Choosing Formula

steph4777 Posted: May 04, 2005 04:35 PM

Choosing Formula

I wanted to know how some BTDT moms chose formula. I plan to try breastfeeding but I had a breast reduction 4 yrs ago so I don't know if I'll be able to. I'd like to make sure I have some on hand just in case.

How did you choose a formula and which one?
Did you go by recommendations from friends or DR or hospital?
Did you try more than one on the baby?

Thanks!

070502 Posted: May 04, 2005 04:42 PM

Re: Choosing Formula

This is what I was told..

Choose the no frills brand and compare ingredients. Formula is controlled by the FDA so you are paying for the brand name only.

DHA and ARA are only two of the hundred of good things you could get out of breastfeeding so don't feel bad if you choose a formula without it.

I was also warned that studies show that Soy Formulas lead to faster maturation in girls and slower in boys... (don't know how true it is, but it would make sense because little girls these days are sure as heck developing alot faster then my generation did)

I plan to breastfeed if I can, but as of right now I am stocking up on all powered samples I can. I just got a ton of stuff from Similac and all my friends told me to hold on to it incase down the line I need to supplement.

BTW!!!! AHH!! This is our month!!

Melissa Posted: May 04, 2005 05:19 PM

Re: Choosing Formula

I BF until my son was 1 year old. But when he was 9-10 months old I had to start supplementing with formula because I didn't have enough in my milk supply. I just chose one that was popular. I used Similac Advanced 2. I lucked out because he drank it like it was breastmilk.

michele31 Posted: May 04, 2005 09:21 PM

Re: Choosing Formula

Can I suggest that you call a professional lacation consultant prior to giving birth? With your breast reduction surgery there may be some things that you need to watch for or suggestions that a professional may have.

Formula companies spend millions of dollars a year on advertising and negioting with hospitals. It is just pot luck which one your hospital provides to you.
If your baby has an issue with that formula then you may be told to try a different one. For some babies formula is hard to regulate, for others you could feed them any and they are fine.
But honestly I believe very strongly that you need to believe in yourself and while bf may be a struggle at certain points get professional assistance before giving up.

steph4777 Posted: May 04, 2005 09:28 PM

Re: Choosing Formula

Posted by michele31

Can I suggest that you call a professional lacation consultant prior to giving birth? With your breast reduction surgery there may be some things that you need to watch for or suggestions that a professional may have.

Formula companies spend millions of dollars a year on advertising and negioting with hospitals. It is just pot luck which one your hospital provides to you.
If your baby has an issue with that formula then you may be told to try a different one. For some babies formula is hard to regulate, for others you could feed them any and they are fine.
But honestly I believe very strongly that you need to believe in yourself and while bf may be a struggle at certain points get professional assistance before giving up.

I actually spoke to someone at the hospital and they told me that they will refer me to an LC if I have problems after birth. I've read a few books on BF after reduction and will talk to someone before I rule BF as a lost cause.

jpsgirl Posted: May 04, 2005 11:55 PM

Re: Choosing Formula

My ped recommended Sim Advance or Enfamil Lipil....when I had to stop breast feeding at 6 months I used Sim Advance bc I had a sample. I asked if I could use Nestle Goodstart bc it was cheaper, and they said definitely not, don't know why.

queenB Posted: May 05, 2005 07:52 AM

Re: Choosing Formula

with my first daughter she could only use the nestle good start. it was the only one that did not make her severly constipated or give her very bad gas. and we tried them ALL!! it was just a trial and error method with her.my ped did have a problem with her using that formula.

Niecey Posted: May 05, 2005 08:32 AM

Re: Choosing Formula

I did not want to BF so went straight to formula. I used what the hospital started him on Similac Advanced with Iron. He did well with that until maybe 4 weeks and then he had issues with bowel movements, digestion and colic. So at about 6 weeks dr suggested Similac's Alimentum with Iron - said she felt it is the 'BMW of formulas' and said if he responds well than we can tell if the fussiness was related to the digestive issues or just colic. So we did that and pretty much his digestive and bowel movement issues went away right away which was great unfortunately the colic stayed for many more weeks.