https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 28 May 2026 03:40:19 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2817263 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 12:06:08 +0000 alphagam84 2817263@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so glad it's working out for you! I formula fed my first right from the beginning and I loved it. We always knew how much she was getting and wasn't up at all hours nursing. It was super convenient as anyone could feed her and I didn't have to worry about being there to feed her, the logistics of breastfeeding, etc. I'm pregnant with my second and have considered breastfeeding and just can't make up my mind. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2817250 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 11:42:59 +0000 Ms. RV 2817250@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HappyBaker: Thank you for the update! DS will be spending the first few weeks of life in the ICU, 45-90 minutes from home and I have been struggling with whether or not I should EP or FF. It is nice to hear another mom has no guilt about EFF. It gives me hope! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2817227 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 10:32:21 +0000 Bluemasonjar 2817227@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HappyBaker: So happy to hear your update! I BF'd LO #1 for over a year but started supplementing around 10 months and wish I had done it sooner for my own sanity. </p> <p>Pregnant with LO #2 currently and intend to try BF'ing to start but remembering how much I struggled and stressed over having enough milk it is nice to remind myself that formula is a great alternative. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2817225 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 10:22:32 +0000 Mamatimes3 2817225@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HappyBaker: thanks for the update! Formula feeding gets a bad rap most of the time. But it’s awesome and can be so freeing for mama. For my mental health, it was the best thing I did. I have three very healthy and happy kids! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2817205 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 09:01:44 +0000 ElbieKay 2817205@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for posting this thread. My 4yo never had a drop of formula, but this time I am expecting twins and am uncertain I'll be able to manage to avoid supplementing this time. I will give EBFing a shot but I need to be realistic. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2817187 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 03:49:05 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2817187@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HappyBaker: thanks for sharing your update! What ended up happening for us was pumping the first couple months (combo feeding). Dh was home a lot of that time but we had weight gain issues to start and my supply for the first time I don't think was much. So we went to formula at two months and it's been smooth sailing so far! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2817169 Wed, 18 Apr 2018 22:12:26 +0000 jhd 2817169@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HappyBaker: thanks for updating. I’m currently EPing for LO2 who is 3.5 weeks old. I’m not sure how long I can EP because I have low supply and I just don’t know if pumping will be feasible long term. Struggling some with the idea of being “fair” and providing LO2 with the same I gave LO1. I made it to 8 weeks pumping the first time around before deciding cuddling my baby was much healthier than stressing over a few ounces of BM per day. Anyway..I just wanted to say that this entire thread and your update helped me. Congrats on your new little bundle and I hope you are healing well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2817152 Wed, 18 Apr 2018 17:48:53 +0000 SweetiePie 2817152@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HappyBaker: So glad to hear! I actually commented on this thread wondering the same things as you and we also went right to formula and haven’t looked back. I think day 5 I decided that maybe I will try to pump. I hooked myself up for like 2 mins and also got anxiety and felt almost nauseous and said “nope!” Took sudafed around the clock, “no more milk” tea, altoids, etc and within a week my boobs felt pretty normal. </p> <p>I’m able to enjoy this time around so much more! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2817147 Wed, 18 Apr 2018 16:36:04 +0000 HappyBaker 2817147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just wanted to update - we are one week in and 100% formula feeding and it has been amazing! </p> <p>When he was first born I tried BF-ing the first 24 hours, but was seriously having PTSD and anxiety attacks every time I fed him because it wasn't going well already and I just felt myself VERY quickly spiraling down. So for the rest of our stay in the hospital we used formula, and then when we got home I started pumping every 4-6 hours with the intent to just provide a few bottles of BM a day for him. </p> <p>My milk never fully came in before I had to go to the ER on day 6 for a postpartum infection and didn't pump for the TEN hours I was there. I am now on a bunch of antibiotics and would have to pump and dump for the next 10 days, so that made the decision to stop SUPER easy! </p> <p>I feel ZERO guilt and he is thriving on formula and the world's best baby so far. Thanks for your support! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766816 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 19:26:46 +0000 runnerd 2766816@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: once my milk came in I had about five days of misery and then everything was fine. I just did all the tips they give on tight sports bras, no stimulation, etc </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766815 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 19:24:13 +0000 runnerd 2766815@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not the same, but I chose to never BF (didn't even try - but gave it lots of thought and research while pregnant) with either child. I knew myself, and I wanted to set myself up to be a happy mother, enjoy my children, and reduce anxiety. It was absolutely the right choice for me, and I never looked back. Do what's right for your family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766805 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 18:44:22 +0000 HappyBaker 2766805@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow, seriously, I love this community. I was worried I'd get flamed for even writing I don't want to BF at all, and instead all I've gotten is amazing support and encouragement. Thank you all SO MUCH! </p> <p>@kiddosc: Loved the post, thanks!</p> <p>@SteelerGirl: I'll definitely update once we get there!</p> <p>@Mrs. Deer: @HeartAbandoned: What you both said about being a better mom to all 3 if I follow my gut really resonated. With 1 kid you can more "afford" to be a mess (even though you shouldn't let it get to that point of course!) With 3 I think I definitely just need to do what works for all of us!</p> <p>@Raspberry: Love what you said about joyful bonding! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766780 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 17:19:44 +0000 youboots 2766780@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I do not have experience to refer to but I encourage you to do what's best for your and your family. If it were me in your situation I expect I would choose to BF and supplement from the get go and quit bf if it stopped working/did not work- but if at least give it a shot just in case. But if you choose to go straight to formula- I think that's great and you should do it with no guilt. I support you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766778 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 17:12:29 +0000 Littlebit7 2766778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm going to try BF with number two but I've decided if I have the same issues as I had with number one, I'm going to go to formula.<br /> I had to start EPing around 4 months until 10 months. It was awful. Trying to imagine SAH with my almost three year old and trying to EP seems worse<br /> I might also do an afternoon/evening formula bottle (and pump instead) because those witching hours really stressed me out and my boobs couldn't keep up.<br /> I was one major stress ball worrying about breastfeeding/pumping/feeding. It was 98% the cause of my stress in the first year of life. Not going thru that again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766774 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 17:08:26 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2766774@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had medical issues going on with my second and with advice from my doctors chose not to try after trying and failing with my first, and we had a great experience! I did pump for weeks because I bf'd just for colostrum and it took awhile to stop producing for me. </p> <p>With #3 I'd actually like to combo feed because I would like to try nursing for various reasons but I'm soooooo not attached to the EBF label! </p> <p>I say go with your gut. I can think of so many other things that I'd rank above bf'ing in terms of importance in parenting. And fwiw I had terrible PPD/A with my first and newborn bliss for the most part with my second. (Still hormones but nothing like the first time.) I don't know if it was related but I'm sure having confidence in my own decisions and knowing that my first had formula and was totally fine, smart, etc. helped! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766772 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 16:56:02 +0000 SweetiePie 2766772@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Finfan: so this is my other question - if you decide not to BF from the beginning, don't you get engorged and painful? Granted I was pumping to get my milk to come in (my son was in nicu for first 3 days so I didn't BF him from day 1). If I just don't pump will it never come in?<br /> But I have big boobs and made a lot of milk once it did come in. Not sure if that makes a difference. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766768 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 16:48:27 +0000 Finfan 2766768@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I only have two but long story short: was miserable BFing or pumping for LO1 so FF LO2 from birth and it was a million times better. </p> <p>You don't have to even attempt breastfeeding if you don't want to do that. I didn't and it was amazing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766766 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 16:45:05 +0000 SteelerGirl 2766766@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: I wish I could breastfeed when I was already at home (especially middle of the night), but formula feed when I'm at work or out of the house. If only milk supply was this magical faucet that turned on when you need it and turned off when you didn't! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766758 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 16:36:14 +0000 SweetiePie 2766758@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SteelerGirl: Yes 100% everything you mentioned about FF is true! Those things are annoying and that's why I sometimes think that BF would be so much easier. But thinking about being in such a strict timeline and having to be home every 2-3 hours (even less in the beginning), the stress of not knowing how much he's getting, the clogged ducts, the cluster feeds, etc are the other side. But those things are more about mental health I guess? So like one is mentally easier (FF) but one is easier convenience wise (BF).<br /> Totally grass is greener situation and just depends on the person! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766756 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 16:35:53 +0000 Mamatimes3 2766756@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SteelerGirl: Got it. I work outside the home so I would be dealing with bottles anyway. Not sure if you are. But I got the simplest bottles (Tommee Tippee) and 3 kids took it no fuss. I also used a Dr. Browns pitcher to make enough for the day. I gave it to them cold from day one so they never knew any different and were fine. When I went somewhere I took either a cold bottle in a little bag cooler or a bottle with water and formula in a separate container to mix. I guess I was so used to it, it didn't seem cumbersome. Plus anyone can feed the baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766753 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 16:32:24 +0000 SweetiePie 2766753@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is my exact conundrum. I struggled BF my first and really only did it a few times and then EPd for a month. And when I say I struggled, it was moreso mentally - I also had PPD and BF/pumping was horrible. I cried any time I had to do it. I had an amazing supply (I got 10-12 oz every session!) and my son COULD latch if I sat and tried. But it was frustrating and I hated feeling tethered to him or a pump all the time. It was my PP doula/LC who finally said "this just isn't for you and that's ok. Switch to formula, you'll be happier". And I really really was. What a relief! I had the sad feeling for a few days (more like feeling like a failure than sad that we missed on bonding or nutrition or something).<br /> I'm now pregnant with my 2nd and I've said forever that I won't even try pumping or BF this time. But every once in a while the thought creeps in that maybe it'll be easier or maybe my PPD won't be as bad, especially if I'm proactive and seek help early. And I wonder if I should try. </p> <p>My sister was the opposite - her first two she never even tried, she went straight to FF both. Her third she decided to give it a whirl and she did like it, but she didn't produce much so she was never exclusively BF, so around 4-5 weeks she decided to just can it and do formula only. She's glad she tried once since it's her last, but wasn't upset that it didn't work. </p> <p>So the point of that is to say that sometimes I try to remind myself not to think of it as "I should try with this one too" and instead "I did try it once and it wasn't good for me, and that's ok". But, I'm not saying I fully believe that. ;-)</p> <p>My ideal scenario would be to nurse 1-2 times a day from day one and FF the rest. But I'm not sure that's even possible! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766745 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 16:26:30 +0000 SteelerGirl 2766745@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamatimes3: Carrying around the supplies (bottles, formula, water), keeping it refrigerated for later, warming it up (if your baby is picky about temp), washing all the bottles, baby having gas problems or not liking certain types of formula.</p> <p>Also, nursing was a 100% guaranteed way to calm my fussy baby, get them to sleep, hold them still for things like clipping nails or taking temperature. And no need to go through dreaded bottle weaning! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766740 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 16:16:59 +0000 Raspberry 2766740@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can empathize with the guilt because you might be convincing yourself that you aren't giving #3 the same "fighting chance" to start with. But I think it's 120% okay to formula feed. The nature of the beast is your third will have less time and energy from you than your first two newborns did. He or she will benefit so much more if that time is maximized with joyful bonding. Why spend precious time crying and cleaning pump parts when you could be reading books, singing songs and enjoying each other's company? A happy mama is the best shot for well being for baby! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766736 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 16:07:50 +0000 HeartAbandoned 2766736@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't hesitate for a second to follow your gut on this one. Particularly in light of your experience with PPD as it relates to nursing. You'll have 2 other kiddos to care for, and taking care of yourself is the very best thing you can do to care for all 3. Formula fed babies are babies too! </p> <p>I know a mom who BF #1, FF #2, and went back to BF #3 because that's what worked for each baby. They are all happy &amp; healthy today! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766732 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 15:59:57 +0000 Mrs. Deer 2766732@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Congrats! I would say you could try breastfeeding again, you never know. Some babies come out and they are just awesome at nursing, but if you find it just isn't working and it's taking a toll on your mental health then I'd definitely switch to formula.</p> <p>I breastfed my first, but my second was only able to breastfeed for four months before switching to formula (couldn't identify all of her protein intolerances and she went on a nursing strike for over a month). With our third baby I decided I would give breastfeeding a try but if it got tough again I was going to be done. With my second daughter I think it really affected my mental health and I was not willing to do that again this time. Well, our third ended up being our toughest yet. She would not breastfeed at all, despite seeing lactation and trying everything, so I EP'd for seven weeks before switching to formula. I'm still a little sad about it, but it was absolutely the best decision. Now having three children I can't afford to be so stressed out and struggling to feed the baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766728 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 15:58:02 +0000 Mamatimes3 2766728@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SteelerGirl: what kind of challenges do you think formula feeding has? I think it's super easy besides the cost. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766727 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 15:54:54 +0000 Mamatimes3 2766727@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I attempted to breastfeed my 1st two. I only lasted 3 weeks with the 1st and 2 weeks with the 2nd. I really did not enjoy breastfeeding AT ALL. My 3rd had formula from day one and never touched my breast. It was wonderful!!!!!! No pressure and I happily enjoyed my last baby. I told the hospital and no one said a thing about it. And all 3 kids have been pretty healthy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766711 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 15:24:08 +0000 travellingbee 2766711@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Well, I BFed my first and he never had a drop of formula in his life. My second had formula in the hospital because he was having trouble regulating his blood sugar level. Then he BF'ed exclusively for about 4 months and we were struggling with his MSPI. Even with my elimination diet, he was still reacting, so I went to formula during the day and just BFing at night and morning. That worked until 9 months when my supply started to give up and we went to formula full time. So, very different experiences with my two boys but both turned out great! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766704 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 15:20:26 +0000 SteelerGirl 2766704@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you do go this route, would you please post on how it went? I breastfed my first but am already considering formula feeding the second. My biggest fear is that "the grass is always greener on the other side". That formula feeding will have challenges just like breastfeeding does, and it won't actually be easier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-breastfeed-your-first-and-formula-feed-your-second#post-2766675 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 14:11:43 +0000 kiddosc 2766675@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Your post made me recall a post a blogger I follow made years ago. She formula fed both of her kids right from the very beginning and talks some about what led to that decision. The comments on the post are great though... The take-away I get from them is that everyone gets crap for how they feed their baby from someone and everyone feels guilty about some aspect of it. So do whatever is best for your family, your situation, and your sanity! <a href="http://marriageconfessions.com/2011/03/04/why-i-chose-not-to-breastfeed/" rel="nofollow">http://marriageconfessions.com/2011/03/04/why-i-chose-not-to-breastfeed/</a> </p>