Can they give my baby formula against my wishes??

Paula - posted on 06/09/2010

I know that happened to me....when I was in labor I told the doctors and nurses that I was going to breastfeed..thats all i wanted to do..no formula..I was going to wait and if I didnt produce enough in a week or so then possibly supplement..but after having my daughter a year ago..I was able to nurse her and at night she went to the nursery ..I told the nurses that if she woke up or in a few hours bring her in to me so I could nurse they complied and so I went to sleep and the next thing I knew it was 5 30 in the mornin g and no baby! So i called them to bring mybaby and asked why she wasnt brought in to me and if they just let her starve..no ma'am we gave her formula,were not allowed to wake up the mothers.... to say the least I was very upset and she stayed with me the entire time!

Renee - posted on 06/09/2010

Michelle B., just curious what do they do there if the baby's blood sugar drops dangerously low? Would they put the baby on an IV drip as opposed to giving formula? I wouldn't think colostrum has enough to boost blood sugar levels that much, but I may be wrong...?

Lila - posted on 06/09/2010

My TWINS never had a drop of formula!
When they told me on day 3 that it was a must I requested DONOR MILK & got it! ( I was the 1st mama in San Diego county with a non-NICU baby to get this) I knew that any mama milk was better than formula. I told them I was going to use my friend as a "wet nurse" before formula. They said that that was not standardized enough & by the mercy of the Supreme & some loving mothers they were able to provide my sons with donor milk for a few days :-)

Michelle - posted on 06/09/2010

It's horrifying to me to read this. Rooming in is standard here (I don't know if we even have nurseries anymore!) and I had no worry about my little'un being given formula. Where I am we almost have the opposite problem, because hospitals aren't allowed to give formula here. They can't recommend it, there is no advertising for it. If you are actually having trouble and formula is really the best option they can't officially tell you that because breastfeeding is so promoted.

I still think I prefer our problems to having to watch for sneaky formula giving!

Carol - posted on 06/09/2010

I had to have a c-section and I didn't see my son until almost 5 hours after he was born. I had no pacifiers and that I was BF in my birthplan so they honored that. However, my son had a hard time learning how to latch so we had to use some formula to help him get some nourishment. Ask about cup feeding if you are concerned about your child having a bottle. It was a one time thing for us and it gave him th energy and couriosity to latch.

Renee - posted on 06/09/2010

OH and she wound up nursing until she was 22 months old too!! :)

Renee - posted on 06/09/2010

We had a long strenous labor resulting in an emergency C-section. They gave my daughter a bottle within a 1/2 hour of being born because her blood sugar was dangerously low. My hubby was there and said I would not consent but when they told him the baby would be in danger due to her rapidly dropping blood sugar, he consented. I was very very upset about it but I understood. She had ONE bottle. And then never took a bottle ever again. Even when I wanted her to take a bottle of breast milk, she refused. We finally got her to take a sippy cup of breast milk at 7 months, but I nursed her exclusively until then. One bottle will not hurt your baby. My daughter still latched on just fine and nursed so much my milk came in within 2.5 days! Just know that most hospitals and staff vigorously support Breastfeeding and they will not undermine that unless it is absolutely necessary for the health of your baby.

Aideen - posted on 06/09/2010

No 1

It can be a rough few days before the milk comes in...baby crying, nipples getting sore. With my first they gave her some formula to let me get some sleep, after that we breastfed to 13 mths and that one bottle did her very little harm I would imagine. I never really regretted that a lot or anything...of course I would have preferred to have avoided it. Second time round I was better prepared for breastfeeding and was able to get through those first few days with very little interaction with the nurses at all. Baby sucked non stop and I got sore but I knew it would pass and we endured and we're at 15 mths now. Still going strong. I'm not any prouder this time. I know I did my very best with both babies and circumstances were just slightly different. So don't stress too much. :)



No 2.

In your situation I would advise you to tell the doctor that giving your baby formula is not something you would not expect to do but if you cannot cope or are worried about the baby you will ask for help in this regard but would prefer that formula not be offered to you unless you ask specifically. In an emergency situation when you cannot decide Daddy will ask for formula if needs be. Tell them that you would particularly appreciate support in breastfeeding if there are any unexpected difficulties. Keeping baby with you..rooming in....is convenient for breastfeeding and will keep you calm if you are stressing about them giving baby formula. As others have said they may be preparing for the worst case scenario. Please keep in mind that a person in labour can still talk and even if you're getting stitched up etc. baby can have skin to skin with Dad. Have a look at the kellymom website, they have a lovely DVD on skin to skin on facebook atm!!



No 3

Baby will suck lots til the milk comes in. You will be tired and sore but this is normal and have Daddy ready to tell you how wonderful you are and be sure he knows it's a few days that have to be endured. The only think that might help is (avent) nipple protectors. I found them fantastic when my nipples got very sore. They are not recommended by most lactation consultants as direct stimulation of the breast is best for supply, so avoid if at all possible but know that they exist. In my personal experience compromising on this for a feed or two is preferable to mom and baby crying together and feeling like a very bad mom who doesn't want to feed her baby. They are simple to use and they are good to have on hand just incase you find yourself crying along.



No 4

Be aware that the first few weeks are tough but it gets easier all the time and any discomfort does not persist. I promised my daughter 6 weeks feeding and the first 2 were very hard. Once we got to 6 weeks I loved it. And the health benefits!!! In my personal experience the hospital staff were very supportive but it was more difficult at home initially. Have numbers to call, friends or lactation consultants and get help sooner rather than later with any problems.



No 5

Know what questions to ask. My antinatal class gave the following advice on any labour interventions and i think it would apply to supplementling with formula too. I'd write these out and have them with me and have hubby aware of them and prepare him to ask if you're not up to it. When an intervention is suggested ask the following questions:



Why do you think we need to do this?

What are the potential benefits?

What are the potential risks?

Are there any alternative interventions that would help? (risks/benefits of eac of these)

What are the risks if we do nothing?



So if they want to give baby formula you stay calm and ask why they think he needs it?

(he's jaundiced, he's under weight, he's crying, you're crying, baby needs milk while mom recovers for C-section)



What the benefits of formula over breastfeeding exclusively at this point?

(giving mom a break, getting his weight up, stopping him crying, resting sore nipples),



What are the risks of giving formula now?

(nipple confusion, iron absorbtion, alergies)



Are there any other solutions to these difficulties?

(nipple protectors, continuing to breastfeed exclusively, help with latch on, enduring it)



What are the risks if he doesn't get formula?

(remain jaundiced longer, crying will continue, gain weight slower)



I would always question their sources and have a number for a Lactation consultant or La Leche League leader to double check the advice given as some midwives and doctors are misinformed and most of the reason's I've given as examples above are myths but have been given as facts to mothers in some cases by nurses and doctors alike.



Asking these questions will give you a better picture of your situation and will allow you to make an informed decision.



Good luck!!! :)

Robyn - posted on 06/09/2010

Knowledge is power. While it may not harm your baby to have formula in the first few days of life, it can however hinder their latch. Trust your mama intstincts and stick to your guns. You know in your heart what you want for your little one. Also, is there a lactation consultant available through your hospital? You may want to open up the discussion with her and let her know how you feel about the subject. She may have some important information to share with you.

Clare - posted on 06/09/2010

Please don't worry too much about this issue. Everyone who's involved with your baby's care just wants whats best for baby. One bottle of formula will not harm them. I've had two babies who were both supplemented with ab ounze of formula after a couple of days because my milk took 4 days to come in and they were starving. They both continued to breast feed, exclusively for the next 6 months. It just saved them suffering with hunger for a day or two. Formula isn't all bad. Don't worry!

Robyn - posted on 06/09/2010

Seeing that the milk doesn't usually come in for a couple of days, (which is fine because they are eating the collustrum) there is no need for the formula. I can't believe that they are trying to pressure you. I agree with a previous post. Keep your baby with you. This is your right as a parent to make these decisions. I would highlight this part of the birthplan and tape it to your hospital door. I'm sorry your doc is being an @ss.

Jennifer - posted on 06/09/2010

It is normal for a baby to loose about 5% of birth weight in the week after birth--up to 8% should not require any formula. If you do need to supplement, you can ask to use a "supplemental nursing system" so that your baby gets milk at the breast so that your milk supply is stimulated.



I'm a doula, and I've had a couple of situations where client babies were given formula that my clients didn't really want. In one case the mother had sent her baby to the nursery so that she could get some rest--baby was fussy. When the pediatrician came in to do the routine check he heard about the baby's fussiness, long nursing spells, and 6 oz weight loss, and immediately "diagnosed" the mom has having insufficient milk, and told the nurse to give the baby a bottle immediately and to further have the mom supplement 1 oz of formula at each feeding. My client never got to speak to the pediatrician directly to ask questions, so she complied with the supplementing (hard to think of it as merely "supplemental" when it is 50% of the volume of milk the baby should be eating). She had to push to get a supplemental nursing system.



The "problem" with this was that the baby was 9 lbs at birth, so while 6 oz seems like a large weight loss, it is less than 5% of birth weight. Further, at 2 days old the baby was already passing yellow poops--obvious evidence that the baby was getting milk! Some babies are just fussy, and like to nurse a lot. After I talked with her she dropped the supplements and her baby was fine.



Based on that, I advise my clients that if they send baby to the nursery, they should include instructions that the baby is not to be examined by a pediatrician without a parent present.



The other case was with a big baby, most hospitals routinely check blood sugar at birth with big babies. The baby tested 52, and hospital policy was to give a 1.5 oz supplement if the blood sugar was under 60. What I learned since is that it isn't until the blood sugar drops below 40 that it is problematic, and so if a baby is not symptomatic for low blood sugar, the AAP recommends to just breastfeed. Actually--the best thing to do is keep that baby with you (skin to skin) from the moment of birth, and do not let the nurses take the baby until after you have nursed the baby. The can do APGARs and such with you holding the baby.

Tiffany - posted on 06/09/2010

My daughter was three weeks early n never learned to latch on they kept trying to get me to give her supplaments n I wouldn't I wanted her to have my milk only she lost a lot of weight at first n which I talked to a breastfeeding consult they give me a hospital type breast pump that would help me continue producingit told several days for my milk to come in. U can pump the calostrum n feed it as well. If this is what it comes to u do have other options! My daughter is 6 months old now n I still pump for her! I hope this helps good luck n don't give up on what u want

Heidi - posted on 06/09/2010

I am actually a NICU RN, and a very strong advocate for breastfeeding. (nursed both of my children until age 2). There are only a couple of MEDICAL reasons that formula is given to otherwise healthy newborns. First, of there is a problem with a low blood sugar. When the blood sugar is low, the baby may not be able to effectively nurse at the breast, which could cause the blood sugar ro be lower. Not good, as the brain and other vital functions require adequate blood sugar. The second common medical reason is jaundice. Jaundice is when the baby's immature liver is not able to process all of the used up red blood cells present from birth. they build up and cause a yellow discoloration of the skin. the way the body gets rid of them is through pooping, and just the volume of a supplement stimulates the body to do this ( lots of food=lots of poop).
Now, if the baby doesn't have any of this going on, then there is no reason to supplement with formula. Room in, feed frequently. Put into your birth plan that you don't want the baby deep suctioned unless absolutely necessary, as this robs him of the vital hydration to get him through until the milk is established. Also, don't let anyone tell you that all babies HAVE to be fed formula. Our bodies were created to nourish our children, and we all can do it without formula. Hope this post was helpful. Neither of my children recieveed any formula, ever... good luck, and congratulations!!

Kristi - posted on 06/09/2010

You are right - baby will be fine with just colostrum. Keep her with you or dad at all times - no nursery. Don't let anyone make you feel like you are a bad mother if you refuse formula for your baby, she won't need it. Baby's tummy is the size of a marble at birth - La Leche League teaches this. To gain confidence in your decision-making, I would urge you to speak with a La Leche League leader in your area or attend a meeting before your birth if possible. They are a wonderful, invaluable source of knowledge, caring and support! www.llli.org will have contact info and great articles. The hospital
has to be more concerned about litigation than individual patients on the whole, so take care of yourself and your family and build your own team if you choose a hospital birth. It doesn't mean you won't have great doctors and nurses, just that they may have a different agenda than you. Better yet, ask a doula to be present at your birth and during your hospital stay to advocate for your wishes. Often family and friends are too stressed to do this properly even when they mean well. Check out a PALS or DONA website for more doula info. Many will provide service at a reduced fee if they are still in training to gain experience, and their presence is just as valuable in this regard. Good luck! Take care and enjoy your new baby!

Abigail - posted on 06/09/2010

I would say to go into the hospital with an open mind because things never go to plan but they cannot give your baby formula without your consent.

Keep your baby with you because it promotes breastfeeding, you will be able to see their early feeding cues rather than them getting upset. If your baby is crying for food then they have been hungry for a while, crying is a last resort.

Have your baby put STRAIGHT on your chest after birth and they will find their own way to the breast within the first hour - they dont need help they can do it themselves! This will get your breastfeeding off to the best start.

When brestfeeding always make sure you are comfortavle and dont get wound up if it doesn't happen straight away, stay calm because your baby can sense your anxiety and it will only make things worse. If you have a section do this as soon as possible after the birth.

Ask for help - thats what the midwives etc are for. Dont give bottles or dummies before 4 weeks or you will cause nipple confusion.

Remember babies are drip fed in the womb, their stomachs are the size of a small marble at birth, (formula will strech this and then you will struggle to fill your baby with colostrum) they will probably want to feed constantly when they are awake because they have been used to doing that in the womb so colostrum will easily be enough for them. Also colostrum and breastmilk line your babies gut with protective bacteria - one bottle of formula will strip this and leave your baby open to infection!

You are the boss, if you are determined to exclusively breastfeed then stick to your guns and dont be bossed around!

Kelsey - posted on 06/09/2010

No they can't do that unless your baby's blood sugar drops below a certain point. Then they might supplement with formula or sugar water to bring it back up.

I had to supplement with formula for one night not because of that but because I ended up with a spinal headache from my epi and just couldn't breastfeed at all because i couldn't sit up to do so.

The hospital I was at never took my son out of the room unless I asked them too.

Crystal - posted on 06/09/2010

you will not have milk until you leave the hospital and that first supply of colostrum is all the nutrients your baby needs the first couple of days if you havent taken a breast feeding class i strongly encourage you to because they are very helpful and they do explain eveything to you there they say your milk supply does not come in until you have gone home or day three, but for me my milk supply came in the day i was leaving the hospital I think its just how much you let your baby nurse. I supplementedin the hospital by choice the goo thing about doing both atleast in the hospital is your baby is at a lower risk of developing jaundice

Mary - posted on 06/09/2010

as long as the baby is getting something he/she should be just fine and they probably won't give formula. If he/she won't latch on and isn't getting anything to eat, it's probably best to give some formula. If they get too hungry, they aren't patient enough to learn to latch on. I was insistent on the same thing with my first one and because of some health issues, she was on formula and whatever I could pump for almost a week (the pumping wasn't much). After that week, she wouldn't take a bottle at all. So don't worry if you're afraid he/she won't want to breastfeed. And if they don't want to breastfeed, they probably wouldn't want to either way - some babies just don't.

Rachel - posted on 06/09/2010

Here is my advise. I work as a RN at a baby friendly hospital and this is what you should do. Refuse to have your baby leave your site. Tell them that the baby is to stay with you AT ALL TIMES!. The baby will be fine on the colostrum. I have a 17 month old. She was born 5 weeks early, she was a horrible nurser and she didn't weigh over 6lbs until she was 4 months old, and the best part I breastfeed for 14 months and she NEVER had a drop of formula and she is very healthy. Also pump right after birth. After you feed the baby for the first time, pump. You may only get a few drops, but the stimulation will help your milk come in. Don't let them give the baby a bottle AT ALL, not until the baby masters nursing first. I hope this helps!

Beth - posted on 06/09/2010

My helpful hints as a nurse to avoid formula: Breastfeed in labor and delivery, triage in your room if it is offered, keep the baby in your room all the time, even if you are exhausted, allow anything to be done in the room if they offer, anytime they say "can I bring the baby to the nursery to..." ask if it can be done in your room. Possibly weights will need to be done in the nursery if there are not portable scales. Everything else can be done in the room at most hospitals. I do blood sugars, vital signs, tcbs, pkus, hepatitis b vaccines, etc. in the room if the parents would like me to. I offer frequently and often parents want me to take the baby to nursery so they don't have to see. You can hold your baby and be a comfort to them during a painful procedure. You are a mom now, so suck it up and start putting your child first!!

Christina - posted on 06/09/2010

Normally they won't give the baby formula unless they really think it's necessary for the baby's health. In that case, it's best to go ahead & do it anyway. Try not to worry though, as long as the baby's doing fine (blood sugar isn't too low, etc.) then you will probably do just fine with breastfeeding. The pediatricians know that the milk doesn't come in for a few days so they're not gonna give formula just for that reason. It would have to be only if it's affecting your baby's health. Just let them know that you really don't want your baby to have formula unless it's absolutely necessary. They should respect your wishes.

Maria - posted on 06/09/2010

I have never heard of such a thing! I breastfed all 3 of my babies and none of them received a drop of formula in the hospital and yes, you are correct on your milk not coming in for a few days...for me it seemed to be the day I was going home:-) If you haven't already did a ped contact/interview, that is what I would recommend. My pediatrician is extremely pro-breastfeeding, it is important to have one that supports YOUR choices. And make sure he/she is one that supports whatever happens. Some women do have a harder time BFing and have to supplement- that's ok!

Ashley - posted on 06/09/2010

no they can not give your child formula if you tell them they can't. if it makes you more comfortable, keep your baby in your room. i did with both my children because i didn't want to take the chance of them giving either one formula. plus it made my first night at home easier.

Camille - posted on 06/09/2010

The baby will be fine on just colostrum! VERY RARELY is this not so. The fact that they would bring it up worries me. I'd say switch hospitals but it's probably too late for that. Just stick to your guns. Breastfeed ALL the time. My best advice is, try constantly until you get comfortable with it and find a good way to do it while resting. That way, the baby will bring in the milk quicker and get the most colostrum possible, and they'll be less likely to get formula happy.

Doodle - posted on 06/09/2010

you have to do extra effort for your milk to come out, like some recommend that you make your hubby suck it because sometimes newborns doesn't really suck strong enough(yeah i know, its a bit ugly) so what i did was discuss the best and suitable milk express for you just to help your baby suck the milk out...but who knows, maybe your baby can do it in first try, give the bubby a chance:) cheers

Julia - posted on 06/09/2010

This is why I birthed two out of my three babies at home. I refuse to be dictated to in this way. If for some reason I ever again have to birth in a hospital, that baby will not be out of my sight or its daddy's sight until we leave. No "whisking away to the nursery" or "so you can rest" for me.

Fight hard for your baby. It DOES matter. Formula DOES irreversibly change their guts.

Good luck with your upcoming birth!

Rebecca - posted on 06/08/2010

FYI 1 bottle of formula takes up to a week to be digested by a baby so it IS a big deal! Breastmilk digests in hours! You do the math!

Rebecca - posted on 06/08/2010

Milk doesw not come in until days 3-5 & for some women up to 7 days. Colostrum is plenty for your baby to survive on. They actually are born with fat stored up so they will not starve. All babys sucking needs should be taken care of at the breast so your prolactin levels do not drop. That is the hormone that tells your body to produce milk. Once it drops you can not get it back. Keep that baby with you at all times when it is born, make it clear to everyone that your baby is to only be breastfed & anyone that does otherwise will be sued. you are that childs mother & the only one that can make the decision on what to feed to it. If you can't be with the baby make sure someone else is. My mom stayed with my new born until I came out of recovery & refussed to let them give him anything other than her finger because she knew just how much I wanted to have a breastfeeding relationship with my baby! If you have problems with latching then ask them to bring you a pump & feed your breastmilk to your baby with a syringe. Breastfeeding is a dying art that needs revived & unfortunately Drs only recieve 24 hrs of training so it is easier for them to tell you to go to formula than work with you on the issue. Ask to see a lactation specialist as soon as you are alone with your baby. Don't let anyone make you do something for your child that your momtuition tells you is wrong! Good luck & congratulations!

Mary - posted on 06/08/2010

When my sister had her c section (makes it hard to stay with the baby contantly etc. and she let them take baby to bathe her) She put a little sign on the bassinet that said, "NO artificial nipples please!!!"

Laura - posted on 06/08/2010

I am 100% a fan of breastfeeding and am still doing so with my 4 1/2 month old, but I would agree with the mom's who say it's not that big of a deal. Unfortunately, there are medical situations that could arise in which your baby might need formula or sugar water immediately to keep blood sugar levels up. I wanted to strictly BF after birth, but my baby had respiratory issues an had to be hooked up to oxygen and monitors for 24hrs. I pumped a tiny bit of colostrum, but after transferring it into a syringe there was hardly anything left. She didn't have any problems latching later. If you can't hold your baby to feed them, you have to trust that the DR's are doing what is right and necessary for your baby.

Candice - posted on 06/08/2010

Um,your milk isn't supposed to be in on day one. Colostrum is just fine for baby.In fact,it's the first round of defenses against illness baby gets.
The docs kept my baby for 4 hours after she was born,so she was probably given some formula crap,I was rather livid,but luckily no latch problems.

Melysa - posted on 06/08/2010

they can recommend but they cannot give anything without your consent if you tell the midwives on arrival that you do not want your baby to have formula they have to respect your wishes, oy and yes colostrum is enough in the first few days it is the best food your child could EVER get

A - posted on 06/08/2010

Dannielle, it can be a very big deal. Women who choose to breastfeed do it for many reasons, including the health benefits and bonding, among many. Formula is not as healthy as breastmilk. Just one thing it cannot match is the immunities it gives our babies. Mothers pick up pathogens on babies skin and then our body builds immunities and passes them to our babies through the milk, helping to make them healthy.

So, since breastmilk is superior to formula (although formula is great when women truly have trouble and cannot breastfeed) giving formula can have a negative effect on a baby latching and learning to breastfeed. Not all babies will have this problem, but it CAN prevent nipple confusion, causing improper latch, or a preference to taste for formula, etc. If this happens to a baby, the baby may never learn to latch or breastfeed properly and therefore may end the breastfeeding the relationship, leaving the baby to miss out on the benefits of breastmilk. Sometimes these problems can be corrected if a mother is persistent and has great support. But often times it sets women up for failure who are tired and exhausted and in pain from giving birth and improper latch. Again, this doesn't happen every time formula is given, but it can happen, and its just not worth the risk in my opinion.

Dannielle - posted on 06/08/2010

Ok, I have to admit I am a little confused... Is it really that big of a deal if the baby gets some formula??? If the doctors say she needs it then why risk it.. it can't possibly hurt her. They are not asking you to give her poison??? I am a first time mom but all of this sounds a little over dramatic to me.. I really mean no offense I am just curious as to why it is such a big deal..

A - posted on 06/08/2010

Amanda, I'm sure you're a great health professional. I wasn't trying to make any stereotypes about all nurses. But from my own personal experience, I have dealt with nurses first hand that told me contradicting information that I have been told and read from Lactation Consultants and books from the American Association of Pediatrics. There are nurses Who have told me incorrect information, and had a very stubborn mindset of pushing how THEY raised their babies on their patients. I've had nurses tell me that formula is just as good as breastmilk. That's just ridiculous. Breastmilk has immunities and other benefits formula in a can cannot provide. I've had nurses tell me to leave my 1 day old baby to cry it out and not to pick him up or I'd spoil him!

So, where you work and your personality obviously shows that you and your staff are dedicated, educated, and compassionate and accepting of how patients want to raise their children. That's wonderful. I wish I had experienced nursing staff of your calibre. Unfortunately not every hospital is run as well everywhere. Certifications may be required, and I'm sure the staff at the hospital is I went to are certified, but I'm sure some people do those things just to keep their job, and do not believe the information they are necessarily given ,and do not support women who choose to nurse. So thank you for being a wonderful health professional, I wish there were more like you. I'm just trying to point out that not all are as great.

Shari - posted on 06/08/2010

They can't but they will...unless you make it VERY clear that you don't want them to. When I had my kids, I had to have c-sections so they wanted to give my babies formula since I was in recovery for awhile. Um..NOPE..not gonna happen. I made it very clear to them and they had to listen...but I did take some flack for it!

Stick to your guns. Colostrum is all your baby needs!

Joy - posted on 06/08/2010

Put it in your birth plan that you do NOT want your baby to be given a bottle or a pacifier, and stick to your guns! If your hospital doesnt room in (you need to room in with the baby) and the baby isnt always in the room with you, dad needs to go WITH the baby when it's away form you. He can do that.

BTW....Your milk doesnt come in till DAY THREE. So dont let anyone push you!!! Colostrum is a MILLION times better than formula.

And they dont actually feed formula at the hospital. They feed SUGAR WATER, which has the nutritional value of 0.

When in doubt remember that this is YOUR baby. NOT the doctor's. And in the end, no matter what happens YOU care about this baby! 20 years from now that doc wont remember anything about this baby, wont care what happened to it. You will every day of your life. That knowledge has helped me a LOT.

Laura - posted on 06/08/2010

My midwife advised that I clearly state no formula was to be given without my written and verbal consent. That is, we wrote it in the birth plan and said, "Mother must be consulted if formula is being considered an option." My midwife also said the colostrum would nourish the baby until my milk came in, which it did the morning I was leaving the hospital. Be clear about what you want and ask for support from LLL if they are connected to the hospital. They should not be allowed to push formula on your child. It is your birth experience and your child!

Amanda - posted on 06/08/2010

To say that the health care PROFESSIONALS are misinformed or miseducated about the benefits of breastfeeding is completly absurd!! We are required to be up to date regarding information in our field in order to renew our license. A parent does NOT have to keep their infant with them at all times to ensure their baby doesnt receive a bottle. However if you want to exclusively breastfeed your baby it is encouraged that you keep your baby with you since we have no means to soothe your infant in the nursery. Additionally if you read any literature or speak with any lactation consultant they will also say that a breastfeeding infant should be kept with the mother. The lactation consultants will also advise a mother its in the best interest of the infant to supplement if there is a severe medical reason for doing so. Supplementing does not have to be from a bottle but it can also be given via cup or syringe feeding.
This is not an issue that happens on a regular basis probably less than 1 percent of the babies require supplementation. Believe it or not I have talked more parents out of supplementing and giving up then I have had to talk into supplementing. Again I will say the nurses are not the ENEMY!! We are trained professionals and can be a real asset to having a positive breastfeeding experience.

A - posted on 06/08/2010

Hey I just wanted to add that sadly, a lot of hospitals try to pressure you to do what they want you to do, or what is the "norm". Be prepared, have your husband prepare, prepare for a FIGHT. I did lots of things that were "abnormal" like wanting to wait for the cord to be cut so the baby gets better vitamin k levels, refusing the eye drops (they are to protect the baby from an infection from the mothers vagina- which I have no infections, and thought it was unneccesary), going natural, etc. I had to fight and fight to sign papers and documents refusing these types of care. And I think it was really sad considering I'm in pain and laboring and the hospital is trying to force their beliefs on to me. If I hadnt hounded them none of the things I wanted would have been done. So if you can prepare at all- like finding documents you will need to sign and such before hand, and take them with you to the hospital and have them done, then that may help. You can make signs for your babys bassinet like "no pacifiers, bottles" etc, beforehand so you don't forget when you're exhausted from delivery.

A - posted on 06/08/2010

I wouldnt be happy either. Yes, it usually takes a few days for your milk supply to come in. I think mine came in two to three days after birth. Colostrum is fine. So many people, including doctors and health professionals are so miseducated or uninformed when it comes to breastfeeding. Its normal for a breastfed newborn to lose some weight the first few days, but within a couple weeks will have gained it back and more. The best advice I can give you is find a different hospital and/or keep the baby in the room with you at all times so you can be sure this doesn't happen. I'm not sure what legal right they have to do it against their wishes. I guess techincally the baby is their patient and they have to ensure his/her health, so if a baby isn't going well I could see that but people are so uneducated they assume a baby pops out and is ready for 6 ounces of formula! There will be times they will need to check your baby out in the nursery or whatever, but you or your husband can walk down there and keep an eye on things too. Another option is a homebirth. I would definitely look in to this. Read up on breastfeeding, talk to lactation consultants. THat way you know what to expect and can inform the nurses of what is typical. So many people formula feed now days docs and nurses don't even know what they are talking about a lot of the time. Educate yourself, get help from the Le Leche League, etc. I'm sure they have lactation consultants that will come around at the hopsital. Good luck hon! Keep with breastfeeding. Its whats best for you and your baby!

Rachel - posted on 06/08/2010

that happened to me too... they didnt give brady formula..at least i dont think they did...ithey had me really doped up because i had a c-section. it took like 5 days for mine to come in. he went from being born at 8lbs 11oz to 7lbs 15oz in the first week. the pediatrician then said i had to give him formula once a day. that resulted in nipple confusion and blisters all over my nipples. it was horrible. if you do have to supplement, I would reccommend the breast flow bottle by the first years. its the only bottle on the market that works on suction and compression. I had my mother in law use it when I went back to work. for as long as she used it with him, i had no problems. make sure its a slow flow nipple as well. if you use a fast one you baby will get lazy on u.

Didi - posted on 06/08/2010

If it really bothers you, SWITCH HOSPITALS! I guarantee you'll be happy you did!

Rose - posted on 06/08/2010

Sad to say if your not with your baby every second of the stay at the hospital they will give your baby formula. When my daughter was born she had to be taken to NICU for 8 hours cause she was having problems transitioning they gave her formula without my consent they didn't even ask me if i was going to feed her i was so pissed cause after the first bottle it was hard to get her to BF i was so upset cause the only time she would BF is if she was really hungry or at night so i gave up after 4 months. I would just try to keep your baby in your sight at all times. There is another way to give your baby some nutrients with formula and BF. With both my kids i used a feeding tube and a syringe with the feeding tube between my nipple and their cheek it works wonders so your baby gets the colostrum and other good nutrients. Just a thought if you get worried about it and they start pressuring you.

Erin - posted on 06/08/2010

wow...this does not sound right at all, i would have to say no they can not give your child formula if you say not to, and i hope they dont!! it can take up to and over 3 days for your milk to come but in the mean time your produce colostrum which is all your baby needs in the first few days of life!! god, giving formula or any artificial nipple in the early stages of life can have such a negative effect on BFing. i wish you all the best with nursing, and if i were you i would be livid, i would watch every move the nurses made to ensure they did not give formula to your child, thats just nuts!!!!

Lynette - posted on 06/08/2010

ds1 never had any formula in hospital dispite spending time in the SCBU thanks to wonderful MW's and Nurses who came and woke me to go feed him and helped me express colustrum for him and he was given it via a cup or syringe when i couldnt be there to BF ( due to having to have a couple of blood transfusions post birth ) with ds2 i was strong armed by some nurses into giving him formula as we were on a ward and he was fussing at 2am and i was exausted due to needing a blood tranfusion and having a very very low iron level which hadnt been picked up and because i was so tired they managed to convince me to let them supplement with formula ( i didnt have any issue with my supply ) and I ended up with him being sick and fussy the whole next day ( while i had 2 blood transfusions ) which was horrible to deal with alone in hospital and i didnt let them do it again i co-slept with him that night and BF from then on, I have only given him Breastmilk since even though often that has been through a bottle and hes a happy healthy ( if very big but he was born that way ) 10wk old

Cinda - posted on 06/08/2010

You ARE understanding it right. It DOES take a few days for your full milk to come in. The first few days is just colostrum. I would suggest putting it in WRITING & submitting it to the hospital both in advance AND upon check in for delivery regarding your wishes for use of formula, pacifiers, etc. Don't let them panic you when your baby starts losing weight. It's NORMAL for babies to lose up to 10% of their weight during the 1st week after birth. I would recommend attending a breast feeding CLASS before birth, if possible. If not, contact your local lactation specialist. Many hospitals have such support, often for free. If not, you could call the Leche Legue (a national support organization). You could call the ladies I worked with at Parker Adventist Hospital here in Colorado. They are GREAT & will talk to you over the phone 303-269-4388 & it's totally free. If you don't want your baby to have formula, I would recommend sticking to your guns & don't let the doctors / nurses bully you into doing something you don't want to do.

Laura Zoey - posted on 06/08/2010

as for giving permision to give formula, yes i "gave permission" but i was told very roughly what the problem was, i never really understood why it was given, i wasnt given any time to ask a lactaition consultant, and i was told that to be able to take him out of the nicu i had to feed him an ounce of formula. so yea i gave permission but now with the knowledge i have, i would never have given permission.

Keisha - posted on 06/08/2010

The hospital was gonna do that with my daughter. Instead I used the hospital breastpump to pump milk. So my daughter was givin brastmilk that I had pumped and the pumping helped me to produce more milk.