Taking formula to hospital?

[krissie328]

With my son I had intended to bf from the start. I had no formula or really any idea what we would use. We used a little forumla supplied by the hospital but tried to bf exclusively when we got home. In the end my milk never came in and I switched to costco brand at 2 weeks old and he thrived.

Now, I know I plan to ff basically from the start. I plan to use the costco brand formula so not something the hospital would have. Should I just bring my own? I feel so nervous about this.

 

[WackyMumof2]

I'm 38 weeks and undecided how I plan to feed. I also know by making the choice to formula feed from day one I'm going to be abused so in that case I WILL be laying a formal complaint against my hospital.

I'm taking some. My hospital offers it if need be but they won't let a Mum use it out of choice. And they offer a brand I don't want to use anyhow. I'd take it just to be safe. If they are happy to provide it for you, by all means, take it. If not, you won't need to stress because you have packed some.

 

[krissie328]

Thanks Wacky! It just makes me so sad medical personnel treat moms terribly for making whatever choice they need to to feed their baby. I hope they can respect whatever you choose.

I didn't give birth in this hospital last time so I have no idea what to expect.

 

[WackyMumof2]

Thanks Wacky! It just makes me so sad medical personnel treat moms terribly for making whatever choice they need to to feed their baby. I hope they can respect whatever you choose.

I didn't give birth in this hospital last time so I have no idea what to expect.

At the end of the day they should be happy that baby is fed - it shouldn't matter how. I have a funny feeling I will get an ear full because they did when I had my eldest. But he'd been screaming for the better part of his first 24 hours and was getting nothing for me so I made the call I needed to make to ensure my baby was FED and I was judged for that.

Just stick to your guns. Your not there to be judged or told what you should or should not do. They are there to provide support WHAT EVER you decide is best for you and baby. Just let them know that they support you or leave you and if they do want to judge you for your choices you will proceed with a formal complaint.

 

[Witchrose]

I had known I wanted to ff exclusively so I contacted the hospital beforehand to ask if I needed to bring in my own. They said I didn't have to, and all went fine. So if you're worried about it, maybe also contact the hospital beforehand to let them know that's how you are going to feed, and that you will be bringing your own. That might prevent you from running into any problems when the time comes.

Also, as WackyMum said, if they give you any grief, threaten them with a formal complaint. Luckily I didn't have to, but I had it in my head that if anyone harassed me, that I would point out that trying to coerce someone to do something with their body that they don't want to do is a crime, so if they don't want a lawsuit and a criminal case, to back off!

And while you do unfortunately still here cases of women being bugged about it, I think the majority of people have realized how wrong this thing that never should have been a thing, became.

 

[krissie328]

Tbh it never crossed my mind to call and check. I will definitely do that.

Thanks for the support ladies. I definitely feel more confident.

 

[Sarahcake]

I came into hospital yesterday with the intention of bf so I didn't bring anything with me. After my csection, I was a little poorly where I felt a bit too weak to keep her to the breast. The midwives themselves suggested that I try a bottle and they gave me a pep talk saying that they prefer a fed baby over one that isn't. Last time in a different hospital was a different story, i was made to feel like the worst mum in the world for making that decision.

The hospital have supplied me all bottles and teets and will do until I go home, have a check with yours. See what they do supply, and ifvite not what you want just ask them how they are with you bringing your own in. I can't see them having too much of an issue, and if they do, sod them lol

 

[MindUtopia]

I'm assuming you're in the U.S. I personally would bring my own supply if that's what you plan to do. Otherwise, they will charge you for it and it will be significantly more than it would have just cost you to buy it, even if covered mostly by insurance. Plus, if you plan to use a certain brand, I would start with that brand from the beginning.

My daughter did have some formula in hospital when she was born and it was provided by the hospital, but for medical reasons (she had low blood sugar). I planned to breastfeed and continued to bf and hand express for her, but we did use the hospital formula to help get her sugar up and put some weight on her. I had never planned to formula feed, so didn't have any.

If you know you will though, I'd just bring your own so you're happy with what you're using and can know from early on how your baby reacts to it and if you need to try something different.

 

[blake12336]

My hospital asked me how I was feeding and I didn't have a clue! So he had a few breastfeeds but then I moved on to formula which they provided. They were completely fine and said fed is best whether it formula or breast. I was never made to feel uneasy about formula feeding!

 

[Kitteh_Kat]

Definitely check with the hospital about their policies on bringing formula, I've heard some women say their hospital wouldn't allow it. We formula fed from the first hour both times, and took advantage of the ready to feed nursers they provide (our insurance paid for it anyway) for convenience and not having to mess with bottles. They sent us home with a week's worth, and we gradually switched over to generic (Target's Up & Up for DD, Parent's Choice for DS) without a problem.

I also didn't experience really any resistance or judgment at the hospital for not even trying to breastfeed - nurses and midwives were happy if baby and I were happy! The only person to give me attitude about it was a male OB of course. :eyeroll:

Stay strong, you know what is best for you and baby!

 

[Bonnie11]

I'm in uk and they provided formula, bottles and everything else and I was never once made to feel bad about it! I tired to breastfeed but her blood sugar was low so they wanted a top up for a few days till my milk came in and it helped massively x

 

[krissie328]

I just wanted to update...

I called Tuesday morning and they do offer formula in the 2 oz prepare bottles or you can bring your own.

I opted to use theirs and so far it has been a good experience. The lactation consultant came in and gave some tips on reducing breast pain and how to encourage to eat.

 

[Witchrose]

I just wanted to update...

I called Tuesday morning and they do offer formula in the 2 oz prepare bottles or you can bring your own.

I opted to use theirs and so far it has been a good experience. The lactation consultant came in and gave some tips on reducing breast pain and how to encourage to eat.

Thank you for updating! And that's good to hear.

 

[Sarahcake]

Glad it all worked out well for you

 

[coraline2]

I'm in uk and they provided formula, bottles and everything else. I used myorganicformula.com/collections/hipp-organic-formula and I was never once made to feel bad about it! I tired to breastfeed but her blood sugar was low so they wanted a top up for a few days till my milk came in and it helped massively x

This is great, when the hospital provides everything! It was the same for me. Especially the first days can be really hard with breastfeeding!
It is great that there are lactation specialists around.
Some hospitals really have very strict procedures with bringing your own formula to the hospital.
It's great that you called!

 

[Perplexed]

We are currently ttc for our 3rd baby... I already made the decision that next time I'll bring my own formula to the hospital.

With my first there was no option whatsoever to use formula and breastfeeding support was barely even there. With my second he was given formula but only after he hadn't peed for a whole day after he was born... even though I was breastfeeding him. He peed after drinking the formula and I lost the will to try and breastfeed after... lol. The night nurse was really kind and gave me no grief about formula feeding... the day nurse, however, was surprised and kept wanting to ask why and "could I help you with the breastfeeding?" but I kinda just changed the subject. I was emotional enough at the time.

I'm really glad things worked out for you!