I can't believe I'm saying this...but I need help choosing a formula. I am running out of pumped breastmilk and Shaelyn needs 2 bottles each week when I am working. So, I need some advice on choosing a formula for those bottles.

I've tried pumping more, but I get about .5 oz each time...not nearly enough! :???:

So, should I get one with DHA and ARA? Should I use soy? HELP!!

We are fortunate and use the Costco brand. Not sure if you are familiar with them, they are similar to Sams Club. It has saved us tons and the formula is the same as the name brands. We used Enfamil before that and it worked but he actually does better on the Costco brand. I don't even think they make formula without DHA and ARA so it comes down to how well she takes it. The only difference in the more expensive stuff is it is more refined and easier to digest, for babies that don't have a problem it's not an issue. :) Hope that helped a little.

Although I mostly nurse, I have occasionally given Josiah formula. I did the Enfamil and he did okay except his gas stunk like formula. Then I tried the Similac soy formula... So much better. he didn't get gassy he didn't throw up and he ate it all!!!

When we had to use formula we used Enfamil - we have used the Costco brand also but always went back to the Enfamil.

I am not sure if this is still the case, but there was a study of the nutritional content of different formulas (what was actually in the powder vs what was supposed to be according to the label) and I know Nestle's formula contained lower levels of nutrients than the label indicated. Also I have read some things about regular formula being better for brain development than soy.

Do you still nurse at home? When I had issues pumping and we had to supplement with formula during the day I still nursed nights, mornings, and weekends. It made me feel better to know that even though my frozen/pumped bottles ran out my sons still got the immune system benefits and developmental benefits of my milk.

Sorry, can't offer much advice on formula, except for maybe your doctor has a recommendation?

But regarding pumping, the thought that came to mind, if you're only getting 1/2 ounce, is what kind of breastpump are you using? It might be worth it to rent or buy another pump. I know that the electric pumps are supposed to work better than manual, and the hospital grade work better than electric.

I know that my manual pump is a challenge to use--for sure. Anyway, just wanted to throw that out there. Hope that you find something that works for you!

We used Enfamil w/ both boys per our pediatrician's recommendation. Oldest DS had to switch from regular to LactoFree. He is not lactose intolerant now, it just worked better for his tummy at the time. I've had many friends who have used Soy and loved it. HTH!

We asked the pediatrician if we should switch to a "generic brand" because they are cheaper and they seem to contain the same thing as Enfamil, similac, etc... she said we can do that... but she also said "There is a reason why you are paying more" .... she said those others generic Brands haven't been "out there" enough time to really know of any possible "bad outcome" she also said that even the ingredients are the same ... they are compound or mixed in a different way... she says that Brands like Good start, Enfamil and Similac have done research for years... (she said Enfamil and similac are better than good start because of their experience in JUST baby formula.... Good start is Nestle so let's say that formula is not "all they do") .... She said we can still use Target formula or any other "generic Brand" since kids seem to be doing fine... but she doesn't know how things will be in the "long term" or that we might not know if it affected in their development.... We asked her if she would use a "generic Brand" formula with her children and she said "Absolutely not" so... there you go! we are buying Similac Isomil (which is soy)... It's been really good for Natalia (I mean she is constipated but she is doing MUCH MUCH MUCH BETTER than with the regular formula)

So we tried Enfamil lipil ... but Natalia was having trouble burping and she had too much gas... we switched to Enfamil Lactofree... Natalia did better but she was still very constipated... and we finally switched to Similac Isomil and she is doing great...

We are still going to try some prune juice to help soften stool but (TMI???) but she is doing great!

I hope what we've gone through with formulas can help you make any decision... every baby is different :)

Hugs!

Paloma.

Kate I just wanted to offer you some hugs, I know this may be weighing heavy on your heart. But maybe not and I hope so. You are such a good mommy with whatever you need to do, remember that!

We used a soy with one of my sons with great success, and enfamil with another and similac with another all with great success. The only long term nurser I had long term success with was number 5. So it took me quite a while to get her for some reason, each child was so different and I was very different each time too.

I had more trouble with nipples than the actual formula, oy some of my kids were soo picky on the type of nipple that I swear we may have bought ever one with my second son. So I learned to buy one pack of each and whichever he like than I bought a ton! he he

hugs hugs hugs sweetie.

I used generic brands for both my children and they did just fine :) I used the Parent's Choice brand from WalMart actually. My first thought on the pp that said 'there is a reaosn you pay more', is the reason is paid advertising/marketing, LOL. You know me, I'm always cynical about things like that. The other thing is that many hospitals get TONS of donated formula, even diaper bags and such from Enfamil and other name brands so.... there may be some alliance on part of staff to sort of "push" the name brands. I would also gues sthat for a doctor, cost is not as big a factor as it may be to some of us....

I do remember there being a pretty large study of nutritional content; you could probably google it or web search and get the exact results, but I remember it being some of the top names that didn't fare well, as well as exact measuring with the included scoop being an issue....

HTH!!

Thank you all for your kind words and the time you took responding to my query. I am leery of giving her formula, but the advice you gave was wonderful.

The pump I am using is an electric pump - Medela. It works great when I'm full, but not as well when I'm not bursting! IYKWIM!!! ha!

I'll reread everyone's posts when I'm more awake...hehe...

[loveyou] all, thank you so much!!!

We have used Enfimil with both our kids and are pretty happy with it.

I cant offer much, but I wanted to caution you about the soy/ Soy is a natural plant estrogen and we humans really shouldn't take in a lot of soy. Americans have gone soy crazy and I truly believe lots of problems have come from it.
So if it were me, I would resort to soy last.

Blessing!
Amber

I cant offer much, but I wanted to caution you about the soy/ Soy is a natural plant estrogen and we humans really shouldn't take in a lot of soy. Americans have gone soy crazy and I truly believe lots of problems have come from it.
So if it were me, I would resort to soy last.

Blessing!
Amber

Thanks, Amber. I appreciate your input.

I haven't had to use formula yet. It's totally week to week. I only need 2 bottles for her per week. So, I've been getting by with eeking out enough while pumping. We shall see!

You could try some of the herbs that help increase milk. Fenugreek is the most common. You could also try eating good oatmeal every morning for breakfast. That ups my supply just a little. If you want some of the other herbs that work, let me know, I know most of them out there!

Blessings,
Amber