Opinion please ? Breastfeeding.

Question

So my plan is to breast feed, and I was watching videos on YouTube of must haves for newborns etcetera, one girl said she was planning to breastfeed but the first few days she wasn't producing much milk (from what I hear is completely normal) she felt as if her newborn was hungry so she bought emergency formula, when she called to talk to the lactation consultants she was told not to worry that baby wouldn't Starve.. (The midwives: lactation consultants I've talked to said the baby doesn't need much the first few days) but she took it upon herself to give the baby formula, I guess the baby would cry a lot, and as a new mother her frustration got the best of her, I know I'll feel horrible if I feel as if I'm not giving my baby enough, what's your opinion on emergency formula ?

Answer

There are ways to make sure that baby is getting enough. 
First watch for signs of dehydration. Loose skin that doesn't snap back into place. Change in coloring. Things like that. 
Next, watch diapers. Count the number of wet diapers and dirty diapers. In the early days, baby typically has one dirty diaper and one wet diaper for each day of life (1 on day one, 2 on day two…). After day 4, stools should be yellow and baby should have at least 3-4 stools daily that are the size of a US quarter or larger. Once mom’s milk comes in, expect 5-6+ wet diapers every 24 hours.
It is important to nurse at the first signs of hunger (such as rooting around.) And at least every four to two hours. 
It is normal for a baby to lose weight in the beginning. And breastfed babies tend to gain less weight. Make sure your peditrition is using the newest breastfed growth charts.
It is very very rare to have insufficient supply. Your body produces based off the babies demand. If you pump after feedings you will increase your supply and have some excess. You can store the excess! 
To answer your question- I wouldn't recommend keeping formula on hand. Sometimes nursing gets frustrating for new moms (and their partners) and it is tempting to "supplement." Adding formula to your baby's diet can affect his or hers digestive system and your supply. If you have any problems nursing contact a lactation consultant. They can help solve problems without disrupting nursing. 
I recommend reading "So That's What They're For" and "The Womanly Art Of Breastfeeding." Some other great resources are kellymom.com and the La Leche League!
good luck!

Answer

I EBF my 2.5 month old. I had formula as a back up from samples I've gotten in the mail, but I never felt like I needed to use it. I never felt like my son was starving and my supply came in overnight and I woke up on day 3 engorged.  Honestly, I wouldn't. Breastfeeding in the first two weeks has a lot to do with how your supply comes in and matures. Your baby will lose weight at first and if your baby hasn't gained enough weight at the 2 week appointment then I would consider it.

Answer

I wouldn't offer formula unless the lc recommended it and not before the 4 week mark. They may take a couple weeks to get back up to birth weight and its completely normal!!! Baby will nurse when hungry and may need to nurse just for comfort.

Answer

My first son was a super hungry baby he was making my nipples bleed like crazy so the nurse preferred to give him back up formula well I pumped and sooner or later I was able to breast feed

Answer

"Emergency formula" almost always causes more trouble than benefit. Please note the "almost". Most of the time it's a lie from the formula companies. Your baby will be fine with what they can get until your milk comes in (as long as they get to nurse as often as possible). I would definitely get the help of a lactation consultant. And if you think you need to use formula to supplement, go straight back to the lactation consultant. There is a tiny chance that it might be needed, but if it is you need the professional help available to you from a LC to keep from losing your supply. Also, just a side note, learn manual expression.

Answer

You can't really tell exactly how much they're getting breastfeeding unless you weigh them after every feed you really just have to pay attention to their diapers

Answer

Thank you ladies, sounded sketchy to me too, defintley took notes and will not be having any backup formula. 😘😘 you girls are awesome!

Opinion please ? Breastfeeding.

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey