Question About Formula Feeding

Hi H.!
The hospital I worked in rotated between Enfamil and Similac every six months. Those were the two companies that had contracts with us. That being said, we also had Carnation Good Start and Soy Enfamil and Similac. Spit up is normal at first because fluids from delivery (whether it be c-section or vaginally) sit in the stomach and they need to be expelled. If the spitting up does not get better within the first two days or so, it could be formula related and then the ped can recommend soy or another formula in general. So you have lots of possibilites! The hospital will send you home with whatever formula your baby is on at the time of discharge or with which ever you prefer. We actually went from Enfamil to Kirkland brand (from Costco) because it worked better with her and decreased her gas and it is only about $20 for two 1lb containers! Bottom line I guess is when you find what works best for your baby, (and that is just a trial and error situation) go with it! Good luck to you!

With my son, they started him on the "hosptail choice" formula, but when he kept spitting up after meals, he was switched to Prosobee. Now, he's 9 months old and is on his 4th different formula, due to the spitting/throwing up issues we've dealt with. We're using Carnation Good Start Supreme (the purple can) and it's doing well for him.

Good luck! The best is right infront of you.

Congratulations first off ! When I was in the hospital the tried a couple of formulas mixed with me breastfeeding and they made my daughter spit up. When I got home I tried Carnation good start and loved it! It is supposed to be the closest thing to breast milk and both of my kids tolerated it well after I had stopped breast feeding. It is definatly your choice but I highly recommend the Good Start. Also I was sent home with a sample bag and some of the premixed stuff they use in the hospital. Good Luck and hope everything goes well!

Hi H.....as the mother of two girls, aged 3 and 1, congratulations to you! You are in for the time of your life!

Most hospitals have a brand of formula that they use, Simalac or Infamil, and will give that to your newborn. If you find that it does not work for her, your pediatrician will adjust/change it.

About the soy issue and babies not EVER having a reaction to soy formula: This is simply not true. I am allergic to soy and that allergy CAN be passed on to an infant just like ANY OTHER allergy. I'd like to see information that states there is NO possibility that ANY infant EVER will have an allergic reaction to soy. I find that extremely difficult to believe.

As for the choice between formulas, if you or the nurses notice some kind of intolerance, then they will begin the process of changing formulas. But it is just that, a process, and it can take several weeks before you are able to tell if that formula change has made a difference (whether positive or negative) for your baby. For instance, with gastric problems, it can take several weeks for any inflammation in the intestines to calm down.

Both of my children have been on multiple formulas each. My son, who just turned one, is on formula that is over $40 for a small can and you can only get it by prescription from a doctor. So there are many different formulas available for many different medical reasons. The only way to know if it is a good formula for your baby is by advice from your doctor and to give each formula enough time to completely get out of the baby's system.

Good luck and congratulations (early)! Like so much of motherhood, this topic is based on advice from your doctor, trial and error, and finally, gut instinct.

Hi H.,
Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your baby. I know you've already received a lot of responses, some with advice and some with admonishments for your choice. So to the others of you reading this response, please remember that it's hard enough being a mom. We don't need to be judging each other.

I read several responses that suggested you try a soy formula. I have been on the soy band-wagon thinking that it was this great, healthy thing for my family. But I've been doing a lot of research on it lately, and I've discovered that it may not be that great for kids. Soy formula can cause a negative zinc balance, which effects growth. It has a high aluminum content, may cause vitamin deficiencies and negatively effect brain development. I'm not saying you shouldn't try soy. I'm just suggesting that before you go for soy thinking that it's the better formula, do some research on soy.

Hi H.,
Just wanted to let you know that it is not guaranteed that the baby won't be allergic to soy. Most likely won't, but not a guarantee!

I BF'd my son for 7 months, but supplemented formula feedings after the first few months. My ped. did not want me using soy. Not exactly sure why, but they wanted me to stay away from it. Just talk to you ped. and they will help you pick the formula that is right for your baby.

**Kind of ironic that my son ended up having a dairy allergy (he was on Alimentum and then Good Start milk-based formula) and now he's off ALL dairy and drinks soy milk! You just never know!

Best of luck and congratulations!

H.,

I formula fed both of my boys, and they were both very healthy infants and still healthy now at 8 and 10 yrs old. (They have had perfect attendance at school the past two years!) The hospital gave us Infamil, so that is what we used and stayed with until they moved to regular milk. We used the concentrate that had to be mixed with water. I highly suggest that you use distilled/bottled water when mixing the formula. ESPECIALLY when you travel. Water in other cities can cause tummy problems, and we found this out the hard way. Good luck and don't let anyone make you feel bad about your choices.

Also, I was induced both time and it went fine. Because I was on pitosin, they gave me the epidural a few hours into it and then we all hung out in my room until it was time to push.

Hey...my daughter was born at Brookwood. From what I understand, they switch the formula they use every 6 months from Enfamil to Similac. When she was born they were using Enfamil, so that's what she came home on. I don't think they're in the hospital long enough to recognize if there's an allergy or not. So they send them home on one, if that doesn't work then you'd probably work with your pediatrician to see what was best. They did give us some sample bottles to take home with us. They were the kind that you just put on the nipple and they are ready to go. Hope this helps.

Hi H..
Congratulations on the upcoming arrival of your daughter!
The hospital that I went to did not test out different formulas while I was there with my son. They had just one brand and a few types of that brand (like the regular, soy, and hypoallergenic types). They came in cute little 2 oz single use bottles and they gave us a few of the four packs to take home with us.
I suggest you ask the hospital which brand they use before you go in on Sunday. Then go ahead and buy a few cans. If it turns out that your daughter has an intolerance or allergy to that type or brand, you can always bring them back to the store as long as they are not open.
Another little tip for a new mom: Go ahead and buy the ready mixed formula for the first week or two. It will be a lot easier just pouring the exact amount you need instead of trying to measure and calculating and mixing. You will also be going through so much of it at first that it won't have time to even get cold in the fridge. After that, I would go ahead and switch to the powdered formula. It travels a lot better on day trips and over night trips. And definitely get a couple of the formula dispensers. They are a life saver! You put in the amount you need in three little compartments and they are a lot easier to use for night time feedings.
Also, if you haven't already, join the Enfamil baby club (I believe you can find a link on their website). It is great! They sent me free formula and lots of coupons. Also, join baby clubs at your local grocery stores. They will send you coupons and other free stuff which is always great. I signed up with Target and Publix and both sent me free formula, among other things.
Good Luck!!!
N.

First of all, congtatulations on your baby on the way!

In most hospitals they have certain brands they use. My daughter was put on carnation goodstart from the very beginning and really never had any trouble with it. They will probably send a few samples home of the particular brand they used for the baby. If you see or feel that the formula she is on isn't working, tell tyour pediatrician and they can find one that will work for your baby the best.

The hospital will typically use either Similac Advance, or Enfamil Lipil. My local hospital alternates each month. If your baby does not tolerate what they start her on, then they will change it. Not tolerating the formula would be excessive spitting up or gas. You are only in the hospital 2-3 days. Any problems with formula after that will show at home; constipation, fussiness, bloody stools. You will need to contact your pediatrician at this time. They will change your formula to usually a soy or hypoallergenic formula. Most hospitals will send you home on a supply of formula to last several days. Nestle Good Start is a good, easily digested formula and is also a little cheaper than similac and enfamil. If you would rather use this, let your nursery nurse know. They will start your baby on this. You don't want to keep changing the formula unless you HAVE to. Constantly switching the formulas, causes more gas and fussiness, and you less sleep. Another problem I have seen is not using sterile water. Tap water will also make your baby fussy and gassy. I use bottle water called Nursery Water. It can be found in the baby/formula/baby food section. It's only about $1 for a gallon.Anyway, Hope this helps.

when you have you baby u have a choice whether to breast feed or formula feed if you choose to formula feed u have a couple of choices the hospital will give u on formulas they have or just ask them tell them what u prefer to feed your baby n they will get it for you u will find out if your baby is nt handling the formula well if they stay gasy all the time or spitting it up or they are colicy like crying all the time seeming upset goodluck n they give u one wic voucher then they give u a appint ment for wic if u qualify hope this helps

Hi H.,

I know our hospital gave us Enfamil with Iron, which is supposed to be one of the best. They gave us a few small cans to take home also. My kids did great with it, so we just stayed with that brand. Good luck with your new baby!!!!

K. Carson

Most Hospitals will make sure your baby is on the right formula. They usually send home enough formula to last you about a week, but as you know not all places can do the same thing. I delivered my baby 10 years ago at MUSC and they sent enough home for a week. Congratulation and good luck with your new little one.

They will send you home with formula even if you plan to breast feed. Your child may or may not tolerate the formula that they send home. You will know if your child is not tolerating it. They make all kinds of formula. They even make formula for fussy babies. Your pediatrician will help you select the correct formula. They are there to help you with any problems you have.

H., 1st off - congrads on the new baby coming! get some rest this week for your big day!
Okay - here is my take. I have 4 kids, I breast fed all of them and do think it is best - HOWEVER - that doesnt mean that I think everyone should do it. It is best to do it for the first couple weeks while you have the colostrum in your milk so your baby will get your immunities but there is nothing wrong with deciding to bottle feed. Dont let anyone make that decision for you. it is a personal decision and its YOURS to make.
My experience in hospitals here in VA are that they give the babyb similac or Isomil. My last baby didnt tolerate silimac (gave her gas pains) when I switched over and we had to try good start and ended up staying with it. It is really easy to digest for the babies. If you have to pick one.. I would say try carnation good start.. my babygirl loves it.

The hospital supplies you with enough formula to take home, but I had my children in New York so I dont know how that works down in the carolinas, but they started my daughter with similac regular and the nurse noticed that she was spitting up alot so they changed it to soy, after I got home I noticed the same results with added diaper rash, that how I learned about burt's bee diaper rash cream it works wonders and It smells great, it has a little peppermint smell to it which I believe soothe the skin, but back to the formula, after I noticed the same results and her poopie smelled gross, I switched to enfamil lactose free which seemed to help a little but not much, they have a formula on the market for kids that spit up alot but the can is smaller than the regular cans and it cost about 15 dollars, which at the time I could not afford. but anyway at the end of the day my daughter was just a spitter and it didnt stop until she was about 8 months after every meal she spit at least a ounce of milk up, it was never confirmed but i read in a parenting magazine that some kids have acid reflux and this is why it occurs, but she's fine now and healthy.Second breast feeding is a good option, but many women fail to tell u that it is a full time job and working a double, infants breast feed for up to 18 hrs a day, I breast feed my second child and all though the experience was beautiful I choose not to do it with my third.

Congrats on the upcoming baby! I stayed at Virginia Beach general hospital and sent me home with a goody bag full of things. They gave me a can of Good Start DHA and ARA and I love it! The only downside is that it is a bit pricey ($25 for the larger can). I have also done the walmart or Kroger brand which is all the same stuff in it (I compared labels) for abour $12-13 a can. Hope that helps and good luck!
~Jenn

Wow - I decided to edit my response, after all this is a site for advice, not judging; you're in a sensitive time of need and emotional support, and I'm glad you're seeking out advice on this! We used Enfamil Lipil w/ Iron, then had to switch to Good Start after seeing a GI doctor for some digestive issues...I'm a SAHM just as you will be, and why or how you end up formula feeding - is all your own business and choice! Discuss options with your pediatrician-to-be about what formula to choose, and be sure to give it time to adjust. Even breastfed babies have digestive issues, and don't let another mother tell you otherwise. Milk allergies are RARE, we sought out a pediatric GI doctor due to some medical issues of our own with our son... and learned a great deal about medical allergies, milk allergies etc. It's not uncommon, but it is rare. It's great that you've had some positive feedback in answer to your question - it seems that some took it upon themselves to question your choice in this matter; this is a fair public site for advice, I say let's stick to the questions themselves to keep up positive feedback and good reputation that this website is building for it's content.

My daughter did not do well with Similac Advance w/ iron. We had to try her on the soy milk because of a milk allergy and that gave her the most horrible constipation in the whole world. We then put her on Similac lactose free which worked wonders. However, even being what the docs called "lactose intolerant", I just think the similac was too harsh on her tummy. She and my other daughters did great on Good Start! And it is cheaper! You can also order formula from EBAY...just check the expiration date and for bumps and stuff. A lot of woman do qualify for WIC without knowing it, so you might want to check it out. If not, I would use Good Start without a doubt!!!!! IT IS THE BEST! lol

Dear H.,
When I had my daughter 4 months ago, the hospital did not try different formulas with her. I think that they stick with the basic one with Iron. It was not until I was home that I realized that my daughters stomach did not handle the normal formual with Iron and that is when I switched her to soy and life has been so much easier since. But hospitals my vary, if this is something that is really bothering you I am sure that you could call and ask, most hospitals have no problems answering questions:) I hope this helps :)

A.

Don't ever feel bad about choosing to formula feed over breastfeeding! Many of us were only formula feed and we didn't turn out bad at all. In my experience, the hospital will ask you what type of formula you want (either Enfamil or Similac) and give you some to have when you leave. We chose Enfamil and it worked out great! For awhile we used Similac but our son had the worse gas. It was supposed to be the same as Enfamil (the w/Iron stuff) but it definitely is different. If you can get samples first, then try that a little. We now use Enfamil w/Iron Lipil and so far so good!

The hospital will give her the one formula that your doctor recommends, and it's based on the company that he/she is dealing with at the time. It is usually a choice between Similac or Infamil. They will not let you bring your own formula or try anything different. You will have to do that at home. I always tried to keep my girls (ages 8 and 18 months) on the formula that they started with but they were never able to tolerate them. We tried both of the big brands listed above. What always worked best for us was Good Start. They make Good Start Supreme and it has the DHA and ARA just like the big brands. My pediatrician was not happy with this because they use their brands based on what drug rep is offering them the most benefits at the time. It is a good formula with the same ingredients as the others but is a lot easier to tolerate. If you end up having a problem with the formula that you get maybe this will help.

I don't think the hospital tests out which formula is best for baby. I'm sure they have one main brand that they stick too, since they probably get a discount to buy in bulk. They must have a small stock supply of other formulas, however, in the case that an infant doesn't tolerate one over the other. I'm not really sure that it would be apparent within the first few days if an infant wasn't tolerating a particular formula. This is a good question for your doctor. As far as the hospital sending you home a supply, they sent us home with formula, but we had to pay for it (which was expensive)it showed up on our hospital bill.
After trying to post this, I read a couple of the other responses. So, I guess I will put in my 2 cents. I breastfed my baby, but she was supplemented with formula during the first few weeks. Breastfeeding is important, and I would encourage it, of course, but I won't ram it down your throat. Even if you breastfed for a month, b/c science just can't duplicate the nutrients of that first milk. With that said, whatever your reasons not to breastfeed, that is your personal choice (if you decide that) and you need to own your choice and let other peoples' comments roll off your back. My sister-in-law is a breastfeeding fanatic, and I was nervous to tell her that I had quit at 4 months, but in the end you need to do what will make YOU happy and comfortable. I was a formula fed baby and I'm still alive and healthy.

I always had good luck with Enfamil Lipil with Iron. That's what they gave us in the hospital and my 4 month old has been on it ever since. Very seldom do children have a reaction but you just have try it out and see. I guess I got lucky we've had no allergies here. Good luck with your new family.

I formula fed my daughter as well and the hosptal i was at strted her on Similac Advencd Infant formula and she did fine with it. They also sent us home with a decent amout to last untill we made it to the store.
You may have to ask for as much as you think you need. But don't worry about it too much.
Congragulations and Good Luck
A.

Yes they send you home with a little bit normally. They dont try them out they just give them it and then you talk to the ped doctor you have and they will help you choose if you need to change!...

You will get a baby bag with some diapers, coupons, and depending on the bag similac or enfamil formula. They don't usually test different formulas, they will start your little one on what they normally use and they can tell you what that is so you can continue it at home and if it works great, if not then you might have to switch to another brand. Just talk to your doctor and keep in contact with the nurses there while you are in the hospital. they can give you the best information. I personally recommend soy formula, but that is just what worked for us. good luck and congratulations.

The hospitals only use enfamil w/ iron. It depends on the hospital to what they give out. If you qualify for wic they set u up right at the hospital. let me know how it goes. "Good luck & god bless your family!

Congratulations!

Don't worry! Its all going to be great! Before you leave the hospital, they will give you formula to take home to get you through. They should have a lactation nurse there, and she/he can guide you on what to use until you get to your first pediatrian appoinment. That is who guided us through feeding the twins. (I remember the twins were not lactose intolerate, but they put them on laco-free before they left the hospital due to the way in settled on their tummies better. )

Good luck on Sunday! I wish you well!

Take care!
Lee

While I have breastfed exclusively for personal reasons, my sister-in-law quickly gave up breastfeeding to formula feed while in the hospital. In the hospital we both delivered in as in most hospitals, they do try the baby on different formulas and many send you home with some pre-packaged bottles of formula. If you're lucky, the baby will take to the first formula she is given (like my nephew did). Most hospitals and also pediatricians start with some kind of algorithm like Enfamil for girls Similac for boys to be fair to the drug reps they see constantly, but if whatever they start your little one on gets her upset, they will try until they find the right one. Good luck! I hope she likes one of the basic ones, the soy and hypoallergenic formulas are very expensive (one reason among many I breastfeed!).

they pretty much start you on enfamil lipil with iron and from there its up to you. i think they may supply a small amount but usually with all the prenatal bags and whatnot you get from doctors you'll probably have a few before the baby comes. our son cried a lot and we moved him to a soy based, prosobee lipil, but its pretty much trial and error. good luck