As breastfeeding is free...

[JazzAnnNonMouse]

if for a medical reason you cannot breastfeed - is formula free?

Yes I think it can be. My friend's DD was allergic to her BM and she got special formula on prescription.

would it work if the mother was unable to produce milk?
(currently pregnant and planning on breastfeeding but definitely not a breastfeeding nazi!) I've looked at several different formula options just in case but they're all so bloody expensive!! Seems very unfair if there's a medical reason why you literally can't breastfeed to have to pay - imo a bit different if you choose to formula feed.

(not that there's anything wrong with choosing to formula feed - argh I hate all of this having to cover my back in case I offend!! Really trying not to.)

Think you can get tokens towards the cost iirc??

K999 - what situations would you be eligable for the tokens in?

Ask your midwife/HV. Think they fill out a form on your behalf. Not sure what the eligibility criteria is but they should know.

i don't believe so no

if your child has a milk/lactose intolernace or allergy then you are entitled to prescription formula

the percentage of women who are physically unable to breastfeed is really, really minute and I think it would be very difficult to ascertain whether a mother was actually physically incapable of breastfeeding.

if you are on income support (i think?!) you would be entitled to vouchers that you can use towards the cost of formula

Not sure on the exact figures but think it is less than 2% of women cannot actually produce enough milk. I'm sure someone on here will have better information on that though.

There is some good information on getting started on Kellymom.

One thing you could do is make sure you have the numbers of any local Bfing Counsellors and helplines in your phone before you have a baby. Also, find out where your local Bfing Support Groups are and go along before you have the baby if you can.

As for your original question, the NCT have some good helplines. Like the others have said, I'd give the Breastfeeding line a call and talk through any concerns you may have.

The short answer is no, you have to pay for formula. I believe people on low incomes get vouchers which can be used for formula if ff or food (might have to be healthy food to qualify so veg not cake? I'm not certain of the details) if bf.

If you're worried about bfing it might be worth getting in touch with your local sure start centre. Most of them run some sort of bfing support session and you can attend during pregnancy to see what support is available.

If you are on a low income, you may be able to get upto 90% off the cost of an NCT course, take a look here. If you don't qualify for a reduction in the cost you can still pay in installments.

The low income vouchers are from Healthy Start and give you £3.10 a week to spend on infant formula, cow's milk or (plain) fruit & veg. You get 2 vouchers a week for a baby under a certain age (think it's 12 months but might be 6 months), 1 a week for a child over that age (think it's up to age 5 or something), and vouchers during pregnancy too.

They can't be used for milk substitutes (which is annoying for me since I'm dairy intolerant) or for any fruit or veg which has anything added to it eg dressings, chips etc.

I don't think it is. DS was prescribed formula as he is allergic to milk, but that's his medical need not mine.

it's really very unlikely that you cant, honestly. I had a genuine supply issue, a prescription ( hard fought for mind) was given and 2 weeks on I have an EBF little girl ( damn hard work). So how do you define can't? I've had people look sadly at us feeding and say "I couldn't because..." so many different reasons but in each one BF was possible just that everyone has their own breaking point where BF just doesn't seem worth it at that point. ( me included, the amount of times where I was "if this doesn't work I'm stopping, buggrit"...)

anyway, it is expensive, the buggers, and I don't know if you can get it free though I can see where that would be a good thing. (alright, one glass of wine and I can't stop waffling... )