Not breastfeeding - have some ?

Question

From past experiences with breast feeding I have decided not to feed our 2nd baby when she comes in October. I know I will feed her the colostrum but I don't remember how many days that lasted and I'm not sure if you pump it to get it all so she would be adjusted to the bottle right away. If so does the hospital let you borrow a pump or do you need to bring your own? Can you pump colostrum? Should I add some formula to it so babe is also used to the taste of formula?
With my son we had no issue going from breast feeding to formula because we had no choice. He was close to 3 months and all of a sudden we had problems and wouldn't stop nursing even though he was just soothin and my actually hungry, I developed an infected duct and two infected nipples and was in a lot of pain. Needed antibiotics and I started to hate my son which wasn't normal so I was put on anti-depressants. I'm not risking that again even in the off chance it doesn't happen I will need to return to working weekends and DH will be with the two kids about 6 weeks after delivery, I also run a daycare so breast feeding while running after two toddlers and my son who will be 6 won't work well.

Answer

It's obvious some people didn't read your entire post before commenting. People will just scream "BREAST IS BEST" no matter what you're telling them. So I am here to tell you I am so glad you know yourself and are comfortable enough to discuss your choice to not breastfeed, as that is what is best for you and your family.

Anyway. I have read article that say it is possible to start hand expressing colostrum, under the OK from your doctor, at 38-39 weeks, into a clean syringe which you can then freeze and save for when baby is born. The articles I have read say not to start until 38/39 because it can induce labor, but you could have a small supply built up! I wouldn't mix the formula with the colostrum, I would just feed baby as much colostrum as possible, and if hes still hungry supplement with formula. It will only be a week max that they'll get colostrum anyway, so and a hungry baby will eat when they're hungry regardless of if its formula. I know that might sound a little cruel, but it's the truth. Babies won't starve themselves, and that's only IF they don't like the taste of the formula.

If the hospital won't lend you a breast pump, they will probably have one you can rent, but if you're just going to use it for colostrum you might be better off just buying a single hand pump for those few days since they are so inexpensive, then you don't even have to worry about it. Good luck!

Answer

Some hospitals let you use theirs, you should ask so you are prepared. And I don think you should add formula to the colostrum, it's rich in nutrients.

Answer

Don't add formula to colostrum, you should be able to transition the baby after the first week. Colostrum will transition into milk over the course of a few days to up a week as baby's stomach grows.

Do you know what you'll do if your baby ends up having bad reactions to formulas? It would be good to have a plan for that. Good luck momma, and congrats on the new little one. :-)

Answer

Ask your doctor or google renting a breast pump. My friend rented a hospital grade pump for $40 a month I think. I exclusively pumped (no formula) for the first 3 months, then when my supply started to lessen, I would mix the breast milk with formula until I dried up.

Answer

My sister decided to pump and had to bring her own, but perhaps not all hospitals are the same. Don't mix breast with formula.

Breastfeeding can be hard. It really makes you wonder about infant mortality in yonder year.

Answer

Feed the baby exclusively with colostrum for the few days. No need to mix in formula. 
Then after those few days start on formula (may I recommend trying a generic brand first? Formula in Canada is regulated. So regardless of the brand it is tested as being good.

A breast pump will be provided while at the hospital since you are in Vancouver.

After that time just rent one. Save on foods has a pump rental program. I think you can choose to rent it for one week.

You will produce colostrum for about 4-5 days.

Answer

The best choice for your baby is breastmilk up to 6 months AT LEAST.
If your final choice is made I really hope u vaccinate your baby because all those antibodies and immune system you"d developed is active in your breastmilk , like a shield the baby needs for all diseases , virus and bacteria you already overcome.
Sure is easy to give formula but is not the best choice.
There is also clinical trials where formula babies vs bm babies are tested ... Guess who haves the highest IQ and response ?

Only my opinion as a woman and Doctor Ms in Clinical Nutrition

Answer

You can't pump colostrum.

Not breastfeeding - have some ?

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