Feeding

kmcconnell87 · December 2014

Hi ladies!
My husband and I are expecting our first in July and we are soooo excited

We've begun discussing our feeding options and I was hoping some of you might have some helpful input. I was wondering if there are any experienced moms who could give me an estimate on how much you spent on formula per month? I have to go back to work after 6 short weeks, so we have been looking into formula feeding. I've also heard of "exclusively pumping" and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with that? I really want my transition back to work to go smoothly and I am worried that breastfeeding will not allow for that. Thanks in advance!

forevergraceful · December 2014

We use Kirkland brand from Costco. It is significantly cheaper than anything else I have seen. $17 for a huge can that will last about 1.5 weeks.

mommywagner · December 2014

With my first, I went back to work after 3 weeks. I nursed as often as possible when I was home and pumped 3 times a day at work. My DD got formula here and there if I didn't pump enough but for the most part, she got breastmilk. She's turning 2 end of January and she's still nursing. It's a challenge but if you're up to it, it's completely doable!!!

Granted, I don't know what your work situation is. I had a friend who was a police officer who couldn't pump because what criminal is going to pause and wait for you to put your boobs away? Lol. But if it's doable in your work environment, it's very possible.

WafflesFriendsWork · December 2014

We're going to EBF as long as possible but I would like to mix in a little formula here and there in case pumping at work isn't working out. Hopefully this will prevent it from being a shock to the baby's system - I'll also pump so DH can give the baby a bottle when needed. We plan on using the Costco brand after researching cost/benefits, plus we'd like to try baby led weaning pretty early. Hopefully we can move to table food fairly quickly when the baby is ready!

MaritimeMama3 · December 2014

I agree with PP about breastfeeding when you're not at work, if you're up for it. I honestly find BF-ing way easier than bottle feeding. And at 6 weeks, I doubt you'd have difficulty getting the baby to take formula during the day... Mine didn't get set in his ways until he was a bit older. GL!

valigrl21 · December 2014

With my first, I knew I want to try to BF while I was on maternity leave. I got to the end of maternity leave and wasn't ready yet to be done BF-ing. So I pumped at work 3 times a day and BFed her in the morning/at night. I started supplementing with formula around 6 months and continued to breast feed for another 3 months. We made it 9 months before my supply took a total dive and DD#1 didn't want to BF any more.

With my second, I knew what to expect with regards to BFing/returning to work/etc, so I am still BFing her, she's about to turn one years old in a few weeks.

There is nothing wrong with giving your child formula. But if you want to try BFing and possibly continuing to pump when you return to work, it is possible. It's much easier if your work has other mother's that are pumping or have pumped. There are laws that protect your right to BF and have a place to do it besides the bathroom. But it's much easier if your work already has an established BF-ing area.

So I would say, just keep an open mind, see how it goes and do what's best for you and your baby.

Chasity08 · December 2014

As one of the PPs mentioned, the hardest part is that you don't know what type of formula baby will need. Both my DD and my DSS had to use the specialty formula as they had MSPI Milk/Soy protein intolerance) meaning they couldn't use the standard formula and couldn't use the soy formula. The cans were a LITTLE bigger, not much, and instead of being $12 per can for the regular...it was $27 per can. At that time I was using about 8 cans of that per month for 1 kiddo (we did not breastfeed).

Back then there were not as many options for formula (it was only 7 years ago, but my goodness, there were really only 4, regular, soy, sensitive [which was also milk based] and the specialty, and they were color coded). I went to Target the other day and holy cow there were so many formulas! I'm really hoping the twins are able to tolerate regular formula so we can do an off brand and save some money, but the specialty formulas are name brand only.

Good luck!

draeray · December 2014

We pumped, BF and used formula. I had supply issues and I just wasn't making enough milk for him. I made it 7 weeks around the clock pumping every 2 hours and breast feeding when he wanted to nurse and formula fed when there wasn't enough milk. We went through 3 different formulas before finding one that worked for us which was Gerber Good Start Gentle. Walmart makes an off brand version and for the large can it was $15.00 vs Gerber at $24 which lasted almost a week. Good luck.

Gw3nny · December 2014

WafflesFriendsWork said:
We're going to EBF as long as possible but I would like to mix in a little formula here and there in case pumping at work isn't working out. Hopefully this will prevent it from being a shock to the baby's system - I'll also pump so DH can give the baby a bottle when needed. We plan on using the Costco brand after researching cost/benefits, plus we'd like to try baby led weaning pretty early. Hopefully we can move to table food fairly quickly when the baby is ready!

Breastfeeding for as long as possible is what prevents a "shock to the system" because breast milk is uniquely developed to finish the growth and maturation of your baby's intestines. Giving formula early on could lead to supply issues since milk production is based on supply and demand. Solid food is inappropriate before six months of age according to the most recent guidelines and breast milk or formula is still necessary until 12 months to meet the infant's nutritional needs.

I'm not telling you what to do, of course, I know you'll make choices that work best for your family's values and situation, but it is good to make your decisions after getting all the information!

DocTaco · December 2014

I exclusively pumped because my son had oral issues that didn't allow him to nurse effectively. What I wish someone had explained to me when I was expecting my first is that it often isn't a simple choice. I wanted to BF, so I thought that meant I would BF. Exclusively pumping was a full time job. I had a LC who had me on an insane pumping regiment plus supplements plus a prescription medication and I STILL never got a full supply. (Plus you then have to store the milk, clean the parts, clean the bottles.) I honestly don't think I'd do it again.

We used the Target brand (Up & Up) to supplement. I've recently joined Costco and heard good things about their formula, so we may look into that this time.

tasharchibald · December 2014

At least try breastfeeding and pumping if you want to! None of my family breast fed so they didn't understand why I wanted to do it and we're mad they could t feed the baby. Don't let anyone discourage you regardless of your choice! Find a good lactation consultant because the first couple weeks are hard! Once you get past that it's a breeze but at first it hurts and can e very uncomfortable and confusing which made me want to quit or think your not doing it right! Luckily I had a nurse neighbor who helped me a ton and got me through those first crazy weeks! I plan on nursing/pumping again with LO

ahsile10 · December 2014

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Beachy730 · December 2014

Gw3nny said:

We're going to EBF as long as possible but I would like to mix in a little formula here and there in case pumping at work isn't working out. Hopefully this will prevent it from being a shock to the baby's system - I'll also pump so DH can give the baby a bottle when needed. We plan on using the Costco brand after researching cost/benefits, plus we'd like to try baby led weaning pretty early. Hopefully we can move to table food fairly quickly when the baby is ready!
Breastfeeding for as long as possible is what prevents a "shock to the system" because breast milk is uniquely developed to finish the growth and maturation of your baby's intestines. Giving formula early on could lead to supply issues since milk production is based on supply and demand. Solid food is inappropriate before six months of age according to the most recent guidelines and breast milk or formula is still necessary until 12 months to meet the infant's nutritional needs. I'm not telling you what to do, of course, I know you'll make choices that work best for your family's values and situation, but it is good to make your decisions after getting all the information!

Solids can be safely started at 4 months if baby is ready. @WafflesFriendsWork‌ I don't know if you meant to imply that with BLW you would need less formula or BM, but it's not true. Food before one is just for fun, so you shouldnt decrease formula or BM consumption just because they are taking in solids. Your kid may choose to do so on their own, but don't do it for them.

Beachy730 · December 2014

When DS was at peak consumption, which was 32oz a day, we would go through the $35 refill box of enfamil a week. Which equates to $140 a week. Enfamil was good about sending formula checks though, and I had a lot of friends who sent me theirs as well. I would also stock up when target or BRU had sales of gift card deals. Often times I would go in and get $150 worth of formula for about $25-50 after checks and coupons. I never paid full price for formula in the entire year he was on it.

READY4TWO · December 2014

We used Gerber's Good Start Gentle formula. We got it at Target and got 5% off when we used our red card. But it was about $22 or so for a week's supply. Sometimes Target would also give free gift cards when you bought multiple cans at a time and we would do that as well and then use the gift card on formula or diapers or something baby related on the next visit.

Gw3nny · December 2014

Beachy730 said:

Solids can be safely started at 4 months if baby is ready.

Ok. Whatever. I'm just saying the AAP guidelines are to wait until six months, not four, and not four to six months like they were previously.

Personally, we chose to wait until our children 1) showed an interest, 2) had teeth, and 3) could sit up without support. Those things didn't happen for us until about nine months. Breast milk or formula should be the major source of nutrition until one year.

jlbaker08 · December 2014

I was home for 7 weeks with DD then pumped at work, she nursed until she was 1 and never had a drop of formula. Pumping at work was tough but I was determined (and frankly couldn't afford the formula). Like PP have said, formula comes in different price ranges and they are all held to a certain standard. If you can BF and pump at work, try it... It's hard but not impossible!

Laura8415 · December 2014

I EP'd with my first for 9 months, and I will NOT be doing that again. It was a lot of work and I won't have time to do that with a newborn and a toddler running around. Breastfeeding just didn't work for us, but I wanted him to get my BM. Pumping at work was not an issue. I honestly kept up with it as long as I did because DS had a milk protein sensitivity and when we gave him formula, it had to be a hypo-allergenic one, which is super expensive. I had to cut all dairy out of my diet, but it was worth it. This time, I want BFing to work. I will set up a LC consultant ahead of time and I'm thinking about taking a BF class too.

schulme2 · December 2014

I EPed with my son for 10 months, it was a lot of work and dealt with low supply but I would do it all over again if I had to so my baby could have mama's milk. I'm not knocking formula as I had to use it as well to fortify, but I know that every ounce of my milk I could give my DS was so good for him!

Beachy730 · December 2014

Gw3nny said:

Beachy730 said:

Solids can be safely started at 4 months if baby is ready.
Ok. Whatever. I'm just saying the AAP guidelines are to wait until six months, not four, and not four to six months like they were previously.

Personally, we chose to wait until our children 1) showed an interest, 2) had teeth, and 3) could sit up without support. Those things didn't happen for us until about nine months. Breast milk or formula should be the major source of nutrition until one year.

I feel like that ok whatever came with a hair flip. AAP says "around 6 months," but it has more to do with the child hitting milestones than a specific age. Our ped said DS was ready at 4 months if we wanted, and recommended we start cereal because he was having sleep regression. Others are told to wait til 6 months, some even longer. It also depends on what you're feeding. If you want to do BLW then yeah it's probably best to wait til 6 months. But purées are easier to start earlier.

Beachy730 · December 2014

Sing2phins said:

Beachy730 said:

Gw3nny said:

Beachy730 said:

Solids can be safely started at 4 months if baby is ready.
Ok. Whatever. I'm just saying the AAP guidelines are to wait until six months, not four, and not four to six months like they were previously.

Personally, we chose to wait until our children 1) showed an interest, 2) had teeth, and 3) could sit up without support. Those things didn't happen for us until about nine months. Breast milk or formula should be the major source of nutrition until one year.
I feel like that ok whatever came with a hair flip. AAP says "around 6 months," but it has more to do with the child hitting milestones than a specific age. Our ped said DS was ready at 4 months if we wanted, and recommended we start cereal because he was having sleep regression. Others are told to wait til 6 months, some even longer. It also depends on what you're feeding. If you want to do BLW then yeah it's probably best to wait til 6 months. But purées are easier to start earlier.

I'm not knocking you or your pedi, but don't most/all babies have a sleep regression around 4 months? I mean, it's called the 4-month wakeful for a reason.

Yeah a lot of them do, and theres a wonder week leap around then too. There were other factors with it for them giving us the go ahead. This was actually a different ped in the practice than we normally see, and I remmeber being surprised about the sleep comment because most things say cereal doesn't make a difference with sleep.

charliepepper · December 2014

@Gw3nny‌ is correct regarding the recommendations to delay solids until 6 months. The official AAP guidelines, as well as WHO, recommend delaying solids until 6 months. It's a fairly new rec (so much so that not all AAP-based websites are updated) and somewhat controversial among pediatricians who didn't train under the new guidelines, so the vast majority still rec 4 months. If you want to read the policy for yourself to help the decision-making process, it's at pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/3/e827.full. Hope the link works!

Gw3nny · December 2014

The "okay whatever" was out of exasperation. I don't always use evidenced based practices in my parenting either, but I also don't deny them.

You can find tons of articles online about why to wait to introduce solids, but here's one from the stir that's easily digestible.

https://thestir.cafemom.com/baby/123600/10_reasons_to_delay_solids

Beachy730 · December 2014

I'll fully admit I haven't researched anything recently, and with DS it was hit or miss what other Peds recommended. I don't necessarily think all of those points in that link are accurate though; mainly the allergies and BFing ones. Studies go back and forth on what causes more allergies, starting earlier or later, so that rec could change next month. Then the BFing is only applicable if you truly are exclusively BFing. Many moms aren't for whatever reason, be it supply issues or personal choice, so that one is out the window.

But overall the link and reasons are interesting and I don't remember any of those even being points when DS started.

cschissell · December 2014

Pumping is a total pain in the ass. If you plan to breastfeed I'd only pump at work and nurse when you're with your baby. I breastfed for 17 months and pumped for 12 months at work. It is a pain, but I think it was worth it.

kmcconnell87 · December 2014

Thanks for all of the tips! I work as an ABA therapist for autistic kids. Unfortunately, no one I currently work with is breastfeeding so I'm not certain about any expectations I should have. At the center I used to work at, they were great about bfing and even had a pumping room. I don't think my current boss would tell me that I couldn't bf though. There are just so many different aspects that need taken into consideration. Talk about stressful!

cschissell · December 2014

Let me clarify that once you get past the first few weeks of breastfeeding it gets pretty easy. Only pumping is a pain.

wells2010 · December 2014

I went to work at 8 weeks and ebf before that for the most part. It was hard for me to pump enough at work to keep up with demand, so we did a combo of the two. I think if I had more time before I went back to work I could have at least made more of a freezer stash before I had to go back. That being said, we spent about $35 a month on formula. I will probably do the same thing this time.

katdesear · December 2014

I went back to work when DS was 8 weeks and successfully BF and pumped until he was 14 months old. Work on building your supply and stashing milk while your home, and always BF when you're home, it will help keep your supply up.

muffyvonmuff · December 2014

Formula for generic I think averages around $70-$100 a month but it really depends on how much you kid eats since not all babies take the same amount.

I would not suggest aiming for exclusively pumping. Its a long road. Just pumping at work was enough for me to hate to do it any other time.

I BF/pumped til about 9 months when I began to supplement. It saved me around $900 which Im grateful for.

As for solids it was my understanding that the intro at 4 months was in relation to the studies showing reduced allergy risks by early introduction. It wasn't for sustenance and only to be fed in tastes after BM/Form was offered. You also need to wait until the tongue thrust reflex is gone which would e based on the individual baby and sometimes that won't be up until 6 months anyway.

NYMominCA · December 2014

With my daughter I breastfed her for 13.5 months and we never used formula.

With my son we had a ton of nursing issues and then when they were resolved, I went back to work FT and couldn't keep up my supply with pumping. It turned out he needed special formula, too (dairy-free, soy-free). It was $25 a can every 4 days in the beginning (started at 6 months). It was painful, and not covered by insurance or WIC.

allieb543 · December 2014

I EP'D for my son for about 10 weeks until my supply started drying up. He never latched despite countless lactation consults. Pumping exclusively is not fun and can be exhausting. I would've given anything for him to latch but at least he was able to get breast milk for a while. I supplemented with Similac and then we went to target up and up which was much more affordable.

Marinewife81 · December 2014

I went back to work after 6 weeks with my first and was breastfeeding and pumping.

I only went 4 months with dd, but I made it to 9 months with DS.

Christi421 · December 2014

I breastfed during my 12 weeks of maternity leave, and pumped when I could to start a freezer supply for daycare. After that, I exclusively pumped during the day until 9 months. At that point, I had built a supply to get me through around 10.5 months before I introduced formula. It's a commitment but it was worth it in my opinion. I probably won't be able to pump as long with my second but I'm going to try.

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