can anyone recommend a formula brand

[becciandbump]

Hi

Just wonder if any mums have any experience with how to choose a formula brand. I won't be able to breastfeed as I'll be on medication after birth that could pass to the breast milk. I really want to give her the next best thing but have no idea which brand of formula to choose or are they all a much of a muchness? Any advice would be appreciated as im feeling a little sad she won't be getting my milk. Thanks

[enchantmentandlove]

I mix feed and use Aptamil as I read it's closest to breast milk. Not sure if that's true, but dd has always taken it well and had no problems

[sleepyMe12]

I breast fed til 7 months then used cow and gate, no problems what's so ever.

[billabye]

I used Aptamil last time and will again this time. It's easy to get hold of, is also available in pre-mixed cartons and I can buy it in Spain where we spend a lot of time.

[BlurtonOnKites4eva]

They're all pretty similar - I'd start with the cheapest (normally cow and gate) and see how you get on with that. Or use the one that that your local newsagent/24 hour garage sells. Good luck! I still get sad about not bf from time to time but it is a very tiny part of parenting.

[milkyface]

Cow and gate is exactly the same as aptimil according to a relative of mine who is a midwife.

We've got on with it fine.

I don't think there is a best brand, it's just what suits your baby. Can be trial and error.

[SpeakNoWords]

They're all basically the same - by law they have to contain the same ingredients as a default. If any of the various additional optional ingredients that different brands add are shown to be of proven benefit to babies, then that ingredient would be required to be included in all formulas.

The various brands are marketed in different ways, to target various different audiences. Aptamil is marketed as a premium brand but the company that manufactures it also makes Cow & Gate which is basically the same. Hipp make an organic formula which appeals to some.

It is a complete MYTH that Aptamil is "closest to breastmilk". It is absolutely untrue, but as it is marketed as a premium brand the myth persists. Formula manufactures are not allowed, by law, to make any such claims and have frequently been told not to and to remove such claims from their packaging.

So, I would advise choosing a formula brand that appeals to you, and that is in your price range and available easily in your local shops. You could also consider if both readymade and powder versions exist - the readymade can be a lot easier to use in the early days with frequent feeding.

[becciandbump]

Thanks everyone, the main ones Id heard of were aptamil, cow and gate and sma. Good idea about choosing one that comes ready made as well as powder which will be helpful for the hospital at first and if we go on holiday anywhere. Appreciate the advice

[becciandbump]

Thanks everyone, the main ones Id heard of were aptamil, cow and gate and sma. Good idea about choosing one that comes ready made as well as powder which will be helpful for the hospital at first and if we go on holiday anywhere. Appreciate the advice

[Chickchickadee555]

Are you absolutely sure you won't be able to breastfeed? There are very, very few medications which are incompatible with breastfeeding although there is a lot of misunderstanding which leads to doctors giving bad/inaccurate info to mums.
What is the medication?
It's definitely worth checking with the Breastfeeding Network which is run by a pharmacist who specialises in breastfeeding before completely ruling it out. They will be able to give you evidence-based advice and the likelihood is that you'll be fine to breastfeed.

[becciandbump]

The breastfeeding network are getting back to me. The problem is its a very new drug so no studies available on it. Im in a clinical trial with this pregnancy as no data on it in pregnancy either. We've had extra scans and all look ok but it's been a bit worrying, the drug keeps me very well so it was deemed better for me to stay on it than switch to a drug they know more about. It's called asenapine it's only been recently licensed.

[becciandbump]

I think the reason ive been advised against it is because there is no evidence base as it's so new

[ToffeeForEveryone]

I don't think there is much between the main brands, just some will suit different babies better.

DS has been fine on Aptamil - he had comfort formula but I have also heard that their regular stage 1 is exactly the same as Cow & Gate.

He's just moved on to Aptamil follow on milk and has taken it fine. He really likes the ready to drink stuff too.

[AbbeyRoadCrossing]

In the UK they all by law have to contain the same ingredients. So no one is better or worse. I'd go for whatever is readily available in your local shop.

If you look on the back of the packets you'll see Cow and Gate and Aptamil come out of the same factory and ingredients are almost identical.

Which magazine had a great article on this I'll try to find the link.

[AbbeyRoadCrossing]

www.which.co.uk/reviews/formula-milk/article/choosing-the-right-formula-milk/are-some-formula-milk-brands-better-than-others

[HappyHeart87]

The 'next best thing' if you definitely can't bf would be donor breast milk. It's availability is patchy but have you looked into that?

[HappyHeart87]

Omg. Its. It was autocorrect I promise.

[becciandbump]

It was the donor breast milk charity that I got the details of how to research my medication and if it passes to the breast milk, so my plan is to wait and hear what they say and then maybe explore the donor breast milk side, failing that formula

[becciandbump]

abbeyroadcrossling thanks for link that's helpful