Formulas & BF'ing aids question

goldenB · December 2013

I am putting a lot of blind faith in the fact that I hope my milk comes in and I am able to breastfeed baby exclusively, but it hit me today - What if I can't BF!?!

STMs:
Knowing how difficult it can be for some mama's what are some supplements, teas or herbs that worked for you to get your milk in? (bonus for links)

As for formulas - is there any brand that is superior from the rest? Should I expect to use a trial and error basis to see what LO likes?
Has anyone tried goat's milk?

Unknown · December 2013

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mrsjenni · December 2013

There is also a great breastfeedng resource link at the top of the page in the J14 FAQ's!

As for switching to formula, I just stuck with what worked with my other kids... Similac Sensitive ready-to-feed formula (my kids all hated the powder). But it is definitely trial and error for some kids. Sometimes it's not just the formula, but the bottles as well. We used Dr. Brown's with all 3 and loved them.

Hopefully BFing works out for you though!

ac1259 · December 2013

I had read around to try Fenugreek- and I know a lot of people have a lot of success with it...but I will warn you it can cause baby to have some tummy troubles. That wound up being my last straw with BFing because I had been taking the fenugreek (it didn't really help) and then DD got way more fussy and gassy from it..that wound up being when I gave up.

As far as formula I think Similac is great, we never had to stray from their formula brand, we just went between regular and sensitive. Eventually we switched to a Sams Club brand because it was way cheaper and DD did great with it- but it supposedly had the same contents as Similac. But a lot really depends on your baby. Mine was not particularly picky and once her tummy troubles settled down did fine on whatever we gave her but she was a very no fuss infant.

ababymaybe · December 2013

My milk came in while still in the hospital - I had a c section but had gone into labour naturally. We did skin to skin immediately following delivery and DS latched in recovery. I think those things helped. I never used anything in terms of supplements.

wedbliss5 · December 2013

I never did supplements or anything, but I did eat a LOT of oatmeal which is suppose to be good for your supply, and I never had supply issues - even having to cut out dairy and soy I still never ran into supply issues. I never did formula so I have no advice there, but if you find something that works, I'd say stick with it.

aessary03 · December 2013

From a mom who has never been able to breast feed.... both kids too early to stimulate it and what I did happen to get was a pitiful couple of drops. With both preemies, who have notoriously sensitive stomachs, enfamil has treated their tummies the best. Even the soy. But every baby is different. Just know that babies tend to have way more gas on formula and are uncomfortable a lot more. So if you can breast feed, it is best on their tummies. But if you can't, don't let anyone make you feel guilty for it. People constantly guilt trip me and like I don't feel bad enough about it. Good luck!