is it common for midwives to suggest formula when in hospital?

[DuelingFanjo]

Just reading another thread and a couple of people have said they were advised to give a bottle as their baby was big/hungry etc.

I wouldn't be happy with this unless there was a medical reason for me not being able to breastfeed.

Is it likely to happen and do you just have to be really strong and refuse?

My experience in hospital was great. Ended up being in 3 nights, (had had forceps and a retained placenta) but they also weren't keen to let me go home until I could comfortably (ha! that took weeks!) feed DD sitting up.

MW gave me a row for not using my buzzer to get help to lift DD out of the cot, nighttime MW showed me how to feed lying down and they send a student MW to me with the knitted boob (priceless!) to demonstrate hand-expressing and generally have a chat about BFing.

I remember the student saying to me as DD flaked out during a feed, milk-drunk as a skunk, "look how happy she is. And it's all down to you." (Permission for bottom lip to wobble) Formula was never ever mentioned, not even in passing.

Of course, they've since shut that particular ward due to staffing issues...