my baby is one week old im thinking of switching her to formula is this a bad idea?

Amanda - posted on 03/06/2010

Please don't give up!! The first few weeks are the hardest... it is a learning curve for both you and the baby, but once you both get the hang of it it is so rewarding, not to mention less hassle than a bottle. Breastmilk is what's best for babies, and if you are able to BF there is not reason why you should not. I was a pediatric RN in a hospital, and we saw so many babies with problems with their guts, and not gaining enough, and all because of being formula fed. Not to mention all the antibodies you can give your baby with breastmilk, that will keep your baby healthy. Being in school and being allowed to have your baby with you it should be super easy and convenient to BF. Bringing, making and sterilizing bottles in a school environment sounds like a nightmare!! If you do need bottles because someone else must feed your child (i.e. baby is in daycare and you have to be gone for one or more feeding) it would pay to invest in a breastpump and supply your baby with pumped breastmilk. Just remember to pump as often as you woulf feed you baby if they were with you, and it shouldn't have too big an impact on your supply!
Stick it out!! It is so worth it in the long run! I have a 23 month old who is still nursing, and it was so hard in the beginning! Just don't give up!

Lisa - posted on 03/06/2010

I personally wouldn't swiitch. I brestfed both my sons for a year and I plan on breastfeeding the Twin girls I'm due to have here in 9 weeks (or less). Breastfeeding is soooo beneficial for your baby and yourself. It helps protect her and it cuts your healing time in half. It also help reduce your risk for cancer. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be a pro. And isnt the feeling of being that special one that she depends on lovely. Not sure exactly what advice you are looking for, but feel free to send me a message with any questions and I will help the best I can :)

Holly - posted on 03/06/2010

You all are so lucky to be able to breastfeed. I tried for three months and was dead against it but I had to do what's best for my baby. I really am upset about not being able to continue it. I miss it a lot. So if you are able to breastfeed, don't quit, speaking as someone who has to formula feed it is not easier or better. Feel blessed because there are a lot of woman out there who would love to be able too!

Nicole - posted on 03/06/2010

Actually, if a mother has HIV breastfeeding is the best thing she can do for her baby. A newborn has a virgin gut and anything other than breastmilk will cause harm until all of the healthy flora are established (after a few months). Breastmilk contains antibodies that make the baby significantly less vulnerable to the mother's disease. Any way, back to the matter at hand. I went back to work full time when Phoebe was just four weeks- I am still bfing now and was able to pump plenty. You are very lucky to be able to take her with you. It would e crazy to waste time and money on formula when you have your baby on hand. If you have to leave her home some, get a good pump. If you combo feed, it is likely to severely damage your supply. You are right that it would mess her belly up. Not worth the risk. Mixing and warming bottles is rediculous especially when you are dealing with school. Breasts are the perfect portable food- get a sling so you can nurse hands free. I love the moby wrap- best $40 I've ever spent. There are a ton of other great options for baby wearing out there. Strollers are a pain in the ass because you have to fish baby out for every feed not to mention the bulk.

Ashley - posted on 03/06/2010

Keep breastfeeding! Its very tough the first few weeks, but you just went through labor, you can do anything! Since your probably staying home with a newborn anyways, make yourself very comfortable, if you wanna walk around with no shirt, go ahead! What ever is easier for you to nurse your baby. Take warm showers to help if your breasts are hurting, and let her nurse on demand, when she wants, as long as she wants. The bigger she gets she will get on a better schedule. Sleep in a tank, not a nursing bra for more comfort and easier access for your baby. Just remember that you are doing great! And breastfeeding is the best thing for her! Its such a joy to know that everyone else can change diapers, wash clothes, etc, but only you can do the one thing she needs most, feed her!!! Good luck and I hope you enjoy breastfeeding!

Andrea - posted on 03/06/2010

what about pumping? Formula is not necessary to make things easier (it's actually harder on your wallet if you are a student). Plus trying to get a bottle ready between classes - etc. Breastfeeding is EASIER once you get it. Honestly - it's hard, but there are going to be A LOT of things that are hard with having a baby, but you still do them for the well being of your baby you know? Trust me - breastfeeding is not just better nutrition. I do both with my baby, breastfeed and bottle feed (with expressed breastmilk) and 100% of the time, she is MUCH more satisfied after the breast than the bottle. It is so much more soothing - which makes for a happier baby, AND she sleeps much better. That makes for a happier mommy :) Keep going, ask all the questions you need so we can help you get through it.

I'll tell you too, I was giving formula at one point - just supplimenting to help gain weight (didn't know it was the wrong thing to do at the time) and even though I was giving her the highest quality, gentlease (easy on the stomach) - she was still fussy after and couldn't digest it as well. Boy is she SO MUCH happier now that she is purely breastfed.

Jessica - posted on 03/06/2010

well its just a lot on me right now...and i will be going back to school in 3 weeks ...but my school allows me to bring her with me..... do u think it would be ok if i formula fed her in the day and breast-fed her at night

Beck - posted on 03/06/2010

Your in ther wrong forum if you expect anyone to agree with switching to formula. Everyone here is very pro bfeeding because we know in the long run - despite hicups along that way that we have ALL day one or two of, its the BEST you can do for your bub. Sorry to be blunt but with out more info from you why you would give up its pretty clear cut from where I sit (sorry, you are the hormone charged new Mum!!) P.S Bottles (from what all my bottle feeding friends tell me) IS NOT EASIER - It may look this way at the moment but in the long run it isn't.

Katie - posted on 03/06/2010

Please dont give up!!! You will really enjoy it if you just stick with it I promise. I thought of giving up soo many times in the beginning and my Lactation Consultent always told me to stick with it. And I am so happy I did, my son is going to be 8mths and I love the bond we have and how much easier everything is. Plus as a helpful hint if you ever have a question or a doubt in your mind always check on this site. Circle of Moms was my hero haha. I didnt have no one that knew what I was going through so asking questions on here was so helpful. Well good luck!! Stay strong : )

Ginette - posted on 03/05/2010

I had a hard time at first. At 3 months I was wondering if I could stick with it, but some how I managed and made it to about the 9 months mark, which was my goal. I was actually a little bit sad when I nursed her for the last time. And the grocery bill sure took a big hit when we switched to formula - not to mention you always had to warm the formula up for baby - at least BM is ready to serve :) Give it at least 4 - 6 weeks - it takes that long to learn how to do it right - for both of you. After 6 weeks, the growth spurts start to slow down so things will get easier. Good luck!

Christine - posted on 03/05/2010

stick with it girlie! itll be hard but it will be worth it! trust me! :)

Tammy - posted on 03/05/2010

One week is still very young to consider switching to formula. Without knowing the reason about why you want to switch, I would say stick with it, the first 6 weeks are the most important but the hardest, but its gets way easier and is so rewarding. I had to overcome obstacles myself to continue bf- cracked, bleeding nipples, mastitis and low milk supply- but I stuck it out and it is the one of the best things i have done.

April - posted on 03/05/2010

stick with bfing. it could be a bad idea to switch. formula could possibly do something to her gut (but maybe not)....but i wouldn't risk it. formula is very hard for babies to digest. breast milk is easy on the tummy.



breastfeeding is one of the hardest but most rewarding thing i have ever done. i had a few challenges but overcame all of them (blocked ducts, cracked nippples, etc..). it is totally worth it to see how happy it makes my son.



moms who continue with breastfeeding do so because they want what's best. it isn't always easy peasy and natural. sometimes it is hard and tiring, but we persevere because we remember that we're doing this for our children.

Nicole - posted on 03/05/2010

Good for you for BF. This is just my opinion but I would stick with it. The first 3 weeks are tough. I would try to go to a local LaLeche meeting. That will help you. It will put you in touch with people who are like minded and in the same situation that you are in! Good Luck and you will not be sorry for continuing to breastfeed. I took it one day at a time some days but do not regret BF at all.

Jaime - posted on 03/05/2010

It depends on the reason that you want to quit! The only reason at this point that you DEFINATELY should not breastfeed is if you are HIV/AIDS positive. Other than that, stick with it! The first few weeks are the hardest, and also the most important for the baby and you! You will loose weight faster, and the baby is getting very important immunity help! I have also found night feeding much easier while breastfeeding. Good Luck!

Teresa - posted on 03/05/2010

I wouldn't switch, but I'm wondering why you are considering it.... It's ultimately up to you as the mom, but try to give it at least a month before thinking about a switch. The first 4-8 weeks are the hardest. Hang in there!!

Celeste - posted on 03/05/2010

May I ask why you're considering switching? Maybe if you can give us some more info, we can help you out with whatever the situation is.

Having said that, I'd stick with breastfeeding!

Yari - posted on 03/05/2010

I'd say I was not a fan of breastfeeding for the first month or more. Now, I'm on my second baby and have breastfed for close to four full years between my two kids. I wouldn't change it for the world. It's not easy to get your milk supply back if you stop breastfeeding and I have found it comforting every time I adjust to my new baby to think of the times that come later on when it's just so spectacular to be nursing. Aside from the obvious health benefits to your baby. Please also consider the cost and hassle of formula. Your baby will still probably get hungry at night and nursing is so much easier when you're out and about as well. It's hard to be patient, but it should only get a lot easier from here.

Jacquelyn - posted on 03/05/2010

Stick with breastfeeding :) the first two weeks can be challenging wqhile you both get the hang of things but if you try and hold out a bit longer they will be soooo much easier!! Nurse her whenever she is hungry, let your miples air out once a day, use lanolin if they become dry or cracked, and if your baby is having wet diapers (6 or so a day) she is getting plenty :) Good luck!