Formula Feeding

whiterabbit5 · March 2014

Lately there have been many posts about BFing, and I thought we should at least have one for moms who formula feed. I FF my first two babies from day one. My first was an unplanned c-section and the recovery was very rough. FFing just made it easier for me. I honestly have no overwhelming desire to BF. I considered it with my second but ultimately stuck with FF. It just worked for me and for my little guys. Both boys are happy and healthy and full of energy. I don't see any difference between being BF or FF. I think it all depends on what works for the mother and the baby.

Any other moms planning to FF?

mbcgirlie14 · March 2014

I breastfed my first for about 2 weeks. I had severe post partum depression and ended up switching to formula. No regrets, it was what was best for my family. I will try and BF again with this one. My doc wants to try and be proactive with medication to see if we can prevent the PPD. If BFing doesn't work out I won't stress about it. Formula was just fine for my LO.

Eastie156 · March 2014

We started out trying to BF. I believe that because I was induced, DS was in nicu for a couple hours, my milk took a long time to come in and I had hypothyroid (that was undiagnosed), that all these reasons combined made it very difficult for me to make a lot of milk. DS lost a lot of weight, ended up being milk protein intolerant and had severe "colic" during the first 6 weeks of his life. Around week 2 we started with formula and eventually at 3 months, went entirely to nutramigen and then Alimentum. It wasn't what I'd planned, but it's what happened.

Everyone has their own plan/what works for them. Ultimately I think bf is best, but I don't flame anyone who decides it's not for them.

Justabean3 · March 2014

For me it is about mental status and how long I can go off my meds (I'm bipolar) If I have trouble I will abandon bf-ing and go to FF. With baby 1 I immediately FF. With #2 I tried everything and he wouldn't latch so I pumped 3 months until we figure out he was having allergies.

Yes I realize there are bf safe meds but when you are bipolar you don't mess with a good thing when it comes to meds and stick with what works. Playing around with new med combos is not a good plan with a newborn.

AppleGrapeMSTK · March 2014

I FF from 10 mo to 1 year and occasionally supplemented throught, especially in the beginning. I struggled with nursing for the first several months and could not keep my supply up toward the end. Not everyone can nurse due to medications, supply or latch issues, or baby's own medical conditions. And certainly, not everyone wants to BF.

Science is so amazing! It is miraculous that something so close to the original is available to help feed your baby if you choose to not or cannot BF.

With FF you get a consistent calorie and nutrition intake for LO. You get a no hassle middle of the night feeding. You can share feeding responsibilities with everyone and carrying extra around in your diaper bag is super easy, and you never have to worry about it going bad on your shopping trip.

I plan to attempt to BF, but I am so thankful that formula exists in the event that I struggle again. I have no problem supplementing or switching to FF if I need to. I just wanted to come in here and show support for all the ladies who plan to FF. If I don't end up using them, I will for sure send my formula checks this way!

manateeliz · March 2014

I EPed for DS for the first 6 months, then introduced formula when the constant pumping started to drive me a little crazy. Looking back I wish I had switched to formula earlier, I feel like I missed a lot of early bonding time with DS between the stress of trying to BF and then pumping and feeding and all the maintenance stuff associated with that. Not sure what will happen with these twins...I know I can't pump long term for them again, so I will probably give it 3 months.

whiterabbit5 · March 2014

AppleGrapeMSTK said:

I FF from 10 mo to 1 year and occasionally supplemented throught, especially in the beginning. I struggled with nursing for the first several months and could not keep my supply up toward the end. Not everyone can nurse due to medications, supply or latch issues, or baby's own medical conditions. And certainly, not everyone wants to BF. Science is so amazing! It is miraculous that something so close to the original is available to help feed your baby if you choose to not or cannot BF. With FF you get a consistent calorie and nutrition intake for LO. You get a no hassle middle of the night feeding. You can share feeding responsibilities with everyone and carrying extra around in your diaper bag is super easy, and you never have to worry about it going bad on your shopping trip. I plan to attempt to BF, but I am so thankful that formula exists in the event that I struggle again. I have no problem supplementing or switching to FF if I need to. I just wanted to come in here and show support for all the ladies who plan to FF. If I don't end up using them, I will for sure send my formula checks this way!

This was worded so wonderfully. Thank you so much for this.

BreandMikewedding · March 2014

I bf my dd for 6 weeks and at every feeding she would empty me and then I would have to give her formula to fill her. I was all determined to bf my ds and I literally had no milk. Nothing came in. He was losing so much weight that we had to give him formula. Then I had complications and it would have been impossible to bf. This time I am not even going to try to bf. It's not worth it to me. My kids are healthy and happy and I actually think I bond more while ff. I don't think it helps that my kids have big appetites from birth. Both of them were drinking 4oz at a feeding from birth.

SusieBW · March 2014

With Dd, I BF while I was home on maternity leave, and I really did try pumping at work once I went back but I hated doing it so much, it didn't seem worth it to me, so we switched. I assume I'll probably do the same thing this time around. No regrets for me either, and I think that everyone should do whatever is best for their family.

TexasMom7137 · March 2014

DS1 hated nursing and lost weight quickly so we switched to formula. He is a very happy, healthy boy now. I managed to BF DS2 until 8 months but switched to formula after that. I will probably do the same thing this time.

jesslinnn · March 2014

Long story: With my first I was 100% planning in BFing. He had jaundice and it's especially important to get milk in but I wasn't making enough, so I supplemented. I met with an LC multiple times a week and did everything she said (fed or pumped every 1.5hrs, took Mother's Milk supplements, ate what she suggested, used an SNS, everything....) we'd weigh before and after feeding a but I'd only make an ounce max. I think the most I ever got was 5oz for the whole day. My OB even wrote me a prescription to help supply (can't think if the name now). The meds had some crappy side effects, but I tried it. When they didn't work, I finally threw in the towel. It took a lot out of me and I feel like I missed out a lot in the first 6 weeks because I was so determined (obsessed really) with making it work. Because I was always BFing or pumping I felt pretty isolated, I didn't go out much because I was afraid of missing a session and when we had guests I'd always go in my bedroom to feed/pump. It just sucked. When I gave in I felt 100x better. My LC suggested I might have a low thyroid but at that point it was too late.

With DS2, I was dx with a low thyroid and was on meds, I was really hopeful that that would make the difference. I told myself that'd I'd try BFing again but I wouldn't stress like I did and I would give up sooner if it wasn't working. When I had him he was jaundiced too, plus had a bad tongue tie (that wasn't clipped until almost a month). Repeat everything I did with DS1 and it just didn't work, no milk again. I was very discouraged but giving up was a lot easier. I stopped at 4 weeks.

I plan to try again with this LO but I'm not very hopeful and I'm not too worried about it. If it works, great.. if not, whatever FFing has it's perks.

ladybug0088 · March 2014

This is probably a silly question, but I'll be a FTM and have no clue....

Will the hospital have formula readily available in the event that BF just doesn't happen? OR is this something that I need to have on hand just in case? I wouldn't have any clues what brands to even look at...I plan on trying to BF but if it doesn't work I'll be doing FF.

whiterabbit5 · March 2014

ladybug0088 said:

This is probably a silly question, but I'll be a FTM and have no clue....

Will the hospital have formula readily available in the event that BF just doesn't happen? OR is this something that I need to have on hand just in case? I wouldn't have any clues what brands to even look at...I plan on trying to BF but if it doesn't work I'll be doing FF.

They had formula readily available. They just asked me what I wanted to do and we went from there. It was a surprisingly easy process. I had expected some pressure to attempt BFing, but the nurses were wonderful.

Kendrav4 · March 2014

ladybug0088 said:
This is probably a silly question, but I'll be a FTM and have no clue....

Will the hospital have formula readily available in the event that BF just doesn't happen? OR is this something that I need to have on hand just in case? I wouldn't have any clues what brands to even look at...I plan on trying to BF but if it doesn't work I'll be doing FF.

My hospital had formula for those who needed it (diapers and wipes too) but I've heard that they are no longer providing formula since they are trying to encourage breastfeeding. You should probably call and ask to be safe.

HappyCianci · March 2014

ladybug0088 said:

This is probably a silly question, but I'll be a FTM and have no clue....

Will the hospital have formula readily available in the event that BF just doesn't happen? OR is this something that I need to have on hand just in case? I wouldn't have any clues what brands to even look at...I plan on trying to BF but if it doesn't work I'll be doing FF.

If your baby NEEDS formula for some medical reason at birth (problems regulating blood glucose, for example), the hospital will be able to provide that for your baby. Otherwise, there probably won't be formula hanging around. There's been a big push for hospitals to become more baby-friendly, which means they're not allowed to give out samples of free formula anymore.

Eastie156 · March 2014

mel689 said:
Long story: With my first I was 100% planning in BFing. He had jaundice and it's especially important to get milk in but I wasn't making enough, so I supplemented. I met with an LC multiple times a week and did everything she said (fed or pumped every 1.5hrs, took Mother's Milk supplements, ate what she suggested, used an SNS, everything....) we'd weigh before and after feeding a but I'd only make an ounce max. I think the most I ever got was 5oz for the whole day. My OB even wrote me a prescription to help supply (can't think if the name now). The meds had some crappy side effects, but I tried it. When they didn't work, I finally threw in the towel. It took a lot out of me and I feel like I missed out a lot in the first 6 weeks because I was so determined (obsessed really) with making it work. Because I was always BFing or pumping I felt pretty isolated, I didn't go out much because I was afraid of missing a session and when we had guests I'd always go in my bedroom to feed/pump. It just sucked. When I gave in I felt 100x better. My LC suggested I might have a low thyroid but at that point it was too late.

With DS2, I was dx with a low thyroid and was on meds, I was really hopeful that that would make the difference. I told myself that'd I'd try BFing again but I wouldn't stress like I did and I would give up sooner if it wasn't working. When I had him he was jaundiced too, plus had a bad tongue tie (that wasn't clipped until almost a month). Repeat everything I did with DS1 and it just didn't work, no milk again. I was very discouraged but giving up was a lot easier. I stopped at 4 weeks.

I plan to try again with this LO but I'm not very hopeful and I'm not too worried about it. If it works, great.. if not, whatever FFing has it's perks.

@mel689, your story with your first sounds a lot like mine, sans the prescription from the Dr.

Eastie156 · March 2014

ladybug0088 said:
This is probably a silly question, but I'll be a FTM and have no clue....

Will the hospital have formula readily available in the event that BF just doesn't happen? OR is this something that I need to have on hand just in case? I wouldn't have any clues what brands to even look at...I plan on trying to BF but if it doesn't work I'll be doing FF.

It depends state to state how freely hospitals will give out formula. Mass passed a law within the last two years saying that hospitals are no longer allowed to just hand it out. You have to specifically ask for it. I think it's to try to help more mothers breast feed.

Eastie156 · March 2014

theresat858 said:

ladybug0088 said:

This is probably a silly question, but I'll be a FTM and have no clue....

Will the hospital have formula readily available in the event that BF just doesn't happen? OR is this something that I need to have on hand just in case? I wouldn't have any clues what brands to even look at...I plan on trying to BF but if it doesn't work I'll be doing FF.

They forced formula on us when DD was 24 hours old.

Yes, they'll have it.

If you're lucky, they will offer you the support of a lactation consultant before forcing formula on you in your sleep-deprived, exhausted state.

It makes me really sad whenever I hear these stories of moms who didn't receive the early support needed to make BFing work. For anyone who DOES want to BF but is reading this thread: Seek out local lactation support groups while pregnant. Get the number of a lactation consultant or two. Don't just try to fight through the early issues on your own - get help with them.

Oh and I fully intend to start back on antidepressants the day that baby is born and BF on the meds....I did the same with DD with the support of my pdoc who is an expert in moms and babies, and most meds are safer than you think.

Sometimes getting lots of help with lactation consultants, taking mothers milk and doing everything you can just doesn't work. And that's ok. What works for one doesn't work for all.

ladybug0088 · March 2014

Thank you ladies! I'll be sure to ask when we are doing the hospital tour and find out what to expect.

Eastie156 · March 2014

theresat858 said:

ladybug0088 said:

This is probably a silly question, but I'll be a FTM and have no clue....

Will the hospital have formula readily available in the event that BF just doesn't happen? OR is this something that I need to have on hand just in case? I wouldn't have any clues what brands to even look at...I plan on trying to BF but if it doesn't work I'll be doing FF.

They forced formula on us when DD was 24 hours old.

Yes, they'll have it.

If you're lucky, they will offer you the support of a lactation consultant before forcing formula on you in your sleep-deprived, exhausted state.

It makes me really sad whenever I hear these stories of moms who didn't receive the early support needed to make BFing work. For anyone who DOES want to BF but is reading this thread: Seek out local lactation support groups while pregnant. Get the number of a lactation consultant or two. Don't just try to fight through the early issues on your own - get help with them.

Oh and I fully intend to start back on antidepressants the day that baby is born and BF on the meds....I did the same with DD with the support of my pdoc who is an expert in moms and babies, and most meds are safer than you think.

That's funny-we were offered it right before we left, but there certainly was no pushing it on us. We had a great lactation consultant at the hospital-too bad no one thought to check my thyroid post-pardum as my body wouldn't cooperate with the demands of a hungry newborn.

DiannaVB · March 2014

whiterabbit5 said:

Lately there have been many posts about BFing, and I thought we should at least have one for moms who formula feed. I FF my first two babies from day one. My first was an unplanned c-section and the recovery was very rough. FFing just made it easier for me. I honestly have no overwhelming desire to BF. I considered it with my second but ultimately stuck with FF. It just worked for me and for my little guys. Both boys are happy and healthy and full of energy. I don't see any difference between being BF or FF. I think it all depends on what works for the mother and the baby.

Any other moms planning to FF?

Kudos to you for admitting you plan to FF. Hopefully the virtual lynch mob doesn't start attacking.

Choosing what's best for both you and your child is what is most important when making your personal FF vs. BF decisions. We should all be able to feed our children either way or in any combination without being attacked for our choices.

bayhunter6 · March 2014

When my DD was born in 2012 we were sent home with a whole bag of those single serving formula bottles even though we were breastfeeding. My friend who just delivered said they no longer provide formula in the hospital except in emergency situations so I would check with your local hospital and maybe plan to bring a bit with you if you don't plan to BF.

Justabean3 · March 2014

theresat858 said:

ladybug0088 said:

This is probably a silly question, but I'll be a FTM and have no clue....

Will the hospital have formula readily available in the event that BF just doesn't happen? OR is this something that I need to have on hand just in case? I wouldn't have any clues what brands to even look at...I plan on trying to BF but if it doesn't work I'll be doing FF.

They forced formula on us when DD was 24 hours old.

Yes, they'll have it.

If you're lucky, they will offer you the support of a lactation consultant before forcing formula on you in your sleep-deprived, exhausted state.

It makes me really sad whenever I hear these stories of moms who didn't receive the early support needed to make BFing work. For anyone who DOES want to BF but is reading this thread: Seek out local lactation support groups while pregnant. Get the number of a lactation consultant or two. Don't just try to fight through the early issues on your own - get help with them.

Oh and I fully intend to start back on antidepressants the day that baby is born and BF on the meds....I did the same with DD with the support of my pdoc who is an expert in moms and babies, and most meds are safer than you think.

--------
I know your post probably wasn't directed at me but Mine I know are not but I wish they were

Emerald27 · March 2014

@ladybug0088 It takes 3-5 days on average for a new mom's milk to come in, and typically you're only in the hospital for 2-4 days, depending on whether you birth vaginally or via cesarean. That means, you won't have mature milk in your breasts with which to feed baby before you leave the hospital...so I would hesitate to base your success or not on how you do in those first few days. If you want to breastfeed, don't give up so easily if you find that it's tough in the beginning.

The first few days to a week after baby is born, your breasts contain colostrum, then transitional milk, and eventually mature milk. There is not much volume there at first, because baby really only needs a teaspoon or so of colostrum at a time. A newborn tummy is the size of a marble.

In the hospital, you can work with the LC (see if there is an IBCLC available) and nurses, so that you and baby can learn to latch. It's not easy at first for either of you. Breastfeeding is natural just like walking, but we aren't born knowing how to walk...we have to learn! Just like walking, we (and baby) have to learn to breastfeed. It doesn't always come easily, and it can take several days, or even weeks, to figure it out. But breastmilk is the perfect food for your baby, its immunological properties are amazing, and it is well worth the effort to have a positive and successful breastfeeding relationship.

In preparing to breastfeed, it's a great idea to read some books about breastfeeding (like The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding) and to take a breastfeeding class if one is available nearby. La Leche League also welcomes pregnant mothers to their meetings, and it can be nice to meet some LLL leaders in advance, so that if you find you need help, you will have met the leader you call/email for help.

I don't mean to hijack a formula feeding thread, and I do fully support every mother's personal decision whether to breastfeed or formula feed. Every mother has to decide what is best for her and her baby. However, I can't agree that breastmilk and formula are equivalent, and I highly recommend that every mom research her feeding options and make a well-informed decision whether to breastfeed or not.

TheOtherJacobsons · March 2014

@theresat858 This is the one thing that I am most afraid of. Some hospitals require FF before you even get the chance to try and BF. I will only FF if there is an extreme circumstance where I either cannot BF or if it is for a legitimate medical purpose.

MuffinMom14 · March 2014

I plan on it. I don't have a lot of faith that it will work (I don't know--I just don't, and I can't explain why). But I'm going to try like hell, and my husband's aunt is the head baby nurse where we will be delivering, so she knows the plan, and she is in charge of that stuff. I'll have support. I just have to try and try again. I figure if the baby is losing weight, I'm out. I'm not going to mess around with that.

HappyCianci · March 2014

DiannaVB said:

Kudos to you for admitting you plan to FF. Hopefully the virtual lynch mob doesn't start attacking.

Choosing what's best for both you and your child is what is most important when making your personal FF vs. BF decisions. We should all be able to feed our children either way or in any combination without being attacked for our choices.

Breastfeeding advocates get so much flak, but this thread has been perfectly respectful right up until this comment, which comes from a pro-FF perspective. Preemptive animosity = disappointing.

Emerald27 · March 2014

SPurp13 said:

I plan on it. I don't have a lot of faith that it will work (I don't know--I just don't, and I can't explain why). But I'm going to try like hell, and my husband's aunt is the head baby nurse where we will be delivering, so she knows the plan, and she is in charge of that stuff. I'll have support. I just have to try and try again. I figure if the baby is losing weight, I'm out. I'm not going to mess around with that.

Do keep in mind that babies lose an average of 5-7% of their birth weight in the first few days after birth. If you receive IV fluids during labor, have an epidural, or deliver via cesarean, your baby will lose a higher percentage of his/her birth weight because the initial weight is inflated slightly (baby gets extra fluids too), so oftentimes these babies lose more like 10-12% of their birth weight. That's normal and not unsafe, so if your baby loses weight, before supplementing feel free to ask about normal weight loss.

You can also request a breast pump so that you can pump colostrum to feed to baby instead of formula.

ETA: Required supplementation can be delivered via syringe, spoon, or SNS (preferable because it provides simultaneous breast stimulation) instead of a bottle too, so breastfeeding moms avoid the concern of nipple confusion.

wearenutts · March 2014

I BF my daughter at the start. I wasn't producing enough milk for her so I had to supplement with formula. After she got a taste of the formula that is all she wanted. I would even pump and mix the two together but she didn't want any part of breast milk after tasting formula. I was really hard on myself for giving up after only 6 weeks but I did what had to be done. I plan on BF this one (hopefully longer) but if I have to switch to formula I will. Wont be as hard on myself this time.

whiterabbit5 · March 2014

Thank you so much for all of the responses. I must be in the minority of moms who exclusively formula feed, being that most women try BF and then due to reasons out of their control have to switch. Whatever your choices, I fully support you. In my eyes, no way is the right way. You have to do what's right for you.

I was hoping there were women out there who just didn't have a strong urge to BF. I've never felt like I NEEDED to. It never felt like it was a necessary thing for me being a mom. I know my babies are healthy and happy and in the end that's what matters most.

flyinmommy · March 2014

All my babies were FF and this one will be as well. I Bfd DS1 for about 6 weeks and it was not a good fit for either of us. Once we switched to formula everyone was happier and healthier. Sometimes it is the right choice for everyone involved.
The nurses were supportive and formula was readily available at the hospital. My Ob is super supportive this time as well and Ff her babies. Its nice to have support in your decision.

trisharenee0316 · March 2014

I wanted to BF, but it didn't work out. I had a lot of guilt over it from my daughter due to her reflux issues and our constant battle to find a formula that worked for her tummy. That said, I think it's super bitchy and unnecessary to come into a thread directed at women who *plan to formula feed* and start spouting Breast is Best bullshit. Congrats on having a contrary opinion, but surely no one asked for it in this instance.

OP: I've decided that if we FF again this time, I'm buying this and it's not even close. God, did I hate having to make bottles in the MOTN. https://www.babybrezza.com/store.php/formula-pro/formula-pro/

whiterabbit5 · March 2014

trisharenee0316 said:

I wanted to BF, but it didn't work out. I had a lot of guilt over it from my daughter due to her reflux issues and our constant battle to find a formula that worked for her tummy. That said, I think it's super bitchy and unnecessary to come into a thread directed at women who *plan to formula feed* and start spouting Breast is Best bullshit. Congrats on having a contrary opinion, but surely no one asked for it in this instance.

OP: I've decided that if we FF again this time, I'm buying this and it's not even close. God, did I hate having to make bottles in the MOTN. https://www.babybrezza.com/store.php/formula-pro/formula-pro/

I have constantly told DH that we need a mini fridge in the bedroom to store pre-made bottles. Even then, I still have to warm them to room temperature. The Formula Pro looks awesome. What a great idea.

Emerald27 · March 2014

trisharenee0316 said:

I wanted to BF, but it didn't work out. I had a lot of guilt over it from my daughter due to her reflux issues and our constant battle to find a formula that worked for her tummy. That said, I think it's super bitchy and unnecessary to come into a thread directed at women who *plan to formula feed* and start spouting Breast is Best bullshit. Congrats on having a contrary opinion, but surely no one asked for it in this instance.

OP: I've decided that if we FF again this time, I'm buying this and it's not even close. God, did I hate having to make bottles in the MOTN. https://www.babybrezza.com/store.php/formula-pro/formula-pro/

You really found my comments "bitchy and unnecessary"?...and nothing I said was "bullshit". I provided accurate information and voiced my support for every mother making whatever well-informed decision is right for her.

I'm afraid you need to go shopping ASAP...your panties are waaay too tight.

whiterabbit5 · March 2014

I know for one thing I need to invest in more ice packs this time around. Everytime I forget how bad my boobs hurt after baby is born. It comes on in a rush and takes a few mins to pass. The ice packs help but holy shit. And having to take cold showers is not that much fun either.

lizlightning11 · March 2014

I am a FTM so I am still unsure what I will do. I was 100% FF but now I am just looking at both options. I was FF as a Baby and turned out fabulous

trisharenee0316 · March 2014

Emerald, yes, I found this bitchy and unnecessary in a thread where a woman is asking after those who plan to FF.

"I don't mean to hijack a formula feeding thread, and I do fully support every mother's personal decision whether to breastfeed or formula feed. Every mother has to decide what is best for her and her baby. However, I can't agree that breastmilk and formula are equivalent, and I highly recommend that every mom research her feeding options and make a well-informed decision whether to breastfeed or not."

You could have done without the bolded and I'm sure you know that. There's implicit judgment there, as I'm sure you know.

MrsL2B · March 2014

whiterabbit5 said:
Thank you so much for all of the responses. I must be in the minority of moms who exclusively formula feed, being that most women try BF and then due to reasons out of their control have to switch. Whatever your choices, I fully support you. In my eyes, no way is the right way. You have to do what's right for you.

I was hoping there were women out there who just didn't have a strong urge to BF. I've never felt like I NEEDED to. It never felt like it was a necessary thing for me being a mom. I know my babies are healthy and happy and in the end that's what matters most.

I definitely don't have a strong urge to breast feed. I will if I can, but the idea doesn't appeal to me very much just yet. I've never tried it, though, so maybe I'll find it to be the wonderfully rewarding experience my mom always says it was for her.

Justabean3 · March 2014

I will also say I have no desire to BF But do it because it is healthier and cheaper for our family.

But I hate it and I can't stand the feeling of it. It makes me very irritable when they do it. I fully understand moms that Eff. It is 100% your choice. I never had the hospital try and push me one way or the other. They got me formula with #1 and they brought in LC who tried to help me with #2. Both times they were very supportive

I don't even personally know that breast in best anymore if you consider all the crap we eat and what is in it now. A long time ago I fully believe that but advancements were no where close to what we have now.

Emerald27 · March 2014

trisharenee0316 said:
Emerald, yes, I found this bitchy and unnecessary in a thread where a woman is asking after those who plan to FF.

"I don't mean to hijack a formula feeding thread, and I do fully support every mother's personal decision whether to breastfeed or formula feed. Every mother has to decide what is best for her and her baby. However, I can't agree that breastmilk and formula are equivalent, and I highly recommend that every mom research her feeding options and make a well-informed decision whether to breastfeed or not."

You could have done without the bolded and I'm sure you know that. There's implicit judgment there, as I'm sure you know.

Hmm...actually, this is pretty non-judgmental. I wasn't judging any mom on her decision to breastfeed or formula feed. There are lots of reasons besides the content of breastmilk vs. formula why a mother might choose one over the other.

But breastmilk and formula are not equivalent. The former contains immunological properties that are tailored to the specific germs and viruses that a mother and her child encounter, the bacteria in breastmilk helps to establish the healthy flora in a baby's gut, breastmilk "grows with baby", meaning it's calorie/nutrient/fat content changes with baby's specific ever-changing needs (communicated to her breast through saliva). It contains melatonin to help regulate infant sleep. Breastfeeding lowers a mother's risk of breast cancer and other diseases, and helps mom lose the baby weight, and it lower's a baby's risk of diabetes and obesity, asthma and allergies. Breastmilk and formula are different, and although it is wonderful that formula exists, it is not the same thing. I don't think that stating the simple fact that breastmilk and formula are not equivalent is judgmental, or judges any mom's decision to choose one over the other.

ETA: I had no intention of bringing this much BM talk into a FF thread, but if you're going to call me out, quote me and completely misinterpret my comment, I'm going to explain myself.

Love to all my O'14 mamas! I'm guessing you'll all feed your babies however is best for you, and that is perfect.

TheOtherJacobsons · March 2014

@trisharenee0316 I think it is extremely inappropriate to use someone's thread as a platform for a personal agenda. I do not think that anyone here has done that. Unless you consider your own comments about Breast is Beast Bullshit. I think your perception of what was written is colored by some issue you clearly have with BFing, not the other way around.

Want a personalized experience?

Formula Feeding

Re: Formula Feeding

Choose Another Board

Search Boards