Formula feeding ??

yogahh · May 2016

FF mamas unite

Our pedi thought that maybe Harper wasn't sleeping on her back due to reflux so had us put her on Enfamil AR. It's expensive and honestly I don't think she has reflux. Never spits up. Doesn't seem fussy due to gas. I think she is just Not comfy in her bed yet. That said, would you switch to a cheaper formula or continue with the AR formula? I hate calling the pedi to ask them this question. It makes me feel like I'm being cheap...

also if anyone knows of a good generic version? We belong to bjs wholesale and I see they have their own versions but I'm not sure if it's the AR version or not?

Sunshinebins · May 2016

I would stick it out for a little and see if it helps. My girls have reflux without the classic symptoms and they hated sleeping on their backs. We elevated their mattresses a touch to help. But usually babies grow out of reflux fairly quickly, at which point you could use the BJs forumla.

I'm kind of surprised they immediately switched formula though and didn't just have you try some other ways to help, like elevating the mattress, holding her upright after feeding, etc. We use a forumla to fortify my breast milk and our pediatrician never batted an eye at it, just said to try to not lay them flat right after eating. HTH

cortney626 · May 2016

With my first, I tried a few different formulas. Then was told she had acid reflux. She was on Enfamil AR from 3 weeks to a year. With this little one, we were using Enfamil newborn, then switched to Gentlease on our own after she seemed to have gas and was extremely fussy. I would go with your gut. You can always try different formulas. Its trial and error to see what works.

VS2016 · May 2016

I was lucky to not have to switch formulas with my first, but from what I heard is the cheaper formula is basically the same as the more expensive versions.

Bltbear82 · May 2016

Harper is 1 week, right? I'm definitely not an expert, but from other moms I know that some babies just take a few weeks to be able to sleep flat. Have you tried taking her out in the stroller with a bassinet attachment and seeing if she would fall asleep as a test? Some babies just don't like certain things for whatever reason. I would personally try a few things before switching since she doesn't sound like she's presenting any classic symptoms but I'm not a doctor, so maybe they have a reason for suspecting?

mello13 · May 2016

I would stick it out and see if this formula helps. If/when you do switch (be it another brand or just a different enfamil) be sure to introduce it gradually by mixing with the current version. Also, go on Enfamil website and sign up for samples and checks (essentially $5 off each container). Because free/cheap is good.

Also, FWIW, my son had reflux but didn't have the spit up etc symptoms. We used the Similac Gentle formula with him. With the $5 off, plus coupons, plus Target gift card w/purchase it was always less than generic anyway.

mello13 · May 2016

Also, I suggest anyone who is formula feeding get the Dr Browns formula pitcher. You can make a bunch at once and it drastically reduces the bubbles (read: gas makers!). It's awesome.

tripledaggerWed95976 · May 2016

We BF and FF. my son Hates being on his back too and so We started using enfamil for fussy babies and it has made a world of difference! Btw, we tried enfamil AR and he HATED it

MsIan · May 2016

Any advice on how to dry up your milk? I'm thinking of transitioning to formula. If anything, just to make my life a tad bit easier. I know having a kid isn't easy, but boy am I tired!

yogahh · May 2016

MsIan said:

Any advice on how to dry up your milk? I'm thinking of transitioning to formula. If anything, just to make my life a tad bit easier. I know having a kid isn't easy, but boy am I tired!

I didn't do anything.. It just stopped. I don't think I had a great supply (minimal leaking) so maybe that made it easier?

VS2016 · May 2016

yogahh said:

MsIan said:

Any advice on how to dry up your milk? I'm thinking of transitioning to formula. If anything, just to make my life a tad bit easier. I know having a kid isn't easy, but boy am I tired!

I didn't do anything.. It just stopped. I don't think I had a great supply (minimal leaking) so maybe that made it easier?

I didn't have to do anything either.

saladflambe · May 2016

MsIan said:

Any advice on how to dry up your milk? I'm thinking of transitioning to formula. If anything, just to make my life a tad bit easier. I know having a kid isn't easy, but boy am I tired!

Antihistamines and any medicine made to help "dry things up" ... Can't remember the exact med people suggested

yogahh · May 2016

saladflambe said:

MsIan said:

Any advice on how to dry up your milk? I'm thinking of transitioning to formula. If anything, just to make my life a tad bit easier. I know having a kid isn't easy, but boy am I tired!

Antihistamines and any medicine made to help "dry things up" ... Can't remember the exact med people suggested

Sudafed. Only issue is it makes you drowsy so not the best with a newborn.

swflJD · May 2016

MsIan said:

Any advice on how to dry up your milk? I'm thinking of transitioning to formula. If anything, just to make my life a tad bit easier. I know having a kid isn't easy, but boy am I tired!

I've been on the fence about whether or not to breastfeed, but I'm leaning more and more toward not, so I asked my doctor last week about how to stop my supply after I deliver. She said to avoid any nipple simulation and wear a snug sports bra (not a tight wrap or binder that could cause painfully clogged ducts) at all times for a week or two and the supply should dry up. She mentioned that some women swear by using cabbage leaves, but she's not sure if it really helps or not. She said if you become too engorged, it's okay to express a little bit for some relief, but the more often you do, the longer it will take to stop completely.

cortney626 · May 2016

MsIan said:

Any advice on how to dry up your milk? I'm thinking of transitioning to formula. If anything, just to make my life a tad bit easier. I know having a kid isn't easy, but boy am I tired!

I wore sports bras for the first couple weeks. I had a little leaking but that was it.

ayeshaohara · May 2016

I used cabbage leaves to take down the engorgement. I've ended up still feeding a couple of times a day but I would easily be dried up by now if I stopped. The antihistamine someone talked about would be Benadryl. Dries everything up!

nerdymama15 · May 2016

@yogahh Baby does not have to be spitting up to have reflux. It can be "silent".
Ours has reflux too. Things our pedi told us to do for our little girl.
Feed her a little bit and then stop for a few minutes and then start feeding again
Feed her sitting up.
Let her sit up 15 to 20 minutes after feeding.
Elevate where she sleeps (but still follow steps to avoid SIDS).
Pedi changed our formula to Enfamil Gentlease. We are also on baby Zantac twice a day.
We saw a box of Sam's Club brand formula that claimed to be just as good as the Enfamil Gentlease. We bought it and took it to our Pedi and our pedi said it was fine and it was basically the same. The only difference might be in taste (think Coke vs Pepsi). Pedi said that all baby formula is regulated strictly by the FDA.

ayeshaohara · May 2016

nerdymama15 said:

@yogahh Baby does not have to be spitting up to have reflux. It can be "silent".
Ours has reflux too. Things our pedi told us to do for our little girl.
Feed her a little bit and then stop for a few minutes and then start feeding again
Feed her sitting up.
Let her sit up 15 to 20 minutes after feeding.
Elevate where she sleeps (but still follow steps to avoid SIDS).
Pedi changed our formula to Enfamil Gentlease. We are also on baby Zantac twice a day.
We saw a box of Sam's Club brand formula that claimed to be just as good as the Enfamil Gentlease. We bought it and took it to our Pedi and our pedi said it was fine and it was basically the same. The only difference might be in taste (think Coke vs Pepsi). Pedi said that all baby formula is regulated strictly by the FDA.

Has the gentlease made any difference? I've heard mixed things about the broken down protein formulas...some say they help. Some say avoid because it makes no difference. I have a box of free product that I haven't tried with her yet because I don't want to keep switching formulas but I'm interested to know!

nerdymama15 · May 2016

ayeshaohara said:

nerdymama15 said:

@yogahh Baby does not have to be spitting up to have reflux. It can be "silent".
Ours has reflux too. Things our pedi told us to do for our little girl.
Feed her a little bit and then stop for a few minutes and then start feeding again
Feed her sitting up.
Let her sit up 15 to 20 minutes after feeding.
Elevate where she sleeps (but still follow steps to avoid SIDS).
Pedi changed our formula to Enfamil Gentlease. We are also on baby Zantac twice a day.
We saw a box of Sam's Club brand formula that claimed to be just as good as the Enfamil Gentlease. We bought it and took it to our Pedi and our pedi said it was fine and it was basically the same. The only difference might be in taste (think Coke vs Pepsi). Pedi said that all baby formula is regulated strictly by the FDA.

Has the gentlease made any difference? I've heard mixed things about the broken down protein formulas...some say they help. Some say avoid because it makes no difference. I have a box of free product that I haven't tried with her yet because I don't want to keep switching formulas but I'm interested to know!

I have noticed a difference between the regular formula and the Gentlease. She still has issues, but not as bad as before. Our pedi thinks it is where she is a preemie, plus the fact that she seldom burps. We try to burp her but she just doesn't so she has bad gas issues from that.

togmama · May 2016

Woo! I love this! Formula feeding mamas unite! I can't speak for your baby but Nate formula feeds and will absolutely not sleep in his crib. He does lay on his activity mat fine. If her only symptom is that she doesn't like her crib, I'd guess she doesn't have reflux. I have looked into reflux and what to watch for, excessive vomitting and fussing are more symptoms than anything else. If she's gaining fine and soiling diapers, I wouldn't switch! I use up and up (Target) brand formula, that does not make you cheap! Formula in general is expensive! You're doing great mama!

MsIan · May 2016

Does anyone know if you can use Similac for Supplementation as a regular formula? I was supplementing with it, but not being able to find the time to pump, my milk output is much lower and I think I'm just going to go the formula route. I have some Similac Advanced but I JUST bought a new Similac for Supp.

RSaini · May 2016

I have been using Enfamil A+ along with breast milk but my supply is low as well.

I wanted to know this: does anyone feel guilty for formula feeding? I know I do but I shouldn't because it's just not working out with breastfeeding for me. I can't find the time to pump around the clock and I have been dealing with my LO not being able to latch properly, therefore, causing pain for me while I breastfeed.

MsIan · May 2016

Those are my issues @RSaini and honestly, I'd like some wine without worrying too.

ETA: I feel guilty but I also want to enjoy my time with baby and I know as long as he's getting what he needs then we're doing good

hellogoodbye2 · May 2016

RSaini said:
I wanted to know this: does anyone feel guilty for formula feeding? I know I do but I shouldn't because it's just not working out with breastfeeding for me. I can't find the time to pump around the clock and I have been dealing with my LO not being able to latch properly, therefore, causing pain for me while I breastfeed.

This is my second baby and coming to terms with not being able to breastfeed has been really rough. With my first I fought for a long time with very very low supply. I cried all the time. But she's a happy, smart 2.5 year old.

This time I put a lot more effort into breastfeeding from the get-go and you know what? I'm getting the same results. Little to no supply. I had a whole days worth of tears and guilt, but since then I have been enjoying how happy my baby is with a full tummy. It's made a world of a difference for our family. Not to say I still won't have days of feeling guilty, but I've been able to come to terms with FF much sooner this time.

Your feelings are valid and totally normal, in my opinion. Let yourself feel sad if that's what you need to feel....but I promise it will get better and that guilt will subside!

yogahh · May 2016

RSaini said:

I have been using Enfamil A+ along with breast milk but my supply is low as well.

I wanted to know this: does anyone feel guilty for formula feeding? I know I do but I shouldn't because it's just not working out with breastfeeding for me. I can't find the time to pump around the clock and I have been dealing with my LO not being able to latch properly, therefore, causing pain for me while I breastfeed.

I did at first because I quit so quickly... But baby girl is healthy and well fed so that guilt is gone. Also after reading the bf mama stories of being up all night to cluster feed, I know I made the right decision. It just wasn't for me. Just upset that it's an added cost we need to budget for now.

RSaini · May 2016

yogahh said:

RSaini said:

I have been using Enfamil A+ along with breast milk but my supply is low as well.

I wanted to know this: does anyone feel guilty for formula feeding? I know I do but I shouldn't because it's just not working out with breastfeeding for me. I can't find the time to pump around the clock and I have been dealing with my LO not being able to latch properly, therefore, causing pain for me while I breastfeed.

I did at first because I quit so quickly... But baby girl is healthy and well fed so that guilt is gone. Also after reading the bf mama stories of being up all night to cluster feed, I know I made the right decision. It just wasn't for me. Just upset that it's an added cost we need to budget for now.

Thanks @yogahh. The added cost is also an issue for me and it really sucks.

RSaini · May 2016

hellogoodbye2 said:

RSaini said:
I wanted to know this: does anyone feel guilty for formula feeding? I know I do but I shouldn't because it's just not working out with breastfeeding for me. I can't find the time to pump around the clock and I have been dealing with my LO not being able to latch properly, therefore, causing pain for me while I breastfeed.

This is my second baby and coming to terms with not being able to breastfeed has been really rough. With my first I fought for a long time with very very low supply. I cried all the time. But she's a happy, smart 2.5 year old.

This time I put a lot more effort into breastfeeding from the get-go and you know what? I'm getting the same results. Little to no supply. I had a whole days worth of tears and guilt, but since then I have been enjoying how happy my baby is with a full tummy. It's made a world of a difference for our family. Not to say I still won't have days of feeling guilty, but I've been able to come to terms with FF much sooner this time.

Your feelings are valid and totally normal, in my opinion. Let yourself feel sad if that's what you need to feel....but I promise it will get better and that guilt will subside!

@hellogoodbye2 yes! this is exactly how i feel...sad but i want my LO to be healthy so i will do what's best for him. Thank you for sharing!

Edited because my phone didn't post my response earlier.

RSaini · May 2016

MsIan said:

Those are my issues @RSaini and honestly, I'd like some wine without worrying too.

ETA: I feel guilty but I also want to enjoy my time with baby and I know as long as he's getting what he needs then we're doing good

@MsIan im so glad i can relate to this!! Wine would definitely be heaven after the long days of taking care of my LO!

Edited because my phone is just weird.

hollywoodave531 · May 2016

MsIan said:

Does anyone know if you can use Similac for Supplementation as a regular formula? I was supplementing with it, but not being able to find the time to pump, my milk output is much lower and I think I'm just going to go the formula route. I have some Similac Advanced but I JUST bought a new Similac for Supp.

*lurking from June* I am using Similac for supplementation (green label) and was told by my pediatrician it's pretty much the same as Similac advance (blue label). I think the only difference is the vitamin D levels. I am interchanging them both because I received a bunch of free samples from my OB office and the pediatrician.

TXmamatobe · May 2016

I felt so guilty when I switched to formula with my first - somehow it felt like a failure. I had so many unwelcome comments from people regarding my choice but they didn't see how I struggled with breastfeeding - how she never latched from day one, or how I struggled with nipple shields trying to force it to work. How I endlessly was pumping trying to build a supply and bottle feed with BM when all the while I was missing out on so many newborn moments with DD because all I had time for was pumping, cleaning pump parts and then attempting to get her to take the breastmilk.

Then we found out she had reflux and a milk protein allergy which meant I had to cut out caffeine, dairy, acidic fruits and vegetables and anything with milk protein. This didn't leave me with a lot left to eat. Even after drastic diet changes, it just didn't work. I had a major breakdown one day and DH asked why we didn't just try switching to formula. It was the most glorious thing I'd ever heard. I realized that the only thing I was failing at was living up to other people's expectations and weighed against everything else, it was far more important to just have a healthy baby.

I decided I wanted to formula feed this baby before he was even born and things have gone SO much better. I see how much I missed out on the first time by trying to BF when it just didn't work for us. Do not feel guilty!!! You should feel proud that you made the decision to have a happy, healthy and well fed LO while still taking care of your needs as a mother (be it physical, emotional, etc). Being a successful parent is not defined by books or other people's standards and you certainly can't be successful if you neglect to take care of yourself as well. DD is incredibly smart, funny, energetic, beautiful and guess what, world - she's a formula baby!!

BF is hard and I am so proud of those who fight through it but I'm also proud of those who go a different route if that is what is best for their family.

Bellodomani · May 2016

I EBF'ed my son basically because we couldn't afford formula, and I'll end up doing the same with this baby, but honesty, there were many occasions where I really wished we had the option of switching to formula. Breastfeeding is wonderfully convenient at night, but during the day it was so frustrating to feel like I was attached to my baby and couldn't leave without having milk in the freezer, and even then I couldn't be gone for long because of engorgement. When we weaned at 14 months I was glad that we had breastfed him, but soooo happy to be done. I guess it's all just to say, it's a mixed bag either way, no one should feel guilty about how they feed their child because there's ups and downs to every method.

RSaini · May 2016

I've realized I was feeling guilty because of society's views of how "breast is best". I've been trying and fighting through the pain as well as attending breastfeeding clinics and still have not had success. Thank you for sharing your experiences as I feel I can finally relate with other moms and I don't need to feel like a failure. FF is working for our family and I don't need to be stuck at home all day cause that is also driving me crazy lol

RSaini · May 2016

Bellodomani said:

I EBF'ed my son basically because we couldn't afford formula, and I'll end up doing the same with this baby, but honesty, there were many occasions where I really wished we had the option of switching to formula. Breastfeeding is wonderfully convenient at night, but during the day it was so frustrating to feel like I was attached to my baby and couldn't leave without having milk in the freezer, and even then I couldn't be gone for long because of engorgement. When we weaned at 14 months I was glad that we had breastfed him, but soooo happy to be done. I guess it's all just to say, it's a mixed bag either way, no one should feel guilty about how they feed their child because there's ups and downs to every method.

@Bellodomani i wanted to BF for that reason as well since formula is so expensive. I will try to pump as much as i possibly can but the formula makes life so much easier. I don't like how i feel that breast pumping is such a chore or even trying to breastfeed (with all the complications I've been having)!

RSaini · May 2016

TXmamatobe said:

I felt so guilty when I switched to formula with my first - somehow it felt like a failure. I had so many unwelcome comments from people regarding my choice but they didn't see how I struggled with breastfeeding - how she never latched from day one, or how I struggled with nipple shields trying to force it to work. How I endlessly was pumping trying to build a supply and bottle feed with BM when all the while I was missing out on so many newborn moments with DD because all I had time for was pumping, cleaning pump parts and then attempting to get her to take the breastmilk.

Then we found out she had reflux and a milk protein allergy which meant I had to cut out caffeine, dairy, acidic fruits and vegetables and anything with milk protein. This didn't leave me with a lot left to eat. Even after drastic diet changes, it just didn't work. I had a major breakdown one day and DH asked why we didn't just try switching to formula. It was the most glorious thing I'd ever heard. I realized that the only thing I was failing at was living up to other people's expectations and weighed against everything else, it was far more important to just have a healthy baby.

I decided I wanted to formula feed this baby before he was even born and things have gone SO much better. I see how much I missed out on the first time by trying to BF when it just didn't work for us. Do not feel guilty!!! You should feel proud that you made the decision to have a happy, healthy and well fed LO while still taking care of your needs as a mother (be it physical, emotional, etc). Being a successful parent is not defined by books or other people's standards and you certainly can't be successful if you neglect to take care of yourself as well. DD is incredibly smart, funny, energetic, beautiful and guess what, world - she's a formula baby!!

BF is hard and I am so proud of those who fight through it but I'm also proud of those who go a different route if that is what is best for their family.

@TXmamatobe yeah I dont like the comments i get from my MIL about how i shouldnt be giving my LO formula but BF is very hard and i want to enjoy my time with him more than dreading feeding times. I give him some breast milk after i pump (whatever amount comes out since my supply is very low) so I am happy he is getting something. I find FF works for my family because i can get other things done as well as take care of myself physically, emotionally and mentally as i adjust to mother.

Bltbear82 · May 2016

hellogoodbye2 said:

RSaini said:
I wanted to know this: does anyone feel guilty for formula feeding? I know I do but I shouldn't because it's just not working out with breastfeeding for me. I can't find the time to pump around the clock and I have been dealing with my LO not being able to latch properly, therefore, causing pain for me while I breastfeed.

This is my second baby and coming to terms with not being able to breastfeed has been really rough. With my first I fought for a long time with very very low supply. I cried all the time. But she's a happy, smart 2.5 year old.

This time I put a lot more effort into breastfeeding from the get-go and you know what? I'm getting the same results. Little to no supply. I had a whole days worth of tears and guilt, but since then I have been enjoying how happy my baby is with a full tummy. It's made a world of a difference for our family. Not to say I still won't have days of feeling guilty, but I've been able to come to terms with FF much sooner this time.

Your feelings are valid and totally normal, in my opinion. Let yourself feel sad if that's what you need to feel....but I promise it will get better and that guilt will subside!

I could have written this myself @hellogoodbye2. With DS1 I struggled and really beat myself up thinking if I had just tried harder it could have worked (when I was literally trying everything and giving it my best already). Same thing this time, I prepared as much as possible and had a LC lined up for our first few days home, and it just doesn't work for me and she helped me understand why and deal with the emotional component of it. DS1 is a happy, smart, healthy little boy. I'm determined to not to feel guilty this time with DS2 and really enjoy my baby.

@RSainiYou are feeding your baby, no one needs to know anything further than that. Don't feel guilty, there's a variety of reasons people decide to use formula and you are making the best choice as you see fit. Formula feeding versus breast feeding is one choice in a long line of decisions you'll make as a parent, so don't stress over what everyone else is thinking. Good luck and enjoy this time with your baby!

janeen1689 · May 2016

This post gives me hope. When I was in the hospital, my LO would latch on and if there were any issues I could just call the lactation line. Once we got home, she just did not want to take to the breast, got very angry, which in turn made me break down so we started supplementing. The next day I started to pump but I hardly get anything. Was told to pump every 2 hours for 15 mins but at the end of the day I was getting less and less. Plus I feel like I have no time to nap with having to sit there for 15 minutes then wash the stuff and then actually feed her in between this and then have to do it all over. I honestly feel like just switching over completely but I feel guilty and it's also a budget killer. I guess I'm going to see how my milk supply goes and then decide. But it makes me feel so much better that I'm not alone

RSaini · May 2016

I am so appreciative of all you mommas giving me hope and advice. I feel much better emotionally as I take care of my LO today and feeding has gone very well! ❤❤

missnc77 · May 2016

It's interesting to see how a lot of us breastfeeding moms are struggling, and how much stress it's causing, yet we're powering through. I've started to wonder if all the pros of breastfeeding are a conspiracy to force women into torturing themselves to be the ideal mom. I found this article - It's long, but I think it's a good read for anyone who may be feeling guilty about not breastfeeding. You'll feel a lot better after reading it. It almost makes me want to throw in the towel as it's now causing stress between my husband and I as well as giving my anxiety every time it's feeding time.

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2009/04/the-case-against-breast-feeding/307311/

mcb2016 · May 2016

I too have a low supply and I've been pumping after every feeding for weeks now and I'm not sure if I've seen much of a difference. We supplement with 2 oz after each breast feeding. Lately my little one has been screaming at the breast which is making it even more difficult. I've wanted to throw in the towel at least every other day recently.

Glad to know I'm not alone in the struggle.

ayeshaohara · May 2016

I love you all my fellow formula feeders. Best decision I made!!! Keep up the good work ladies, you're feeding your babies and giving them love no matter whether it's bottle or boob

yogahh · May 2016

We ran out of enfamil and not going to bjs until Monday, so resorted to the left over similac. Horrible horrible horrible! It's so thin compared to the enfamil that she is spilling it all over the place. Spitting up. And now she stinks from having milk all over her. Literally she reeks!!

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