Breast vs formula

[Jenbob]

Just tri hopping - Great thread lulu! I want to BF so will now plan on not taking anything with me!

JJ such good advice! I'm not going to buy anything so I don't give in to temptation. I really want to BF but scared I'll give up easy from the pain and if he struggles to latch etc and worry he's starving. xxxx

 

[Lulu90]

It's more reassuring to know that formula is provided if you really need it! Really glad I started this thread, the advice is great xx

 

[xjdx]

If you want to breastfeed I wouldn't take any with you. If your struggling is get your husband to buy some if the bf isn't going to plan.
My hospital doesn't provide formula anymore, you have to take your own starter kits in with you. I assumed a lot of hospitals didn't now, my friends just had a baby down south and her hospital doesn't provide formula either xx

 

[Lulu90]

Oh really? Well I'm definitely going to ask my midwife next week. I won't be bringing anything with me regardless, as you said it's easy enough to get someone to pop out and get some if necessary xx

 

[CharlotteH24]

Our hospital doesn't give us formula, we have to bring in 2 bottles, formula and a bottle brush. We're not meant to bring ready made formula and they also don't make the bottles up for us, they want new mum's to learn how to do it while they're there so they're prepared for when they're discharged.

Eventually you're probably going to need bottles anyway as there will come a time that you'll need to express if you want an hour to yourself. Obviously some choose not to express at all but if there's times that you know you'll be away from baby then it's worth having bottles and a sterilizer anyway.
Is your mum going to be your birthing partner? You could either buy formula before hand and leave it in her car or with someone else who'll be your main visitor. Alternatively you can not buy any and wait and see what happens, send your birthing partner out for some if you find you can't do it or decide that you don't want to. I'd personally avoid having it on the ward with you though, you'll only be tempted if he/she doesn't latch on straight away and you might regret not giving it a good go if you gave in. xx

 

[Lulu90]

Well, I spoke to my midwife and she said what a few of the others have - its very easy to give up if you know the formula is there. But if you're bottle feeding she said you have to bring bottles and pre made milk! We only live a 5 minute drive from the hospital so it isn't something I'm concerned about xx

 

[becky85]

I'm doing some research on breastfeeding at the moment for work (which is handy) - your milk might not come in for a few days after the birth so it's likely for the first few days you might not get a lot. However, baby doesn't actually need much for the first few days apparantly so it's not a big concern. You don't need to use formula in the first few days as long as baby is getting a little something but i guess you won't know until you're there. I'm not planning on taking formula into hospital as I really want to give breastfeeding a good go. I figure the hospital won't let baby be dehydrated or hungry if there is a problem and also hopefully won't be in hospital long anyway (fingers crossed). I have been advised to have a couple of emergency pre-made formula milks on standby at home in case of any difficulties so you are prepared and can have a break if need be in the early days....

 

[Lulu90]

Yeah, my midwife said the exact same, better to have a couple on standby if needs be xx