A positive thread on formula feeding

[Arisa]

After hearing of so many poor women who are wracked with guilt or worse actually scolded and made to feel inadequate for not breastfeeding for whatever reason, whether its due to medication (like me) severe infections which means you have to switch, combining both Bf and Ff or you simply do not choose to BF for your own personal reasons, there is way too much negative propaganda out there made to make formula feeding mothers like crap So as a mother who never actually felt guilty for FF (I also have a friend named Joy who for no reason at all chose to Formula feed and has no regrets whatsoever) I wanted to list some positives of FF

NOTE: I have nothing against breastfeeding and I know perfectly well its the best form of nutrition for babies


1. You KNOW how much your baby is getting
2. It does not hurt your breasts
3. No mastitis, infections or sore and cracked nipples to worry about
4. Your boobs stay perky sorry that is shallow but its true
5.You are free to eat, drink and take whatever medication you like and need
6. Anyone can feed and there is no need for breast pumps (my DH does most of the feeds)
7. Babies TEND to sleep longer and better over night, well our girl is great over night, she goes three and a half to four hours between feeds during the night meaning only two feeds until 6am
8. There are no unexpected explosive poos, breastfed babies can poo every feed but formula fed babies tend to only poo once a day or twice and sometimes every second day. In my experience its been fantastic and we have had no explosions during changes or baths

Now I only write this because I personally see these as positives

please add a positive and do not grieve
https://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o163/kyuutsuki/My%20blinkies/z5008f418009b2.gif

 

[aimee-lou]

Here here!

I FF from birth with both my boys and have nothing but positives!

I simply did not want to BF my first and with my second I have to take thyroid replacement and having done it before, FF seemed the logical choice for us.

With my boys they are also 'large' so to be able to just give them what they need when they need without worry just made things a lot easier. As an example Eddy is taking 8oz every 2.5-3 hours during the day and manages a 6hour and 4 hour stint at night!

Another benefit I have found is the ability to treat jaundice very easily. Earl only had the mildest of cases and Eddy didn't get it at all! For such a big baby this is amazing but I was able to make sure he fed well which flushed out his system.

I also have absolutely nothing against BFing, and have nothing but admiration for the ladies on here who attempt to do so, whatever the outcome. However, it's just not right for me, or for others like me. I never had any second thoughts, never a regret and never had any issues bonding with either of my boys. I've also managed to avoid PND with both (granted my old mild-case depression came back after Eddy but my Dr is certain it's not PND!) which I believe can be attributed to the lack of stress.

I do however know that FF isn't without it's stresses - I've seen enough threads about lactose intolerance, reflux and constipation to know it's not all good. However I do thank the heavens every day that my boys have been able to take what I've given them from day 1 (and that's SMA which I know is a rarity lol).

I always say to everyone who asks that the best thing you can do for your baby is make sure you're happy with your decisions. Be strong, and your instinct will see your through. For me, my instinct said that FF was best, and so far I think it's paid off.

 

[zabka78]

Thank you I need it that . I BF till my LO was 5 weeks old now we are FF and all of us are very Happy . I sometimes feel still guilty , but I think is normal .

 

[HellBunny]

I'm gonna sound like a selfish mum hahahaha but my positive note was slightly more sleep! Seriously i don't care what anyone thinks but BF and cosleeping isn't possible when your baby is screaming next to you latching on and off because they can't latch lay down, it goes against SIDS advice to sit up and sleep holding your baby so yes i did the right decision

If you urgently have to go somewhere and your partner/mum/dad anyone who you trust can look after LO then its fine. I have been in hospital twice in the past 2 weeks seriously ill, and theres no way in hell i could of fed finley, once with a reaction to an MMR jab and the second time diabetic ketoacidicosis (if anyone wants to slate me looking in this thread google DKA and you will understand) looool

 

[Arisa]

hey hellbunny I know how you feel, being pretty ill and still recovering as I have nerve damage from my section scar as well as lingering SPD which is getting better, I needed to have some respite and family and spouses certainly come in handy when it comes to feeding so formula works for us our girl has no colic or reflux but she does suffer immature gut which causes constipation as its an hereditary thing as my sisters both had it, my mother did, my DH did and his family and me have bowel issues :/ but we find the prescription funded remedy from the doc helps as well as rhubarb extract and its great alternating feeds lol in fact my DH is better than me at feeding bubs and he enjoys it, how can that be wrong? its father daughter bonding
PM me anytime hellbunny

 

[bubbles123]

When LO has a growth spurt all you have to do is put an extra oz or two in the bottle. No need for hours of extra feeding. Formula is wonderful stuff, that it allows babies to grow and thrive without breast milk is a constant source of amazement to me it really is. It gets bashed way too much. It deserves more respect! X

 

[HellBunny]

hey hellbunny I know how you feel, being pretty ill and still recovering as I have nerve damage from my section scar as well as lingering SPD which is getting better, I needed to have some respite and family and spouses certainly come in handy when it comes to feeding so formula works for us our girl has no colic or reflux but she does suffer immature gut which causes constipation as its an hereditary thing as my sisters both had it, my mother did, my DH did and his family and me have bowel issues :/ but we find the prescription funded remedy from the doc helps as well as rhubarb extract and its great alternating feeds lol in fact my DH is better than me at feeding bubs and he enjoys it, how can that be wrong? its father daughter bonding
PM me anytime hellbunny

My o/h (FOB) loves feeding them, Jayden is off bottles now since he's 2 next month but he loved the bond from feeding he helps with night feeds with finley also and it means i can have a shower each night which is bliss lol.
I did go on abit of a ranting session i'm sorry, i've had such a hectic week with visits to A&E (ER) and it did cross my mind what we'd of done if i was still breastfeeding as i was in no fit state to feed him

So sorry to hear about you still being unwell from birth, try and take it easy the best you can xx

 

[beth_terri]

My positives since swapping to formula are:

I now get to spend time with my baby AND my 3 year old

Ive not cried once the past 3 days that we've been on formula-cried at least 3 times a day breast feeding.

I can now leave the house.

I now have a tidy house because my baby actually settles.

And best of all my nipples don't feel like they are being sliced to pieces anymore! (boobs are sore while my milk dries up but I can deal with that).

Id honestly rather go through either of my natural labours again than experience that nipple pain again!

X

 

[Saphira]

Thanks for sharing! My positive is - Aurora LOVES her formula! When she sees her bottle coming she has her own mini celebration and afterward often has what we call her "milk high" where she's in a continual state of massive smiling. I'm just so happy it has worked out well for her.
I was one that grieved not being able to breastfeed successfully - still grieving but am now in the healing process.
I must add one negative though (sorry!) - "4. Your boobs stay perky sorry that is shallow but its true" - I wish it were but it's not true for me. :'(

 

[lauraemily17]

I also had to formula feed due to ill health needing some scans making me radio active so no breast feeding. I now have the all clear to breastfeed again & am trying but with my ill health (pulmonary embolism) I'm really struggling with the psyicalness (made up word?!) or breastfeeding & how long it takes! On formula lo has so much more alert tune were I can play & interact with him but on the breast he spends most if his alert time feeding. I also agree with the sleeping through the night. He'll easily do 6, 10, 2, 6 on formula (at the mo anyway!) not bad for a 3 week old!

I'm going to combi for now but that's just going to be a few mins on each booby to get some antibodies & water then topped up with formula.

Great thread, really helped me feel more confident in my decision.

 

[HellBunny]

My positives since swapping to formula are:

I now get to spend time with my baby AND my 3 year old

Ive not cried once the past 3 days that we've been on formula-cried at least 3 times a day breast feeding.

I can now leave the house.

I now have a tidy house because my baby actually settles.

And best of all my nipples don't feel like they are being sliced to pieces anymore! (boobs are sore while my milk dries up but I can deal with that).

Id honestly rather go through either of my natural labours again than experience that nipple pain again!

X

This exactly! Though my house isn't amazingly tidy right now

 

[HellBunny]

this is just my experience

I have a settled baby - When Bf Finley would scream 24/7, he was miserable.

no diarrhea like poos!

Both my kids are happy, they both get mummy time, When finley was born jayden didn't get a look in, it was awful seeing him feel so left out.


A good amount of wet nappies, i knew how much they were getting.

I can wear what i want.

Its nice to be able to just hold them and cuddle them/comfort them rather than them just wanting to be fed when i pick them up.

I no longer sweat like mad, BFing made me sweat loads.

Their Dad is involved, he didn't get to hold our youngest without him screaming blue murder

 

[sg2011]

I'm FF because of health issues (mine) that require medication not safe for a baby (not suitable alternatives either). My positives are:

-Hubby can share the feedings which has been wonderful for me and allowing me to have regular breaks.
-My daughter can stay overnight with my parents so DH and I can have some couples time (they take her one weekend a month).
-I know exactly how much she is getting and can adjust what she takes according to her needs without any exta hardship on me.
- My body is mine again!
-I get just as much bonding time during a feeding. I don't believe that breast feeding necessarily results in a stronger connection.
-My baby sleeps through the night from 9:30pm-6:00am and then will go down for another few hours after her bottle at 6:00am. She has been doing this since she was 4 weeks old.

Someone mentioned reflux as a complication of ff but actually reflux occurs equally in babies whether they are bf or ff and constipation can occur as well all depending on the mother's diet and the individual baby's digestive system. My baby is thriving on formula with zero issues so I don't believe that formula deserves the reputation that it has!

 

[aimee-lou]

My boys are very rarely ill too....Earl never had a cold until he started at nursery at nearly 11 months!! My immune system is pants, so they're probably better off without my antibodies!

Weight gain (in babies) - for me I have never had any issues with this. I know it's not a given but I've never had an issue.

Weight loss (in me) - I've never really worried about what I eat, but I hve found that my appetite shrinks after birth and my baby weight has literally dropped off. However, If this wasn't the case I could diet without it affecting Eddy.

Just a few afterthoughts there lol.

 

[Arisa]

Thanks for sharing! My positive is - Aurora LOVES her formula! When she sees her bottle coming she has her own mini celebration and afterward often has what we call her "milk high" where she's in a continual state of massive smiling. I'm just so happy it has worked out well for her.
I was one that grieved not being able to breastfeed successfully - still grieving but am now in the healing process.
I must add one negative though (sorry!) - "4. Your boobs stay perky sorry that is shallow but its true" - I wish it were but it's not true for me. :'(

hee hee yeah same here, even though our baby is only 2 months old she loves it when her bottle comes and the grizzling stops immediately and you can hear her enjoy her bottle with little humming noises also we now know she is up to 100-150ml and are able to judge and measure how much she needs. We have two big bottles that will last us until she is over six months as the majority you feed bubs is 250ml so all we need to do to save money is change teats, she is on the 2-4 month ones now but will be on 3-6months soon then 6month plus so its much cheaper and we use sterilizer tablets which are dirt cheap and dissolve in cold water over night so its not anymore expensive than it would be if you were using a breast pump and expressing as you would need sterilizer and bottle brushes etc anyway \

Beth-Terri and hellbunny to you I am glad you are able to formula feed and beth try not to feel guilty about it, its much easier IF breastfeeding is really not working I mean my mother loved breastfeeding as she had no pain with it with my little sisters but otherwise I think combi feeding is just as good

 

[Boo44]

Good helpful thread!

In my experience the positives have been

I am so much happier. I feel like me again and am not crying and feeling dreadful ever day that Jack is hungry. I was worrying desperately every time he cried when we BF as it always seemed to be hunger and I would automatically try to put him to the boob. He would still cry and look so sad and the circle would start again

Jack is now so settled, we get feeds then awake time and then sleep. I feel much more in control. I don't panic when he cries which is a BIG improvement. I feel confident that I can help him and sooth him.

I actually feel I get more time with my baby - when BF I technically was attached to him literally 23hrs a day but I was frustrated and feeling like there was something wrong so I didnt enjoy the time together. Now I can bond when feeding and then cuddle/tummy time/sing with him. It's wonderful

My OH is much more involved and loving it. Our families are getting cuddles now and before they either just looked at the back of his head as he fed or held a screaming baby that appeared to be starving despite having just fed usually for >1hr at least

I am mobile and Jack comes with me everywhere. We are like a little team. It is wonderful getting back out into the world! I feel physically well and am able to start getting pre-preg clothes on now my boobs are shrinking!

Jack for the past few nights has had bottle at 22.30 and then only one feed around 3am before sleeping until 0730ish and then going back down. This is a major improvement for me from all night cluster feeds and attempts to feed lying down then lying there desperately tired but not sleeping for fear of rolling onto him. He seems to be getting used to his Moses basket which I feel is safer for him. He still enjoys his long cuddles in our bed every morning though!

Mainly both me and Jack are happy now and that's all that matters. X

 

[Indigo77]

My DH is thoroughly involved & engaged. (He's not just my side-kick. )

I slept 8 hours last night. (DH had it covered. )

 

[annanouska]

beth remember you from third tri

great thread i felt so guilty when we stopped BF but LO is much happier now

def agree that now i can hold and hug him rather than everyone else getting hugs and me only getting feed time!

 

[bumpin2012]

I can't agree more!
I was devastated when I couldn't bf Gabe, not because I felt formula was bad, or that I would lose that bonding, but because I had built up an ideal in my head for my whole pregnancy, and I wasn't living up to my fantasy. Formula does get a bad rep, which is rather strange to me as most of my generation was ff, and most of us turned out fine. My oh was ebf, and he's sick a soon as anything goes around. I was ff, and my immune system rocks!

I would also say there are more severe allergies these darts then ether was when I was growing up.

 

[Lady_Bee]

The biggest positive for me by far is that my life no longer revolves around feeding the baby and worrying about weight gain. There is now more to life than milk!!! While I was struggling with breastfeeding and low milk supply, ALL I could think of all day every day was breastfeeding and pumping. If I wasn't doing it, I was thinking about doing it. Every time I put Alexander down for a nap I would rush to the next room to pump. No time for anything but feeding and pumping, and thinking about feeding and pumping, and worrying about feeding and pumping, and obsessing over Alexander's weight gain and writing down everything he'd had and taking all that frigging fenugreek and smelling like a pancake all the time. The feeding issues totally consumed me. It was very unhealthy. I am so relieved now that I can focus on other things. FUN things. even! My sweet little boy and I have never been closer. That, quite honestly, is mostly thanks to formula.

ALSO, this may be a total coincidence (and also a little tmi, sorry!) but I had a very painful anal fissure the whole time I was breastfeeding and when I switched over to formula IT WENT AWAY WITHIN DAYS! I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy about this. No more hobbling around for hours after going to the loo!