Is feeding formula frowned upon by healthcare providers?

Question

Is feeding formula frowned upon by healthcare providers? It sure feels that way. I'm a 1st time mom and my baby is 8 days old. I have learned the hard way that although I took a breastfeeding class, I should have done more research because I hadn't realized how it can be emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting. I keep hearing it gets better after a month so I'm staying positive and I am thankful that I haven't had any major issues with breast feeding except that I deal with a cluster feeding baby at night and there's nights it takes a toll on me. Sometimes I feel it would be nice to mix in/switch to formula because from what I've heard, it fills up baby more. The next pediatrician visit is on Thursday where I will find out if she is gaining weight or not and I would like to bring up the formula suggestion but it really feels like I would be judged/frowned upon because my OB, hospital staff, pediatrician, WIC, and lactation consultant are very pro breast feeding. I realize breastfeeding has many benefits but I also know there's plenty of formula babies out there that are perfectly healthy. Is there something I am not aware of when it comes to making the  decision to switch or am I over thinking? Also, who's approval would I need? The pediatricians?

Answer

You are the mom so do what you want! I had twins two weeks ago and everyone pressured me about breast feeding but I couldn't and didn't want to. People kind of gave me a hard time but I stood my ground!

Answer

Everyone is pro breast feeding because of the benefits with it. Your body automatically recognizes when baby is sick and makes antibodies in milk to make the baby better. 
Honestly, tho doctors and wic will not criticize you if you go formula. FED is best! Don’t starve your little one because your trying to live up to the expectations as a mom. Your feeding your baby and that is all everyone will ever notice! Not how you feed them.

Answer

ed is best in my opinion. yes, breastfeeding is natural and has a lot of benefits, but I was formula fed and I'm fine, straight A's and B's in school, had a job by 13, still alive! some people act as if breastfeeding is going to guarantee their child will be the president and if they don't breastfeed, their child will grow up to be a drug addict

Answer

I never had any interest in breast feeding. It just wasnt right for me. One nurse tried to talk me into it and got very ruse about it, i told her to fuck off (i was in labor at the time) and later reported her to her supervisor.
My ped has never had an issue with it. My baby was over birth weight in 5 days. He’s happy and healthy. 
At the end of the day, fed is best.

Answer

You don’t need anyone’s approval. I really don’t understand why mothers do this to themselves. There is absolutely nothing wrong with formula. Both of my kids are formula fed & are doing fantastic. One is 4 years old & the other is 5 weeks.  Every one (kids & parents) is happy & healthy. I know exactly how much the baby is eating, my husband & I take turns feeding her at night, we’re on a schedule & we as parents are fully rested. Fed is best!

Answer

FED. IS. BEST. 
As long as you are feeding your child your doc shouldn’t give two 💩💩 about how it’s happening. 
Don’t let them rain on your parenting parade or make you feel bad about yourself and your decision!!’ You do you and enjoy your freedom when someone else is feeding your baby at night 😂. That baby is happy to be fed no matter  HOW it’s happening! 👍🏻

Answer

I felt the same way. My OB never pressured me but the staff and everyone else was very pushy. I fought so hard to do it, too. When I completely dried up due to meds I was taking and didn’t have a choice over, I was so scared to answer that question at the Peds. Mine always asks the way they are fed and how much. When they asked me, I was obviously embarrassed and they just said okay and we moved on like I just said the sun shining lol They said he was a perfect weight and was very healthy. They literally didn’t care. They were supportive when we first brought him home because I was asking for help but once I said he was exclusively formula, they supported me in that. I keep getting formula cans in the mail and just took them all with me at his 2 month appt and they gave me the kind we use in exchange for the other kinds I was getting. As soon as I said we formula feed, they asked what kind and immediately said they’d get me a bunch of cans before I left. I never leave there with less than 4 cans of Gentlease and he goes about every 3 weeks to get a weight check and have his Zantac bumped up.

Answer

I exclusively pump. I hated the idea of breast feeding. I'm honestly glad I exclusively pump, because I know how much my baby is getting, my husband can help feed her, and I can store it in the fridge and sleep while my husband is awake with her (she's 3 weeks and we kind of take shifts sleeping). I tried to BF out of guilt and it hurt like a mother, pumping is way more comfortable, so that's what I do. All the nurses told me my supply would be crap; I pump nearly 10 oz each time I pump. They talked to me like I was stupid and selfish.. so I came home after delivery totally discouraged, but now I want to email the hospital pictures of what I'm pumping, like 🖕🏻😑🖕🏻, because I feel like my supply is good.  
If I can't get my milk warm enough for her when she wants it, I supplement with premade liquid formula. Pumping during the night does suck,

but now that I'm not super engorged, I only get up once during the night to pump. 
You need to do what is best for you. The only reason why I pump, is because it saves us money. I don't work; only my husband. I hate the pressure put on mothers about what is 'best'. Your sanity is best.

Is feeding formula frowned upon by healthcare providers?

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