk protein intolerance.

I didn't enjoy pumping in the beginning at all. It hurt and I was getting plugged ducts every other day or so, so I was so miserable. It's pretty recently that I started enjoying it because I feel the special bond by pumping. I think going back to work helped because I don't have to pump and kick the baby bouncer seat at the same time LOL

I recently talked to a women who EP for a year, so it encouraged me maybe I could try for a bit longer with EP. But I am hitting the wall again...oh well!

fabulouspinkmady · June 2013

We use the generic (usually Target brand) of Similac Advance. With two babies, it's hard to pass on the savings of the generic. (We EFF) We can get twice as much formula (powder) for a little less $ then a smaller can of the brand name. We do usually buy some of the RTF bottles that we use for the MOTN feedings sometimes, or for when we are on the go because its just more convenient. I feel like the RTF bottles don't last them as long though.

It may take some trial and error to see what kind of formula your LO tolerates, though. GL!

Saraevh · June 2013

candyreesecup:
Saraevh:
If I were you I would ask for some samples from the ped next time you take LO in for a check up. Then if you need to use it you can see what he/she does best on. I wouldn't go out and buy stuff because while my daughter had no issue with the regular Enfamil we gave her, my son would just throw it all back up when we tried it with him so we ended up needing to try out a couple of different kinds before we found one that worked for him. In the end the Enfamil AR was what prevented him from spitting up so much.

I had no idea that I could ask samples from the ped! Good timing because her 2 mon appointment is this Friday. Thanx for the tip!

Heck yah ask for samples! Even after you pick a formula! I never left the office empty handed even when I would have to take the kids in for something other than a well baby visit! When I would ask my ped would give me a whole bag full of sample cans and coupons! They have most of the different brands/types (Gerber/Enfamil/Similac) at the office. Our office even sometimes puts samples of different kinds out in the waiting room so I've even grabbed stuff for friends HA.

Also, when you do find whatever you're going to go with, sign up online for freebies and coupons. I would get $5 rebate checks from Enfamil in the mail all of the time and at Target you can use a rebate check with a manufacturer coupon so I'd always get $10 off whenever I would buy formula That stuff is EXPENSIVE! Every dollar saved helps I know Similac sends those $5 rebate checks too and Gerber usually did $3 ones if I remember correctly.

cbubbles2 · June 2013

I used several different brands and didn't notice a difference betweent them. I ended up using the Up Up brand from target. I liked that one the best!

Dstevens429 · June 2013

I supplement from time to time with Gerber GoodStart Gentle. I used Similac Advance at first because they sent me a sample but LO kept spitting up so I had to switch. Since I don't use it to often I got a sample of Gerber GoodStart Soothe from the Ped and Similac Sensitive. I will use both of those before I go to the store and buy formula.

OceanBreeze1 · June 2013

ccam:
We started on Enfamil Newborn since that was what the hospital gave us. He was gassy and fussy on that so we switched to Enfamil Gentlease and he was better with that.

This. Then we switched to the big cans of the Target version because it was cheaper. I also bf, and dd had no troubles switching back and forth.

firewife9278 · June 2013

We FF from the beginning. The hospital gave us enfamil newborn ready-made, and sent us home with 2 weeks worth of it, so that's where we started. Then she had some gassy issues, so we switched to gentlease with gas drops for a couple months, and then when it seemed that issue was resolved, we went with enfamil infant, which worked out great for us, especially with all the formula checks we got in the mail and when I was also able to stack those with manufacturer and/or store coupons.

She's been off formula now for about 2 months, but we do sometimes supplement with a ready-made enfagrow drink when she's sick since she doesn't eat much and needs the extra calories.

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