Formula feeding

[beckymcfc]

Hi ladies

I am 33weeks3 days and have pretty much got everything ready for the new arrival I think. I plan to at least try breast feeding but if it doesn't go to plan then I will be using formula. I'd like to buy a couple of tubs of formula so its ready just in case.

Any reccomendations on the different brands of formula? I presume they are all pretty much the same, cow and gate, sma etc, or if there a difference? Which tends to work out the cheapest?

Many thanks

Great to hear you're going to try bf'ing and good to have a safety net too. Tbh I bought ready made cartons of aptimel for my 'just in case'. It's cheaper if you turn out not to need it than buying a whole tub. And if you do need to use formula then you can always buy a tub anywhere later. Do make sure you know the local bf'ing support groups now (ie where and when they are) so in the early days and weeks you can get face to face support for any problems. Often problems which arise can be alleviated with the right expert advice. Also the bf'ing forum on here is great, there's some brilliant bf'ing counsullors who hang around there! All the best and I hope it works out for you.

Hi beckymcfc, I also bought a few cartons of ready mixed Aptimel just in case. Tins of fomula (and ready mixed stuff) is sold in all the supermarkets, Boots etc so it is not hard to get hold of should you need it. Good luck!

Basically, there is not really any difference. They all contain the same basic mix of nutrients, they just all make various claims to make them seem like the best! I think most formula feeders do tend to settle on one, I guess the slight differences can affect babies in different ways and once you have a usual formula you tend to stick to it. Anyway, since you are hoping to bf none of that should matter to you.

If you were intending to ff from the start you wuld have to take things to hopital. However, should things go wrong in hospital they will provide what you need and you would have plenty of time to send someone out to get supplies before you got home. There really is no point in spending money on a couple of bottles, sterilising equipment, formula, bottle brush for cleaning etc for a "just in case" situation. Unless you are really so remote that there wouldn't be a 24 hour shop within striking distance.

Check out your nearest bf support group before you give birth (often to be found in a surestart centre), see if your hospital runs bf workshops. Make sure you have helpline numbers on hand and you will be fine. It is easy to focus on all the things that go wrong when you read the bf threads on here because of course they tend to be started by people having problems but in all honesty most people get along just fine. Remember the staff in the hospital are there to help you so don't be afraid to press the buzzer and ask for help.