https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:07:53 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-shortage#post-2927034 Wed, 11 May 2022 21:53:01 +0000 winter_wonder 2927034@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LadyDi: the store shelves are bare in the formula section. It's crazy and scary. I can't imagine having a baby who has an allergy right now. So much stress. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-shortage#post-2927028 Wed, 11 May 2022 13:00:04 +0000 LadyDi 2927028@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have an infant, so it's not totally on my radar, but based on a local mom facebook group that I am in, it's pretty stressful here. Maybe not so bad if you're baby doesn't have any kind of dietary restriction and you don't mind going generic or switching between brands. BUT all of the sensitive/daity-free/etc formulas seem really hard to come by. I've seen lots of pretty desperate moms asking for tips for themselves or their friends who are struggling to find what they need. It's really scary! I am sure some people are panicking and hoarding it (similar to the TP shortage of 2020) but I can't say I wouldn't do the same things if I had an infant. And what are you supposed to do if your baby has an allergy and you can't find a safe formula for them? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-shortage#post-2927027 Tue, 10 May 2022 13:42:51 +0000 winter_wonder 2927027@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How crazy is the formula shortage in your area? It's nuts here! DD has a check up at the ped today and the doctor mentioned we will likely have to switch to whole milk sooner than we thought. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-elecare-formula#post-2918076 Sun, 09 Aug 2020 10:10:19 +0000 Mrs. Tiger 2918076@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meadow: true, I'll see who I can find in my area! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-elecare-formula#post-2917941 Sun, 02 Aug 2020 18:44:48 +0000 meadow 2917941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you can't find anyone ..... food bank or womans shelter would probably appreciate a donation of formula! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/free-elecare-formula#post-2917935 Sun, 02 Aug 2020 11:19:34 +0000 Mrs. Tiger 2917935@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Cleaning out the pantry and have several cans of Elecare expiring Nov 2020. Anybody want them? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusively-formula-feeding-for-baby-2#post-2893654 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 04:51:21 +0000 cyoung 2893654@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DillonLion: this is how I felt with my son (my first) breast feeding stressed me out a lot. We ended up formula feeding and it was better for us but I felt guilty. However with my last two babies I straight away did formula and I have been so happy. I actually enjoy feeding time and how relaxed it is. I'm glad this time around everything is more relaxed and a healing process!!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusively-formula-feeding-for-baby-2#post-2893649 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 00:07:48 +0000 thepicklemonster 2893649@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you for sharing this! I absolutely hated breastfeeding/pumping my first and only did it for six weeks. I did it for 10 days with my second and have zero regrets. She is almost 7 months old and doing great with formula. I honestly feel like the pressure to BF is so pervasive and these stories are so important. i try as much as possible to talk about my feeding experience especially since it was really my choice. I could have breastfed. I had loads of milk. But I chose not to and feel so much happier and more bonded/rested/ present as a result. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusively-formula-feeding-for-baby-2#post-2893640 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 20:21:05 +0000 periwinklebee 2893640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DillonLion: It's so awesome that you had the confidence to choose what you know is best for your family!</p> <p>@annem1990: This is awful. No one should question how you choose to feed your baby, let alone a doctor with no knowledge of pediatrics (and presumably no knowledge of how to interpret the shaky evidence on bf, as @MrsSCB: points out...) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusively-formula-feeding-for-baby-2#post-2893592 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 12:19:07 +0000 MrsSCB 2893592@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@annem1990: I'm really sorry, that's awful. No one should have to justify not breastfeeding for any reason--100 percent your choice. And if they're so concerned about making evidence-based decisions, maybe they should do a little more reading... <a href="https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/everybody-calm-down-about-breastfeeding/" rel="nofollow">https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/everybody-calm-down-about-breastfeeding/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusively-formula-feeding-for-baby-2#post-2893591 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 12:15:58 +0000 DillonLion 2893591@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@annem1990: oh man, that is awful! I'd wonder the exact same thing myself. I'm sorry doctors have been so unsupportive </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusively-formula-feeding-for-baby-2#post-2893588 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 12:06:06 +0000 annem1990 2893588@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So happy to hear this!! I exclusively pumped with my first for 9months and it actually went really well. I had a positive experience and enjoyed the sort of “hybrid” or not paying for formula but still giving breastmilk. </p> <p>However, I won’t even be attempting for #2 due in a couple of months. Straight to formula. I developed seizures which usually occurred immediately after pumping. Luckily the medication I was put on was successful and I’ve been seizure-free since, but I can’t help but correlate the experiences. There’s no medical evidence breastfeeding could cause a seizure (just lots of anecdotal on the internet). Regardless I don’t want that feeling if “what if” if I happened to stay having them again while breastfeeding. I’d rather just take that out of the equation and focus on me and the baby rather than the fear. </p> <p>My family/friends are super supportive of that decision but Doctors have been so rude. I KNOW there’s no evidence that breastfeeding caused this to happen. I’m an educated, informed adult and feel his is best for my family. Every time a Doctor asks I inevitably get the lecture about how all of the evidence shows “breast is best,” maybe you should at least try, etc. My neurologist told me at my last appointment, “That’s really disappointing.” I don’t understand why these Doctors are so rude.... I hope it doesn’t continue when baby arrives because I’m sick of explaining it. It doesn’t make me change my mind, just makes me angry at the Doctor. I don’t like being made to feel like a lazy parent because I am actively choosing this. I thought Doctors would be much more supportive than this and it’s really frustrating. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusively-formula-feeding-for-baby-2#post-2893583 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 11:32:01 +0000 JennyLayneAZ 2893583@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I tried BF DD and it was a nightmare. I started pumping in the hospital. Switched to FF after two weeks and that was that. No regrets what so ever.</p> <p>And seriously, is the football hold comfortable for anyone? Cause I felt like I was going to drop her every time I tried that, and that's the hold all the LC's were pushing for!?! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusively-formula-feeding-for-baby-2#post-2893575 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 10:52:43 +0000 runnerd 2893575@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bravo to this!!!! I exclusively FF both by babies. After the level of anxiety I felt about BF before I even had the baby and reading and researching, I was sure my mental health would suffer. I absolutely made a decision that I knew would be best for my postpartum health and bonding - never once regretted it! </p> <p>Glad you were able to find this choice helpful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusively-formula-feeding-for-baby-2#post-2893567 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 10:26:11 +0000 alphagam84 2893567@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I formula fed both my babies and it was such a great experience! No regrets! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusively-formula-feeding-for-baby-2#post-2893566 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 10:11:41 +0000 paigeface 2893566@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I too exclusively FF my second LO. Best decision for us. She was a great breast-feeder but I just could not get into it, was also returning to work pretty quickly and have a toddler who needs a lot of attention. With my first I felt so much guilt when BF didn't work out but with her I am so much more relaxed and a happy mommy because I didn't force myself to stick with it. Three weeks straight and then I was done. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusively-formula-feeding-for-baby-2#post-2893559 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 09:51:57 +0000 charm55 2893559@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love formula feeding, too. I loved how relaxed we both were during feedings and I loved the freedom it gave. I’m sure it helped my girls STTN from a very young age too. Enjoy these special times ! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusively-formula-feeding-for-baby-2#post-2893558 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 09:46:07 +0000 crazydoglady 2893558@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DillonLion: That's so great!! I'm glad that your new feeding plan has given you peace. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusively-formula-feeding-for-baby-2#post-2893552 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 09:17:11 +0000 DillonLion 2893552@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For my first baby, I combo fed breast milk and formula. My milk took 5 days to come in and we struggled with supply and latch issues the whole time. I went back to work at 12 weeks old and pumped enough for half her feeds. At 8 months, she quit wanting to nurse so I exclusively pumped around the clock to continue providing her breast milk. She got breast milk one way or another until she turned 1. It was the hardest thing I've ever done, and while I'm proud, I had some really strong feelings about the whole thing. It got in the way of our bonding and contributed to my PPD. LO never seemed that keen on nursing anyway and I didn't like the sensation and constant exposure/stimulation required for nursing. There was never a time where we both could relax and enjoy the experience. It was all awkward football holds and mastitis and uncomfortableness.</p> <p>For this baby, my goal was to BOND with my kid first and foremost. Bonus points if he and I both could enjoy the feeding experience. After a lot of therapy, I was even open to try nursing again, but only if it was enjoyable for everyone. </p> <p>I nursed him once in the recovery room after my c section. It wound up involving a lactation consultant helping to shove my nipple into my baby's mouth and I knew instantly that this was not the path I was going down again this time. </p> <p>Since then we have been formula feeding exclusively and I LOVE it so much. Feeding and caring for my baby is finally a joy and feels how I always wished it would feel. If he goes a longer stretch overnight, I can just enjoy it vs. worrying about my supply or having to pump. Mixing up and cleaning bottles is so much less work than bottles plus pump parts plus us both being covered in breast milk. I dont have to constantly whip out a body part. He's healthy and growing and satisfied. </p> <p>I'm very thankful for this surprising experience! I was so disappointed last time to find motherhood unnatural and unenjoyable (in the early days). This (plus an amazingly uncomplicated birth) has really redeemed things for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/similac-formula-coupon#post-2891973 Mon, 22 Jul 2019 14:30:08 +0000 paigeface 2891973@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'll take them! :) We use Similac. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/similac-formula-coupon#post-2891765 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 21:56:07 +0000 Meso 2891765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anyone need Similac coupons? I have a $15 and $5 coupon </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-9-mo-old-refusing-bottles#post-2872056 Thu, 14 Feb 2019 12:21:47 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2872056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ALV91711: @Becky: @Pumuckl: Thanks! I left a message for the ped this morning. Hopefully they will make this simple! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-9-mo-old-refusing-bottles#post-2871998 Thu, 14 Feb 2019 09:39:55 +0000 Pumuckl 2871998@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So my kids were all up to an insane amount of food by 9 months too. They were nursed but only nursed mornings, evenings and potenitally once during the night. During the day they just had water. I would really ask your ped whether you can switch to regular formula. My twin daughter was dairy free and while it took her longer to grow out of it she did so too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-9-mo-old-refusing-bottles#post-2871975 Thu, 14 Feb 2019 08:47:21 +0000 Becky 2871975@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The real risk for cows milk before age 1 is allergy and it sounds like that isn’t a problem. If you can afford it financially to buy the milk out of pocket for 2-3 months until cows milk is included for her in your WIC check then I would do that and just not buy the formula. You’ll have your 1 year appointment then and I’d be surprised if your doctor made you feel badly about switching to cows milk sooner because so many people do. Orrr...you could just not mention it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-9-mo-old-refusing-bottles#post-2871968 Thu, 14 Feb 2019 08:37:25 +0000 ALV91711 2871968@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was going to suggest straw/soppy cup but see you’ve tried that. </p> <p>Could be that she’s not as hungry for formula if she is eating a lot of food. I’m sure you have her earring healthy balanced diet. </p> <p>Can you contact the ped and see what they would suggest before going for an appt? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-9-mo-old-refusing-bottles#post-2871966 Thu, 14 Feb 2019 08:27:20 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2871966@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: I haven't tried, but I would think if this were an issue she'd be refusing milk in a bottle too? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-9-mo-old-refusing-bottles#post-2871955 Thu, 14 Feb 2019 06:22:08 +0000 pachamama 2871955@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sure you thought of this, but does she need a faster flow nipple? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-9-mo-old-refusing-bottles#post-2871947 Thu, 14 Feb 2019 01:20:02 +0000 bees_knees 2871947@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: Yeah that sounds...not worth it. Dang! I don't know, hopefully someone else has a suggestion! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-9-mo-old-refusing-bottles#post-2871946 Thu, 14 Feb 2019 01:13:19 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2871946@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bees_knees: Unfortunately it'll have to be a visit, admitting that I've tried whole milk earlier than the ped initially recommended, documentation, WIC, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-9-mo-old-refusing-bottles#post-2871944 Thu, 14 Feb 2019 01:02:56 +0000 bees_knees 2871944@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: I bet your intuition about her not liking the taste is spot on! Could you just message her ped about switching formulas? Making sure you mention she's been tolerating whole milk fine? Or do you think it would have to be a face to face visit? I don't have any other advice/ideas. ...hopefully someone else can chime in! </p>