Advice needed and wanted

[kandyfloss]

As you can see from my ticker I only have about 4 weeks left ... But the problem is Im still not sure on breast or formula.

Why did you all decide to formula feed and whats the best type ? I have already bought one small box of Cow and Gate complete nutrition to go in the hospital bag as I figured its best to have an option.

Im was completely lost when in boots looking at all the formulas. Me and OH decided we must do some research haha xxx

 

[Seity]

I would give breast feeding a try first. Do your research because there's a lot to learn and going into it ignorant is pretty much a guarantee that you will fail. However, if it doesn't work out for you for whatever reason, you can always switch to formula later. If you start with formula, you'll be hard pressed to switch to breast feeding at a later date.
I combo feed due to low supply. I didn't choose formula, I had to use it or he'd have starved to death. I use a generic store brand and it works well for us.

 

[Fiore]

Started with BF and like a moron I went into it blind! Deffinately get a book on it at least. Saying that, I'm still very glad I did it and really enjoyed it. It is much easier on little babies tummies so even if you only do it for a short time I would recommend it I've had to start to formula feed due to thrush in my breasts and I've found Aptamil the best formula. I've got cartons for when we go out and the powder for at home. If I can help any more just ask xx

 

[Tulip]

I'm in the process of switching to FF due to pain, poor latch which we can't fix, and a hungry baby with the suck of a dyson We're on Hipp Organic. In hubby's eyes 'organic' = 'better' though the smaller branches of Boots don't stock it. I'm a bit gutted as was so pro-Bf my whole pregnancy so I'm glad you are more pragmatic about possibly using formula.

I would say defo try to BF for the first few days and see how it goes, if you enjoy it but struggle there are plenty of support groups to go to

 

[bathbabe]

if your unsure id give bf a go, then if you dont like it, or just dont want to do it switch to ff. We use cow and gate good luck with everything xxx

 

[Mrs Mayhem]

I BF'd for the grand total of 2 attempts, then had to stop due to medical complications so we went on to formula, we use SMA which suits LO down to the ground! Good luck with everything!! x

 

[CeriB]

I currently combi-feed Erin, where I bf most of the time and suppliment 1 or 2 feeds a day with formula. I am using Aptimal Comfort and it seems to be ok so far - fx! I wanted th go for this brand as it reduces/helps colic and constipation and I was worried about her getting these if she formula fed.

I combi-feed mainly to give myself a bit of a break as bfing is hard! It comes easy to some people but I found it difficult - mainly due to the pain and latch issues. I didn't do any research into feeding before Erin was born and really wish I did! I am glad that I tried bfing and that I am toughing it out as it is getting easier, slowly!!

I would def advise you give it a go and get as much help at the hospital as possible - I was constantly on that buzzer for help as I wanted to know what I was doing before I went home!! It's not for everyone though so it is ultimately your decision. Good on you for researching it first though!!

 

[Carlyp1990]

i breast fed for 6 weeks and although it is hard to get used to it, i loved it. the bond i have with my daughter is amazing and i think thats because i bf. i swithed because i was having problems with my OH and because he wasnt bonding with her properly because he would work all day and then when he came home she would cluster feed and then go to bed so he didnt get to spend much time with her. if you are considering breastfeedin definately read up about it... ALOT. i read up about it as much as i could and the ladies on here are great for any questions you may have. but be prepared it very tiring. I am now happy that katie is on formula because she is happy.
If you try bf you can always switch to ff if it doesnt work out. Katie is now on cow and gate and is fine on that.

Good luck hun, enjoy the rest of your pregnancy if you have anymore questions feel free to PM me xxx

 

[llsarahll]

I decided to ff straight away as I thought it would be alot easier for me for people to be able to help while I get a little break just really didn't fancy breast feeding

 

[moomin_troll]

i always say its better to be prepared when it comes to feeding a baby. id suggest people atleast try bf even for afew days as thats the good stuff. but i had bottles sterilizer and aptimal just incase. and im glad i was prepared as i gave up after about 4 days with bf as zane hated it and loved his bottle.

congrats and good luck...hope baby doesnt keep u waiting

 

[stardust599]

Give breastfeeding a shot for a bit hun, don't take the formula to hospital as it'll be too tempting to use it if breastfeeding doesn't shoot off straight away! If needed, the hospital will help you express a little colostrum and give baby it in a syringe.

I was very pro BF when pg and determined to do it exclusively for 6months and I'm ashamed to say I thought FF was the lazy/easy way. Sadly, BF didn't work out for me after 2 weeks and I've now well and truly learned my lesson and I'm a very happy formula feeding Mum and my baby is coming along great too. We did have a few successful breastfeeds before I had to move on and I'm so proud of them and it felt amazing giving my LO something so precious but I'm also very happy seeing her all full and contented after a nice warm bottle of formula

Give it a shot and if it doesn't work/you don't like it then you tried and that's all that matters! You might love it from day 1 and carry on for months and months or it might not work out but you'll already be prepared and can move on to formula.

(Just a couple of tips if you do decide to give BF a shot - read up as much as you can, see if you can find someone who already BFs to help out and buy nipple shields and a breastpump + bottles just incase your LO doesn't latch on right away)

Good luck whatever you decide! xxx

 

[Odd Socks]

i didn't "decide" to formula feed, i was adament i was going to breastfeed, but ended up i couldn't, & stopped at 4 weeks & went completely onto formula. i think a lot of people on here were in a similar position to me.

do what works for you

xx

 

[ouchwithNo.2]

I breastfed both of mine for the first few weeks and then switched to formula.
I didn't make long term plans to breastfeed as it can be quite tough and demanding so whatever you do dont put so much pressure on yourself that you MUST succeed!
I knew I would switch to formula at some point and with my first I chose SMA because I had it as a baby (great reason hey?), that didn't suit so I put him on Farleys (became Heinz since but don't know if it exists now) beacuse it was so cheap compared to the others and it was fab.
With this one we have tried so many and finally after rashes, reflux and colic have settled on SMA staydown.
Good luck x

 

[jojo_b]

i really wanted to bf but didn't do my research, went in blind and wasn't prepared for the raft of problems that came with it! thought i couldn't do it and switched to formula. i did however bf for the first week and am so glad i tried. it's a wonderful feeling. i'd also suggest you try it to see if you can manage to give your LO the colostrum that's produced for the first few days. we went onto aptimel and it's been great - fin loves it and is thriving. good luck chick

 

[bumbleberry]

I, like so many on here was very pro-bf throughout pregnancy, however after many problems initially ie tongue-tie, high pallete, flat nipples, poor latch, pain to the point where I was crying at every feed decided after a few weeks to ff due to a very stressed mum and unhappy baby. As the others have said definitely do your research and be prepared for the unexpected. I went to the bf sessions during pregnancy but still was not expecting it to be as hard as it turned out.
For some people its natural and easier but I think you are doing the best thing and researching it from all angles. I would say give it a shot and if it works then great but dont be disappointed if it isnt for you. I think for many of us where it doesnt work out feel so much guilt that it takes a while for us to get over it. In the end you do what is best for you and your baby

 

[aob1013]

Please give breastfeeding a go

 

[kandyfloss]

Thank you all

Me and OH are definately keen on the idea of breastfeeding, but want some advice on both. We have the equipment for bottle feeding and the 'equipment' for breast feeding haha [like pump etc]

Im thinking I will definately give it a try, and try to continue for a least a little while. Any breast milk is better than none right xxx

 

[stardust599]

Thank you all

Me and OH are definately keen on the idea of breastfeeding, but want some advice on both. We have the equipment for bottle feeding and the 'equipment' for breast feeding haha [like pump etc]

Im thinking I will definately give it a try, and try to continue for a least a little while. Any breast milk is better than none right xxx

Exactly! Give it a shot and if it doesn't work out then you know you can easily switch to formula and will already be prepared (and your LO will be just as healthy and happy). Good luck! xx