Holle formula from Germany

[mbg81]

Has anyone used this formula? I plan on breastfeeding as I did with my first but I did have low supply last time so i had to literally pump every 2 hours. I would only get 5oz from both sides. It was very difficult since i barely slept due to always having to pump. My daughter would get very fussy nursing and she did have a good latch so that wasn't the problem. To make a long story short, I pumped till my daughter was 1 and 100% fed breastmilk. Now with baby#2 coming and a toddler, there is absolutely no way that I can dedicate that much time to pumping. My plan is to breastfeed but I have to think ahead in case that doesn't work out. (Sorry for the long post, felt like I had to explain myself as not to get judged lol)
So has anyone used/supplemented with Holle formula? What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance 😙

 

[BlingyGal]

Sorry, I don't have any advice but I wanted to say you are amazing for pumping that long and that consistently. My DD is bf'd and I did lots of pumping in the early days but I can't imagine pumping for a full year. I'm super impressed, you are so dedicated.

 

[MindUtopia]

I second that. Amazing job pumping for a year! I had to start expressing with my first when she was 2 months old and I was expressing constantly and hardly ever got anything (had to give up after a month because just nothing came out anymore). You should be really proud of yourself. As for formula, I would recommend choosing something, if you do decide to supplement, that you can easily get locally, that works for your baby, and is affordable to you. I've heard lots of people like Holle because it's supposedly more "gentle" than other formulas, but that doesn't go for every baby and you may find that yours is better suited to something else. We tried to use one of the more gentle formulas when I had to supplement (Hipp Organic) and my daughter had a horrible reaction to it, projectile vomiting after every feed (like literally 3 feet across the room, every feed) and terrible reflux. It took me a week to realise it might be the formula (she had taken another brand just fine before that) and I switched her back and we never had any vomiting like that or reflux again. So "gentle" doesn't always mean gentle for every baby. Mostly though, I would say it's worth a try if you can afford to keep using it week after week (tends to be more expensive) and you can easily buy it where you are, either wherever you normally shop or can buy in bulk online. Generally speaking, all formulas are about the same (unless you need something special that's hypoallergenic, etc.), so I wouldn't go out of your way or pay a lot more just for something imported if you find something you can get locally works just as well or better. You'll use a lot of it and there were definitely times between shopping when I nearly ran out and had to make a special trip to the store, so if you can make that part easier on yourself, it's worth it.

 

[kdmalk]

I spent HOURS AND HOURS researching formula and I ordered holle in case I have to supplement. I haven't had to break into the box yet, but I am comfortable doing it if I have to because I did such extensive research. Holle is a good choice! Hope your baby takes well to it. (And I hope mine does if I have to use it!)

I ordered from organicmunchkin.com and got it in just 2 days with a personalized message and discount code for next time. I would highly recommend them!

 

[ChickenMommy]

Fellow low supply mama here, micro supply really. I was lucky to get 10ml combined pumping every 2 hours. Theres a really awesome group on Facebook for low supply moms. Lots of labs that can be run to check levels of certain hormones and vitamins, ect. Its seriously a fantastic resource and everyone is super understanding of the sensitivities that comes with low supply. If youd like the information feel free to send me a message here and I can get you the link!

 

[mbg81]

Thank you ladies!!

 

[Marumi]

Just wanted to say Fenugreek helped me tremendously with a low supply. I had to take a very high dose for 2 weeks before the effects kicked in but eventually was able to maintain with 2 a day. Just in case you would want to give it a try again. It would be more hassle free than pumping and supplementing.