Moms who formula fed - how does this work?

[connorlevismom]

We are planning on FF this baby from the start and I am kind of confused about the hospital so I am looking for some help. I BF our first son so I did not really have to think about this but do you bring the formula you are planning on using to the hospital with you? Or will the hospital have the kind of formula you want to use? I just want to know if I should be packing a can of formula in my hospital bag or not.

Kristine

 

[kevschickee]

We are planning on FF this baby from the start and I am kind of confused about the hospital so I am looking for some help. I BF our first son so I did not really have to think about this but do you bring the formula you are planning on using to the hospital with you? Or will the hospital have the kind of formula you want to use? I just want to know if I should be packing a can of formula in my hospital bag or not.

Kristine

The hospital I gave birth at gave me formula and it was fine. We used the enfamil lipil then I went to the generic enfamil and my baby did great.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

The hospital has always provided formula and bottles for my babies. Just remember that the brand of formula they use doesn't HAVE to be the kind you use at home, do your own research on what kind you want to use.

 

[connorlevismom]

So if I know what I want to use, should I bring it just in case? Or just let the hospital use what they have?

 

[ShellyShellfish]

I'm the same as the PP...the hospital I gave birth at gave us the formula, it was Enfamil Lipil and came in the single serve bottles (nursers).

We switched after we came home and realized DS wasn't doing well on the formula.

 

[kevschickee]

I don't know if you can bring it in because liability issues. I would call and ask. Good Luck

 

[Macduffy]

If the hospital isn't offering the same formula as you plan on using at home I would bring my own. I wouldn't want to switch the formula unless necessary. When you go on a tour (or you can call the Maternity Floor) ask what they use

 

[ShellyShellfish]

So if I know what I want to use, should I bring it just in case? Or just let the hospital use what they have?

If you have your heart set on using a specific formula, then bring it...however, I think the hospital generally picks Enfamil Lipil because it's a pretty "easy" formula that most kids can take. Plus there's generics out there that are equivalent to it.

Just know that you do run the risk of your child not doing well on whatever formula you have chosen, so you may have to switch to a different kind anyways.

Good luck!

 

[LoveKermit]

I agree with the liability thing. They may not let you bring your own. But I work with two people who did like you and they never said anything one way or the other. So, my guess is they used what the hospital provided and switched accordingly when they got home. I know one infant went right on soy as his older brother was lactose intol. until he was almost 2. Maybe they jumped the gun, but they were being cautious.

I wouldn't worry about it. My baby was just glad to eat! Milk or formula!

 

[Perditamarie]

Congrats on your new baby!! Typically the formula provided is in a single serve bottle w/a sterile nipple. If you byo, cleaning and storing the bottles could be a pain. They would prob use what is on hand at the hospital in the nursery anyway.

 

[tadamom]

I would call and see if they have the kind you are going to use. When I had my son, they asked which kind I wanted to use and when I told them they said they had it. I believe they have tons of different kinds there.

 

[taylor3297]

We used only formula with both of our kids. Each time the hospital asked us which brand we wanted to use. We liked the Similac advanced and that is what the hospital provided. After talking with a nurse, she said that the main formulas they provided was Similac, Enfamil and Nestle Good Start.

 

[mjkacmom]

I love those ready serve bottles they have in the hospital! However, I switch over to a less expensive powder when we get home (I have tried every method of preparing formula, and by far the easiest method is add powder and tap water in the bottle - faster than nuking bottles from the fridge).

 

[tadamom]

I love those ready serve bottles they have in the hospital! However, I switch over to a less expensive powder when we get home (I have tried every method of preparing formula, and by far the easiest method is add powder and tap water in the bottle - faster than nuking bottles from the fridge).

Definitely poweder is the easiest. We did ready to feed for my son but warming water to warm the bottle got old and ready to feed is very expensive -- thankfully my parents bought all the formula for him except for the occasional can my hubby & I bought. We did powder with my daughter and it was awesome. For the first few months, I just boiled my own water and then kept it in a jug. When we went somewhere, I poured up each bottle that I needed and added the powder at each feeding time.

 

[clc053103]

I also found that the powder didn't stain, while the ready to feed version did.

 

[kevschickee]

I also found that the powder didn't stain, while the ready to feed version did.

Same with me and my DD spit up a ton more with the already made formula

 

[Hannathy]

Same with me and my DD spit up a ton more with the already made formula

Just goes to show you how different humans are it was the complete opposite for my DS!

Even if the hospital uses something different you are in so short of a time anymore it really wouldn't be that big of a deal to switch when you get home. Many times you have to try a few different formulas till you get one that is compatible anyway.

 

[connorlevismom]

Thanks so much for all the replies. I would like to use Good Start since that is what we used with DS but I do know that we may have to change anyway if it does not work. I will just go with what the hospital uses for the first couple of days and see how it goes.

For those who used air temp. water for your bottles, did your baby like that? I would love to do that as opposed to heating the bottles but don't know if it will work.

Kristine

 

[PoohHappens]

Hi OB nurse here. I know at our hospital and any others I have been at you would not be allowed to bring and serve your own. We ask the parents what they would like to use, if you have a specific reason that you feel you need to start on a soy it is availible. Otherwise usually Enfamil and Similac are both availibe. I know someone mentioned that their hospital had Nestle too, but this is not as common, there is some debate out there about that formula among pediatricians. Also check with your pediatrician--some peds have a formula they insist their babies start on and that is what is ordered and what we have to feed them. As far as what hospitals use if the parent does not know or is undecided there are 2 answers to this. Either who the hosp has the best arragment with--most hospitals have gotten away from this as it is really not a good practice sometimes involving kick backs, promos, meals etc....... or currently Enfamil as it has the WIC contract and so it is the default. If you are using WIC you should start the baby on the WIC formula as it is the only formula they will provide until there is clear proof your baby needs something different. If you plan to use a product not provided at the hospital talk to your pediatrician about when is the best time to switch and how they would like you to do that. It usually needs to be a gradual switch. This does not include the difference in feeding ready to feed vs powder of the same formula. Good luck with our new baby.

 

[PoohHappens]

About room temp--absolutely and go for it. All the babies at the hospital are fed room temp bottles. If you have city water you do not need to boil the water. You can mix powder with water right out the tap, you can choose slightly warmer if you want. If you are concerned about your water, the age of your pipes or you have a well you can get a water test kit from the county, I think WIC , or you can purcase one. Never micro bottles. If start your baby with reg temp from the get go it makes it easier because you do not need to warm the bottle and can prepare one anywhere.