Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

I just wanted to post a thread for all the moms who formula feed.

Regardless of why you formula feed/fed, I want to remind us all that you are doing what is right for your family.

You are providing them with all the nutrients they need to thrive and your child will be smart, healthy, lovable and beautiful.

You will have an amazing bond with your child because of the wonderful mom that you are.

There are many variables the lead a mom to formula feeding-some of us tried to breast feed but it didn't work out, some us are on medications that prohibit us from breast feeding. For others, our milk never came in. There are those of us who chose not to because it just wasn't right for us.

I'm sure there are a million reasons why some women choose not to breastfeed and I just wanted to remind us all that it's okay.

*this is not and anti-BFing thread. It's wonderful to BF. But it's wonderful to FF too and we never really talk about that on here.

Message edited 7/10/2009 9:11:56 AM.

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

thank you for this

i too gave my son the BEST NUTRITION possible. his formula made him grow physically and mentally strong and he is the happiest little boy imaginable! i feel no regret for how i chose to feed him and do not think anything would have changed if i had continued to BF. it was a horrible experience for me, while FF has been wonderful and my little boy is thriving!

all mommies do what is best for their children. i was a little sad when i weaned him from FF and onto milk--it was proof my little baby is becoming a little boy

i have an amazing bond with my son--feeding him from my body wouldn't have changed that.

go FF moms!

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

I appreciate this thread, but i never thought like that. i never thought that because i wasnt breast feeding i was doing something 'wrong' or not the absolute 'best' for my baby.

I tried to Bf. It did not work for many reasons. i had WAYY too much company in the beginning and no privacy at all.
I also did not produce enough for the baby. not nearly enough.

Dh is doing great..

I am proud to FF, as i'm sure all of you other mommies are!!!

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

I BFd and formula fed.

Food is NOT the only way to bond with a child. Thank goodness for love, attention, etc..)

Moms don't need to be scrutenized and judge based on their feeding decisions.

Lot of us were formula fed because BF was not supported at the time by society (think late 60's and 70's when women "revolted" and wanted "freedom" from the norm. Women movement!!). I think as the children or grandchildren of those mom..we turned out OK!!!

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

Great post!!!

I was sooo upset when the pediatrician told me a month ago that I shouldnt BF bc I was on baby asprin (at the time the Swine Flu was at the height of cases, now things are different).

I thought that I would miss out on that bond.

But, I have to say my little one and I have bonded just as much as if I had Breastfed her and so has my DH and her as well!

And she LOVES her formula!!! She is growing great and very content!

whatever you decide, Breast or not, you are making the best decision for your new baby!!!

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

Thank you thank you thank you for starting this thread..... like you said ff isnt as supported on here as it should be and as bf is..... so this thread is awesome for moms to be trying to decide whether or not its for them as well as 1st time moms that already made their decision and need a boost that they made the right one

breast is NOT best for EVERY MOTHER/BABY.....ff was best for my dd and ive seen it firsthand every month that she grows into a real little person

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

Thank you for this thread. I was a FF mommy. I was always fine with the decision I made regardless of how others judged me. I was doing what was the best for my family.

I have an amazing bond with my DD and my DH does too. She has grown into the most awesome little girl. I plan to FF the next one as well.

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

Posted by Goobster

Posted by CrankyPants


*this is not and anti-BFing thread. It's wonderful to BF. But it's wonderful to FF too and we never really talk about that on here.

There is no right wrong. I hope nobody sees this thread as a threat.

I know there is a BF support thread because BF has it's own issues and challenges. Not just from people judging you but physical issues (bleeling/sore nipples), babies not latching, etc..

You know, I thought this too and I agree. I think this thread is a great thread. Count me in.

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

I FF as well. It's been a journey, because DS is allergic to cows milk so he was on an expensive formula for a bit (alimentum), however, I feel like it was almost a blessing in disguise that I found this out. Would I have if I BF? Not only that, but he went to an allergist who also discovered that he has a PEANUT allergy. We don't know the severity yet, but again, I ask myself, are these things I would have learned so early on if I chose to BF instead?

If we have another one I am not ruling out trying to BF since I never even tried with DS.

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

I am currently FF my son and there is no doubt in my mind that we are bonding. The way he looks into my eyes and burrows into me when we snuggle tells me that he knows just who I am- his caring, doting mommy! He is doing great with his formula and is the most content, happy baby you can imagine. BF just wasn't for me and I am very comfortable with my decision because I know it was the right one for me.

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

I think as long as your child is loved and cared for, how they get food in their belly is irrelevant....

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

Posted by smdl

I BFd and formula fed.

Food is NOT the only way to bond with a child. Thank goodness for love, attention, etc..)

Moms don't need to be scrutenized and judge based on their feeding decisions.

Lot of us were formula fed because BF was not supported at the time by society (think late 60's and 70's when women "revolted" and wanted "freedom" from the norm. Women movement!!). I think as the children or grandchildren of those mom..we turned out OK!!!

Message edited 7/10/2009 11:21:10 AM.

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

great post!!! DS was FF!!! I tried BFing, but DS was severely jaundice where I was discharged without him, my milk took forever to come in so he had to be supplemented so his bilirubin levels would come down. Then he was/is tongue tied AND I had a poor supply, So after 3 months of trying to BF, all while supplementing with FF we were both miserable, hed scream bc he was frustrated, Id cry bc I felt like I was failing him and bc it was frustrating for me as well. I made the decision to switch to FF and never looked back. Both DS and I were immediately happier for it!! He thrived, is perfectly healthy, just as healthy as his BF friends. After my experience I may just go right to FF next time around.

Great post!

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

DS was only FF and had doubled his weight by the time he was three months so I'm guessing he got all the nutrients he needed and more!

As for bonding, the way his face lights up when he sees me has me thinking that we bonded great!

I am not sorry that I chose to FF. Having others help me feed DS and give me some "time off" helped me be a better mom.

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

Awesome thread!!! BFing was not for me. I FF both my boys. They are extremely healthy and intelligent. I never second guessed my choice. I will FF if/when I have a third.


Cranky Pants...Thanks for starting this thread!!!

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

thank you for this thread.....truly.

i was one with no choice due to meds that i've been on since childbirth..

before birth - i was trying to be careful about not pressuring myself to breastefeed - as i have had MANY women in my life simply not be capable of breastfeeding OR simply not be able to handle it (for various reasons). i know/knew myself and knew it would upset me if i didn't at least try...

that opportunity/chance was taken away 2 days after Emma was born and my health took a dive. some parts of me are still a little upset - but i feel NO LESS BOND with my bunny girl... When i feed her, she looks into my eyes and i talk and sing to her...and overall - i know i'm doing what's right for her and her health and that is ALL that matters!!!

Re: Support thread for moms who Formula Feed/Fed

BUMP!!