Formula vs breast feeding

Neither one is “better”. My pediatrician told me “fed is best” I was the same way with my first, afraid I wouldn’t produce enough. But, you will!!!! You might be a “just enough” and that’s perfectly fine too. I breast and bottle fed both of my kids. I’ve used many pumps. For a one plug in, definitely the dr browns. Make sure you buy a flange sizing kit so you can pull every bit of milk with no discomfort. For a cordless in the bra, mom cozy all the way. Are you going to work? If so start pumping after a few weeks so you can stock up.

Water, coconut water, body armour. SNACK SNACK SNACK. Keep hydrated.

I’m a sahm currently and plan to hopefully stay doing that for now I have a 9 year old step son so was planning on doing a cordless pump

Which being best depends on you and your baby! Fed is best. If you want to breastfeed, heres my two cents. I love the spectra and a manual medela for clogs. Both formula and breastfeeding can be pricey. You will be HUNGRY and THIRSTY. You will want to breastfeed/pump as much as possible in the first month, especially. Pump when baby eats no matter what if not directly feeding from you. I recommend nipple cream or coconut oil to lube the nipple if you pump.

Your insurance may cover a pump!!

Thank you 😊

Also, do not be discouraged if you need to combo feed! Like everyone said, a fed baby is the best! My son was combo fed because he ate A LOT right from the beginning for a few reasons (my milk took longer to come in and he lost too much weight while we were still in the hospital), and I only ever made just enough at my peak (we also couldn't breastfeed, latching issues on my side, so I pumped and bottle fed until recently as my supply has finished by itself, he's nearly 10 months so he's as of tomorrow fully formula fed). For pumps, I loved my momcozy pumps. It does say you can wear them with your regular bra, but as someone on the larger chest side, I found a cheap cotton sports bras worked better. Definitely check if your insurance will cover them, some do, some need a prescription to. If they do every little bit helps.

Breastfeeding from yourself actually can help your baby fight infections and colds. Their saliva goes into your body and sends signals of what your baby needs But I also heard that just giving your baby kisses can do the same thing Formula is a little more time consuming but anyone can do it. So your man or any family member can easily help feed the baby. It’s really just up to what you prefer. I breastfeed and my sister did formula and both of us ended up with healthy babies

I combi feed and that worked best for me. But technically breast is better and has been proven to be better for babies and will be cheaper in terms of you’ll only need to buy a pump and some bottles and storage bags and then you’re pretty much dandy. Formula is expensive but I’m having to give my LO top ups of formula as he wasn’t putting on much weight but still not as much formula as if I was doing that alone so I know I’m saving money that way. Medela harmony was best pump for me. It is a hand one so can be tiring but that way you can pump as hard as like to get the best milk production. I also recommend nipple cream (Lansinoh was the best for me) and nipple shield (if directly feeding from the breast). But may sure you eat loads of protein and drink lots of water to make sure your milk production is high and don’t be discouraged if you have to combi feed because sometimes it’s easier to make up a bottle and get someone else to feed or sometimes it helps them put on weight x

But also if you don’t get along with breastfeeding/pumping that’s okay too. Formula gives baby’s what they need. It’s just breastfeeding gives babies antibodies and helps them fight off infections x

Hey, mama.. YOU ARE DOING A GOOD JOB! 🌺 Your body is made for this. Your body will produce what it needs as long as it’s stimulated. If you’re wanting more than enough milk- try looking into food items that increase flow. I made my own lactation cookies and would always have to pump after a feeding because I made so much!

I wanted to breastfeed and tried from birth however my baby wouldn’t latch. I pumped for two weeks with combo feed. After two and a half weeks I put my LG on formula, she is happy and feeding well and gaining a good amount of weight 😊

In the end, it’s up to you. I know I wanted to breast-feed only. However, he wouldn’t latch properly at birth so I have been doing breast-feeding, pumping and formula. I am happy that he has been drinking less formula lately, but whatever it takes to get him well fed and happy is my mentality.

I went the breastfeeding route for the bonding & health benefits…but I’m also really lazy and even though I have bottles and a freezer stash I just exclusively nurse (she also never took the the bottle well). I got a pump through my insurance and the bottles from my baby shower, so really i didn’t spend anything and don’t have to wash anything ever I just pop her on the boob, it’s very convenient. Only downfall is no one else can help feed her and I can’t be away from her for more than 3-4 hours. There’s a lot of things you can do to increase your supply but as long as you get that skin to skin in the first few days/weeks and keep yourself hydrated and nourished your body will likely make just what your baby needs

There’s pros and cons to both!! But fed is best 🩷 you’ve gotta do what works for you & your baby & what fits your lifestyle! I’m currently exclusively breastfeeding & if I’m being super honest- I don’t love it, but I keep going because there are a lot of benefits & i honestly just don’t want to pay for formula lol. I’m grateful my body is able to breastfeed, but breastfeeding can be a lot of work & isn’t for everyone & that’s okay! There are also very amazing things about it. Everyone is different, you’ll find what works for you :)

which is better is whichever keeps your babies weight and growth in check. as for cost, exclusively breastfeeding is going to be cheaper. i spent about $200/month on formula (exclusively fed). wic is a lifesaver for formula costs if you can get approved if you plan on feeding formula at all tell them you’re exclusively feeding formula and donate anything unused after their first birthday.