Do I need to bring formula to the hospital?

[Al Syr]

I am due with my second baby in about 5 weeks.

When I had my first I breast fed him for the first 6 weeks so I don't know what to bring to hospital with me jumping into formula feeding instantly.

Do I bring some? or will the hospital give me what I need there? and does the hospital send you home with some formula or should I have a lot more formula at home than I already do?

 

[sethsmummy]

hey hun you should ask your midwife. All hospitals are different. Mine provided bottles of formula for the whole stay but with ds1 they only provided for the 1st day then you had to bring in your own bottles and formula. They won't send you home with any though. All i will say is dont stock up on formula too much as baby might not like the type you have got. And you will be like i was and left with unused tubs.. although i just sold on my unopened tubs at a discounted price from what i spent on them x

 

[marron]

Ask the hospital. The one I gave birth at would only provide formula if they deemed it medically necessary. They were big into breastfeeding so if a new mom wanted to FF off the bat they needed to bring their own supply in.

 

[rory83coyotes]

Most US hospitals do give you formula but just ask your ob. They should know about your hospital. And second what pp said. I wouldn't stock up. Set aside some money just in case the baby doesn't like what you are feeding. also if you sign up at similac and enfamil they will send you a couple of sample cans so you can have some when you get home.

 

[m4nc3r]

When I had my first, I sent my mum out the room so it could be just me and OH - forgetting she had my bag!! so the hospital had to give me the formula as we couldn't get in contact with her quickly enough (she doesn't have a mobile)
But they did kick up a huge fuss over it.

Get some of the cartons of 'ready-to-drink' formula, at very least your hospital should have a sterilizing unit or provide sterile bottles (they provided sterile, empty bottles my whole stay, just not the formula itself)
SMA now do all of their RTD forumlas in containers that take a bottle teat on them for those times when you're on the go and forget bottles.

 

[m4nc3r]

Oh yeh and 1 tub of milk will last you like a week even if the baby is hungry, so don't get *too much*
You would be better putting money away in a savings pot and sending hubby to the shop when you need to rather than stocking up by tonnes and losing it if baby isn't happy...

 

[Noelle610]

Ask the hospital. The one I gave birth at would only provide formula if they deemed it medically necessary. They were big into breastfeeding so if a new mom wanted to FF off the bat they needed to bring their own supply in.

That's interesting, do you mind if I asked where you delivered? I know this is kind of a hot topic in New York right now.

Most US hospitals will provide formula. Definitely ask, but I think it's rare that they would not do so upon request.

 

[marron]

It was a Catholic hospital in Orange County in CA. I remember being kind of taken aback when I heard it in my orientation, because at the time I wasn't sure if I was breastfeeding or not. And I remember them using syringes for the formula, so as not to cause nipple confusion. I mean, they weren't insisting on BF at the detriment to the babies, and if baby wasn't latching or whatever they did provide formula. But it was clear that it would be at their discretion. You had the choice to not BF and they weren't militant about it-- they just weren't going to help you not do it, if that makes sense.

 

[Maplesugar]

Ask the hospital. The one I gave birth at would only provide formula if they deemed it medically necessary. They were big into breastfeeding so if a new mom wanted to FF off the bat they needed to bring their own supply in.

Many hospitals in Canada are starting this too.

 

[nancy32]

I really want to breastfeed but it is so hard for me.