Formula

Hi!

We are hoping to breasfeed, but i wanted to have a backup plan...there are so many formulas...how does one choose?

Which brand? Soy, no soy? uggh!

Any suggestions?

Thanks!!
rebecca

 

Congratulations!

We had to supplement in the hospital; so we just used what we started with (Enfamil Lipil) since they tolerated it well from the beginning. Plus, the hospital and our pediatrician gave us a ton of free samples .

I think the basic formulas are all essentially the same.

At one point we were trying to determine if one of ours had developed a slight milk allergy; and the doc recommended trying the Carnation Good Start--it's still a cow's milk-based formula; but apparently it's processed differently and is more easily tolerated. He also gave us some soy formula to try;but he said that soy is fairly allergenic--so he didn't recommend it unless you absolutely can't use milk-based or don't want animal proteins for religious or more philosophical dietary reasons (vegetarian/vegan). The Good Start was fine, though it didn't improve DS's symptoms (congestion)--so we ruled out milk allergy and went back to the Enfamil because we can buy it by the case at Costco, which is more convenient and cost-effective for us. But the Good Start might be a good choice to have on hand as a back-up if it's true that it's a little more easily digested.

You might think about getting the premixed formula--our pediatrician didn't want us to use the powdered stuff until they were 6 weeks old because he didn't want us using unsterilized water. I know other people who didn't get that advice from their pedis, though; and their kids seem fine .


Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!

 

Congratulations!

We went with Enfamil until my milk came in (latch issues). Later, after I stopped pumping, we went to Target brand, which is pretty much the same as Enfamil. They are both mile based. Some samples I got from my OB had Enfamil and a soy based. Any samples you get can be a great help! Always ask the pedi you go with if you have any questions too.

 

Enfimil is a good starting off formula and you can see if they agree to it. You will probabley get a lot of free samples once they are born and you can try different ones to see what works best for them. Good luck breast feeding...it is tough starting out but if you can stick with it it gets super easy eventually. I didnt stick with it long enough but did exclusively pump for them for quite a long time. The breast feeding forum on TS is super helpful!
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!

 

I bf at first as well but we just went with what the hospital gave us samples of which was Enfamil Gentlease for my slow days. We ended up switching DS1 to Nutramigen because of fussiness and gas (this stuff was a life saver) and leaving DS2 on Gentlease. We have since switched DS2 to Good Start because the daycare will provide formula if they can take that. We are going to be switching DS1 in the next week as well now that he's older and his system is more mature.

If there are no allergies or sensitivities it really comes down to cost, dr recommendations, and I guess taste

 

My girls are on Enfamil. I didn't choose it, the pedi did! I'd ask the pedi about it.

 

We're supplementing (I also breast feed) with Similac Advance because it's the formula used by the hospital. Our Pedi is not a fan of changing formulas and said it was fine. So, I would consider sticking with what your hospital nursery will offer.

 

Since our guys were in the NICU and had to be supplemented, we went with Enfamil Lipel since that is what they used. We had to switch Jack to Similac Advance a soy formula at a few months old because he was spitting up all the time and had really bad eczema...it seemed to help. We now use the Costco brand in place of the Enfamil for Ryan since it is essentially the same and A LOT less money!

 

It's great you have a backup plan! I was going to BF and never even considered formula, so when I had to supplement in the hospital I was crushed and not knowledgable at all. We used Similac since that was what was in the hospital. They soon got lots of gas and were uncomfortable. The pedi said changing formula wouldn't help, but after a few more days I decided to try Similac Sensitive and that totally worked. So now they are on that.

Some other things to consider:
We use ready to feed since it is easier (and RTF is recommended for preemies anyway since it is sterile. Powdered is NOT). Similac RTF comes in plastic containers. Every other brand comes in cans and BPA leeches from the cans into the formula- if that is a concern for you.

 

WOW! Thanks for the suggestions everyone...this is really helpful! I have a friend who is asking the same question so I share with her all this info.

One last question...

what is the difference between all these brands...ie Enfimil lipil or Enfimil Gentlease? Or Enfimil vs. Similac...is there a real difference (like one has more sugar...etc?).

Thanks again for all of your help! It's really appreciated!

Rebecca