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Breast Milk vs Formula

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?shley posted this 16 January 2019

I formula fed both of my children and at the time I felt incredibly guilty, but chose formula because I planned to go back to work and didn’t think I would have the ability to pump. Any moms out there who have experience with both formula and breast feeding? I.e. you formula fed one of your children but breast fed another? And if so, did you notice major differences in development and health?

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loren posted this 16 January 2019

I could only breastfeed for 6 or 7 months because my body stopped producing, then I had to switch to formula. My daughter is smart as ever!

Jane posted this 17 January 2019

I could only breastfeed for about 6 weeks, i just wasn't producing enough! My son is totally fine - only thing though is i've heard formula fed babies sometimes experience constipation - which my little one had

Steph posted this 28 January 2019

Fed is best The only issue I know of having happened was constipation with formula but with a formula switch it was fixed. 

Maya posted this 29 January 2019

I Bf as long as I could in my mind I wanted to do it for at least a year but had a really bad time with my supply. I EBF for 9 months and had to introduce formula. It sucked but seriously fed is best and I wish I wouldn’t have stressed so much 

Megan posted this 01 February 2019

With my first I tried breastfeeding exclusively but my supply was so low he was constantly hungry so we introduced formula and he was a happier baby. I was able to successfully BF my other 3 for close to a year and they are all smart and developed differently, which kids tend to do. No worries 😉 

Sara posted this 06 February 2019

I breastfed 2 exclusively and formula fed 1. I saw no differences whatsoever developmentally. There's totally no guilt over one or the other!! I wish as a culture we would feel comfortable making what choices we need to make for our children without a "stigma". I totally get it though. Felt bad the whole time I used formula and once I adjusted mentally to it, it was so convenient and nice! I ended up loving it!

Katrina posted this 06 February 2019

My first born was given formula in the hospital until my milk came in. Unfortunately, by that time, he didn't want to latch and I ended up pumping. But he developed really bad reflux and the only thing he could tolerate was the pre-mixed liquid soy formula. I didn't really feel bad or guilty at that time because I wasn't really committed to breastfeeding. With my second born, I totally committed to breastfeeding. Both have pros and cons as far as convenience and all...it's all about your lifestyle and what works for you and your family.

Linda posted this 06 February 2019

I tried breastfeeding but just couldn't do it so we found the best formula my baby could digest with no problems and stuck with that.

Catherine posted this 06 February 2019

I only have one child, but my sister lived with me early on with her son. Differences I have noticed is that he was sick all the time (formula-fed) but my daughter has had only one very minor cold in the same amount of time (breastfed). However, her son is ahead of his class in reading and math. My daughter isn't old enough to know, but she has awesome understanding of how things work and problem-solving skills. I understand the pumping thing though. My daughter ended up with nipple preference of the bottle because my husband decided to take what I pumped to let me sleep. Nice thing he tried to do, but she didn't want to latch anymore. I have now been pumping exclusively for 19 months. Not easy but I'm determined to reach my goal. It's definitely not for everyone and I understand some schedules just can't handle it.

Diane posted this 07 February 2019

I breastfed as long as I could.  My first I only lasted 6 months and my supply just dried up.  I tried everything, lactation teas, cookies, drinking a ton of water, pumping etc.  When I had to switch him to formula he really started to gain weight fast.  I felt so guilty.  My second baby I breastfed the whole time until he was year old and it was fabulous.  They are both different. My first is smart and caring.  My second has apraxia of speech.  I think so many people make it a huge debate on which is better.  No mother should be made to feel guilty or badly in any way for whichever way she chooses to feed her baby.  I did not notice anything in my children that would have changed my decisions.  I will add a side note that all of my kids have needed speech therapy (Its in my hubby genes)

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rania posted this 07 February 2019

I agree. I breastfed my daughter until she was 15 months & she is exceptionally smart for a 2 yr old! 

I could only breastfeed for 6 or 7 months because my body stopped producing, then I had to switch to formula. My daughter is smart as ever!

Lily posted this 09 February 2019

Totally agree with you, societal stigma place on some things put unecessary pressure on people when making some decisions. Do what you have to do.

I breastfed 2 exclusively and formula fed 1. I saw no differences whatsoever developmentally. There's totally no guilt over one or the other!! I wish as a culture we would feel comfortable making what choices we need to make for our children without a "stigma". I totally get it though. Felt bad the whole time I used formula and once I adjusted mentally to it, it was so convenient and nice! I ended up loving it!

Tabitha posted this 09 February 2019

In 2015 my friends had 12 babies all in the same 6 month period. Some are EBF, some exclusively formula feed, and some combo fed. Each one chose a path for different reasons. All the kids are between 3 and 3.5 and ALL of them are equally smart. They developed a little different, but at this point play well together, communicate the same, and are all super healthy. I think the things that each excel in are biased on what they were exposed to in their home environments. 

Chose what makes sense for you and your baby. Whatever you do DON'T beat yourself up, or give in the external criticisms. A couple of my friend's went through depression because they kept trying to do everything to produce milk and couldn't. They look back now, and say that if they would have just accepted it, that it would have been a happier time with their baby. 

Tessa posted this 10 February 2019

I don't think that breastfeeding or formula fed will make too much of a difference in the outcome of your babies intelligence.  I think that there are plenty of other factors that will contribute to that.

Ashley posted this 10 February 2019

I breastfed & formula fed both my girls. For weight gaining purposes & for when I went to work & milk would be short. They didn’t get sick at all & accepted both.

Jeena posted this 10 February 2019

This is a very good topic. A lot of interesting answers. I’m following ....

Julie posted this 13 February 2019

I am trying to breastfeed as long as I can.  It is supposed to be healthier for the baby and cheaper of course

Hannah posted this 14 February 2019

I formula fed my baby because I also had to go back to work. I don't think it affects their development or health

Lori posted this 14 February 2019

I breastfeed exclusively but I see nothing wrong with formula feedings. As long as your baby is being fed!

Susan posted this 14 February 2019

Well as long as it's not authentic I think it's going to lack some things, I you can I advice you to exclusively breastfeed your baby

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Megan posted this 14 February 2019

I'm also looking to giving my baby formula food starting at the 6 months, I also wouldn't have time for even pumping

Ally posted this 14 February 2019

I hate how this is even a topic that has to be discussed (no offense to the poster).The only thing people should care about is if a mother is feeding her child. Want to breastfeed? cool! Want to formula feed? Cool! 

Lilly posted this 15 February 2019

I agree with no mother should have to feel guilty!!! 

I breastfed as long as I could.  My first I only lasted 6 months and my supply just dried up.  I tried everything, lactation teas, cookies, drinking a ton of water, pumping etc.  When I had to switch him to formula he really started to gain weight fast.  I felt so guilty.  My second baby I breastfed the whole time until he was year old and it was fabulous.  They are both different. My first is smart and caring.  My second has apraxia of speech.  I think so many people make it a huge debate on which is better.  No mother should be made to feel guilty or badly in any way for whichever way she chooses to feed her baby.  I did not notice anything in my children that would have changed my decisions.  I will add a side note that all of my kids have needed speech therapy (Its in my hubby genes)

Madi posted this 15 February 2019

Yes!! I agree with all of this!

I hate how this is even a topic that has to be discussed (no offense to the poster).The only thing people should care about is if a mother is feeding her child. Want to breastfeed? cool! Want to formula feed? Cool! 

Beverley posted this 17 February 2019

I breastfed my oldest and I’m currently breastfeeding my youngest who is 1 year old. My oldest never got sick but my youngest has gotten sick a few times. I’m not sure why one never got sick and why the other has, even though they were both breastfed. 

Ashley posted this 20 February 2019

My friend formula fed her first but not her second and both  kids incredibaly smart and healthy. 

Reba posted this 20 February 2019

I don't think there is anything wrong with either way you decide. Some women don't breastfeed for a reason, some don't as a personal preference. It's good for baby, yes, but the baby has to be fed regardless so if you choose to formula feed then you shouldn't feel guilty at all about that decision. You're doing a great job moms!

Casey posted this 03 March 2019

I genuinely believe that fed is best. I know that there are benefits to breast feeding and formula feeding but everyone has different needs as a parent. I EBF and my friend formula fed and our kids are both developing fine, to be honest I think hers is a little smarter 😂😂 I think the perfect answer is that a baby is fed and loved, regardless of how. 

Amanda posted this 04 March 2019

I know breastfeeding they say is more healthier but honestly I think formula is also just as good. Both my babies were formula fed and they did not get sick until after a year.

Renee posted this 05 April 2019

I breast fed all of mine. I was more experienced with time. I sorta produced milk more with each child as well. They all developed differently and have differing levels of skill and ability.

I support you mothers and I'm on your team whether you breast feed or bottle feed!

Cynthia posted this 08 April 2019

literally the benefit of breastfeeding is that it is free and that there are good things in breast milk to help boost your babies immune system. You shouldn't feel guilty for formula feeding. HE'S FED!!! I exclusively pumped for 11 months but my new pregnancy means i had to give up because i dried up. I am formula feeding my kid currently and see no difference. It is fine love.

America posted this 08 April 2019

I don't have experience yet but in my opinion fed is best hon, you do what you have to do for YOU and your baby. I don't know how it's gonna go for me if I'll make enough for twins, so formula is definitely on the table. Don't stress.

Katy posted this 18 April 2019

I breastfeed my son but sometimes it simply doesn't work out. Although I think breast milk is the absolute best thing in the world for a baby, that doesn't mean formula will cause any negative long-term effects. 

Lolly posted this 23 April 2019

I am going to formula fed my baby as I plan on going back to work after 2 months.

Sarah posted this 24 April 2019

I started breastfeeding my baby girl but then I am starting to dry up now, so I have to switch to formula. I think if you are feeding your baby and they are hitting all their mile marks, there is no worry! You are doing the best you can and there is nothing wrong with that 

Holly posted this 25 April 2019

My best friend and I both had our kids around the same time and she couldn't successfully breastfeed and it totally killed her because she was really looking forward to the bonding experience. So, for her mentally sanity and so her son would eat, she chose to switch over to formula (which in my opinion was the best decision). I nursed and pumped for a year. There are zero differences between our sons. Except maybe mine is a little more crazy haha Don't feel guilty because you did what you thought was best at the time. 

Bonnie posted this 25 April 2019

I was really upset when I had to let go of my breast feeding dream and switched over to formula. I felt like I had totally failed my boy. But I realized that just because I didn't get to have that bonding time with him doesn't mean I didn't get it some other way! So I don't have any regrets about him being a formula baby. Plus he is exceptionally smart. 

Kenneth posted this 10 September 2021

Thanks for sharing this important information, it made me realize a lot of things! 

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