When to buy nappies

[Rosebel]

Baby due June. Luckily we have big items from when our older children were babies such as cot and pushchair but need to buy a car seat, clothes, nappies, bottles, etc. But I have read formula and nappies are hard to come by so feel it would be unfair to buy these things now. But when is it okay but things like this as obviously I don't want leave it too late and be stuck. I started buying at about this stage with my older children but there wasn't a pandemic on then
When would you start buying?

It's pretty rare to not produce enough milk. It's much more common to think that's the case because of lack of adequate support though.

And even in cases where that is the issue, each pregnancy develops the mammary glands further, so subsequent babies may well be able to be directly breastfed.

"it is extremely important that mothers, whether they believe they are “at risk” or not, identify appropriate breastfeeding support before their babies are born. Obtaining qualified, competent help early can make a huge difference in milk supply whether the problem is the result of inaccurate information about normal newborn behavior or an actual problem with lactation."

kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/perceived-insufficient-milk/

If CV is still around you will be advised to try breastfeeding because it passes on valuable antibodies especially before 6 weeks. Midwives now are even helping mums with older babies to try and re-establish supply so do consider it for the first few weeks. As for nappies if you get the mum to be and newborn bounty pack you won’t need to buy nappies for a couple of weeks at least as they both come with full nappy packs

I think it's selfish to stock up on formula when pregnant. There is a shortage! Leave it for the babies who need it now and research breastfeeding problems so you are better prepared. Why risk your baby going hungry given the current shortages by preparing to bottle feed before the baby is even born?

It's pretty rare to not produce enough milk. It's much more common to think that's the case because of lack of adequate support though.

Agreed. I have every medical condition that suggests I shouldn’t be able to produce breastmilk. But I did. My baby was light (bottom centile) but as that is still normal I persevered despite midwives and pediatricians telling me to put DS on formula (there was no need as he was following his curve). Then at 12 weeks he had a growth spurt and is now gaining weight much faster. I was very lucky in that my HV and DH are pro-breastfeeding and both gave me a lot of support.

@TestingTestingWonTooFree bit of nasty reply. Did you stop to think maybe its good to have back up formula in case BF doesn't work? Or that like a lot of things, cloth nappies may be sold out, or not be what OP wants?

These are all choices OP is entitled to make with out judgement from the cranky bags of mumsnet. If you can't suggest constructive things, perhaps try self isolating your mouth?

OP - in the same boat as you. I'm planning to BF and use cloth nappies but can't find cloth nappies online or anywhere, they seem to have been bought up in the panic. You may be able to get them on ebay etc and formula, if you're not planning on BF then you may have to brave the shops or get your partner to. Its hard to come by though in my area, hope its not the same for you.

Good luck. X

OP I’d due my second child in a week and have bought some boxes of formula because I was unable to breastfeed my first (yes really!) and I see it as the only responsible thing to do. You’ve got plenty of time I would just buy one or two boxes if you come across them, and keep an eye out on stock levels nearer the time.

I formula fed my son to avoid him dying of starvation, and I might have to do the same this time. Of course I would breastfeed during a pandemic if I could... I can’t believe the outrageous responses you’re getting here.

I would avoid buying anything formula related, that way it will help to give breastfeeding a good go.

It's really rare not to produce enough milk and even rarer to not produce at all. It's a supply and demand structure. If you feel that's happening this time be sure to contact la leche etc.

I do believe your mind helps. If you have bottles at the ready you jnjs that you don't really "need" to breastfeed.

@PatricksRum

Please don't start with the 'it's all the mind crap' regarding breastfeeding

My baby is due really soon. I'm terrified but that's another story.

I had been getting bits here and there and had planned to do some stocking up before the baby was due.

I've just added one packet of nappies and one tub of formula (not BF for various reasons) to my weekly shop and that's it. I daren't deprive a baby who's already here of what they need. I'm hoping as I get nearer, things will have calmed and I can go buy a couple of things.

@TestingTestingWonTooFree
That was nasty

Oh. I've just realised this has been hijacked into a pushy BFing thread.

@Pentium85 For some it is, it definitely was/ is for me

@PatricksRum But for people, like myself, who didn't produce a single drop of milk, to hear 'it's all in your mindset' is incredibly upsetting.

I did try breastfeeding my eldest and the midwives were supportive in trying to stimulate a milk flow but nothing happened and my poor little girl was screaming and I was in tears. She had a bottle of formula and settled.
My second was just very hungry as in she would fees and then scream. It was the HV who suggested comfort milk.
I am preparing in case the same thing happens but I will not feel guilty about formula feeding if I need to. I wasted too many days feeling guilty with my older two.

Fed is best.

What are the expire dates on formula? I thought that it didn't keep well? Or was I wrongly informed?

@Pentium85 Please show me where I said 'it's all in your mindset'?

@Dzundza Fed is minimum.

I’ll actually try and be helpful. Don’t buy these things until 4 weeks before your due date.

The below advice is only if you want to try BF in any way because of its benefits, I don’t judge fully formula feeders but people forget the middle ground. Also you can combi feed if you want to breast feed and supplement with formula or formula and supplement with what little breast milk you have. You can pump and express to a bottle if your little one doesn’t latch well or use nipple shields.

I’d pick up a packet of nappies with each shop now, babe may come early and you don’t want to get caught by surprise.

Jesus why does EVERY single thread where a woman mentions formula get hijacked by pushy BF proponents. Like, why do you give a shiny shit how other women feed their children?

@Piglet89 Our breastfeeding rates are depressingly low and lots of women misread babies' cues and think they aren't producing enough?

But why do you care honestly?!?! Like it’s NONE. OF. YOUR. BUSINESS. And doesn’t affect you one iota.

Why on earth do you believe that you have something to say about another womans breasts? I find that very disturbing.

I'm due mid may have been buying a tub of formula about once every 2 weeks from January as its expensive so i spread the cost out. As soon as the panic buying started i depleted my stock for people who couldn't buy and actually had a baby
That was really kind @Bubblesbubblesmybubbles

Love how mumsnet is all like “abortion - sure, your body your choice!”

Breastfeeding? Not so much.