https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 20 May 2026 18:51:36 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-2120485 Tue, 24 Mar 2015 18:55:10 +0000 clumsyatheart 2120485@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>BF propaganda really infuriates me. I wanted to BF so badly after I had my daughter and couldn't because of her mouth issues. I pumped, but not every woman responds well! But seriously, don't listen to the online propaganda and don't feel bad. </p> <p>BM is beautiful and everything, but if you think about it, moms can be deficient in certain vitamins, which can affect BM. Diet affects BM no matter what some people say, which is why some BFing moms have to give up certain foods like spicy foods and dairy. Formula doesn't need to be added to or supplemented -- it has the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals in every serving. This is why formula was invented: to save babies and feed them when BM isn't a choice or option. You are feeding your baby -- THAT is what's important. Formula isn't poison and it isn't going to make your baby fat. It's remarkable how much we focus on what constitutes less than a year (or in some cases, 2 years at most) of a baby's life. Teaching your infant/toddler/child/adolescent proper eating techniques and healthy eating is more important than breastfeeding or formula feeding. Formula might be a bit tougher on the digestive system, but there is no COMPLETELY CONCLUSIVE evidence that states it's poison. Just sucks that we use GMOs and such in it :/</p> <p>I've seen tons of infants and toddlers fed crap after being weaned from BM, like BM set them up for life or something. SO not true!</p> <p>Anyway. I've never heard of a difference in solids, just that you should start your baby when they're sitting with assistance, interested, not pushing things out of their mouth with that certain reflex, etc. I think that depends on the baby, so some (like my baby) can sit at 4 months and start solids while others sit at 6 months? IDK! It would interesting to compare.</p> <p>I want to extend so many hugs. In the beginning, I wanted to pump and got into this funk about not being able to nurse that nearly killed my self worth and mental health. I cried all the time. I wish you the best with this and just want to say that you're a great mom and doing the best you can &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1957325 Mon, 24 Nov 2014 00:04:25 +0000 loveisstrange 1957325@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It sounds like more BFing propaganda to me. Ive never heard that either.</p> <p>You are feeding your child. Period. Breastmilk is not magical unicorn pee that makes your kid automatically smarter, healthier, etc. Thats crap. The differences are VERY over-stated and a lot of what is on the internet is guilt-inducing, fear-mongering bullshit. Do you follow Fearless Formula Feeder? If not, you should. Its a fabulous website/facebook page. A lot of what she posts is really great and gives a whole new perspective.</p> <p>I supplemented literally from the beginning. Misinformed, pushy LCs and pushy moms on facebook/on HB/in real life did untold damage to my mental state in the following months. Please, don't give them that power over you. Your baby is fed and healthy. That's all that matters. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1957308 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 23:14:21 +0000 Mrs. Confetti 1957308@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cookiemomster: I have soooo many thoughts on this subject. You are amazing and you know why? Becuse you are feeding your baby and are concerned about your baby's well being. End of story. Formula, breast, whatever. You are a great mom. I wrote about the tough parts of the "breast is best" mantra on the HB blog a while back: <a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2013/06/19/why-i-think-formula-is-awesome/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2013/06/19/why-i-think-formula-is-awesome/</a></p> <p>As for the ff vs bf solids, sounds like internet crazy to me. Start now or at 6 months - whenever you and your baby are ready. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1957301 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 23:03:21 +0000 littleblessings 1957301@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cookiemomster: don't feel bad mama. You just do what you need to do to keep LO healthy. I wouldn't feed foods til 6 months but that's just me. I had to formula feed S after she turned 4 months and H is breastfed atm at 10 mos. you just keep being the best mama you can and don't let anyone put you down! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1957186 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 21:31:34 +0000 littlejoy 1957186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just wanted to tell you I know how you feel. We've been supplementing our LO since 2 weeks old. She's now 10 months, and exclusively on formula. The guilt is overwhelming at times. Just know, formula is not poison. Formula is keeping our babies alive!! </p> <p>We chose to wait until 7 months to introduce food, as we wanted her digestive tract to be closed and really ready. Every now and then, a friend will post something about "poison formula" on FB, and it hurts ... But like you said about your doctors, a lot of wonderful people were formula fed, and that makes me feel better. </p> <p>You're amazing, and strong. It gets better, and easier!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1957037 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 19:14:20 +0000 Anagram 1957037@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cookiemomster: oh gosh, I know an EBF baby who is off the charts in weight--I mean, literally off the charts. He's 7 months old and weighs more than my 16 month old!</p> <p>I agree with PPs that the nutrition you expose your child to in years 1-18 will matter WAY more than years 0-1. I know you can't control mommy guilty (and neither can I, so that's also normal), but you can make yourself feel better by planning good, nutritious toddler meals for when you baby can eat! :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1957009 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 18:54:25 +0000 cookiemomster 1957009@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@anandam: I'm not sure. She was hospitalized for breastfeeding jaundice (I wasn't making anything and she was basically starving the first four days due to poor advice from multiple lactation consultants) so her formula use is heavily documented, but I know my actual pediatrician rolls his eyes pretty heavily at the breast is best stuff going on at our hospital. He didn't actually make the distinction that because she's on formula she could start now, it was just on a handout they give everyone after the 4month well visit- I'm guessing he had nothing to do with the verbiage. </p> <p>I know he's told me the hospital gets more money if they push breastfeeding, but because it's a private practice with four doctors I can't imagine they would get any funding. The main doctor is much more adamant about breastfeeding, which is why we don't see him =) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1957005 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 18:42:14 +0000 anandam 1957005@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We were lucky with milk production and can EBF but pediatrician made no distinction about when to start solids. She brought it up at the 4 month visit and said we could start whenever we felt ready.</p> <p>I wonder if your pediatrician collects statistics on how their patients are fed to report back to their professional organization. Since the general American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation is for EBF till 6 months, maybe s/he gets some recognition if more breastfed patients delay solids till then? I don't say that to rag on you, though! Just speculating about your doc's motivation. Formula is totally complete infant nutrition and bottle feeding still promotes bonding! You're your baby's hero either way! Not a failure by any stretch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956998 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 18:39:19 +0000 cookiemomster 1956998@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Espion: I know. My pediatrician thinks it's crazy I feel bad, because "all four doctors at the practice were formula fed, and we turned out pretty smart." I try to remember stuff like that it's just difficult some days =) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956994 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 18:35:28 +0000 cookiemomster 1956994@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks again everyone for chiming in and making me feel much, much better. I love this community =)</p> <p>@mrschampagne and @foodnerd81 the picky eating thing makes a lot of sense, very interesting theory! </p> <p>@anagram I know rationally it's not a magical liquid, but when you're pounded with "breast is breast" it's hard to not feel guilty that you can't provide that. Couple that with a child who is in the 87% for weight and my paranoia that I'm setting her up for failure can be overwhelming. Then I feel guilty for even thinking that because I know some people struggle so hard with low percentile growth (my niece being one) and I'm a ball of complicated emotion. </p> <p>Mommy guilt sucks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956978 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 18:24:34 +0000 Anagram 1956978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cookiemomster: This is not about your solids question, but I just want to let you know that I am one of 6 kids and my mother fed the first 2 the old-fashioned combo of "formula" that mothers made at home in the 60's-70's (Canned condensed milk + whole milk+ Karo syrup). Then she fed the 3rd child raw cow's milk starting at 3 months. Then store-bought formula for kid #5. Then breastfed me (kid #5) and my little sister (#6).</p> <p>The oldest and the 3rd kid have never struggled with weight. The 2nd, 4th, and 5th (me!) have (and I was breastfed). And one of us struggles with severe mental issues (my little sister, also breastfed).</p> <p>SO breast milk can be convenient for some, but it's not some magical liquid that will guard against illnesses and obesity. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956944 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 17:51:30 +0000 irene 1956944@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We were EBF but my idiotic pediatrician also said we could give him some rice cereal at 4 months so he STTd. I didn't listen to him of course. My point is sometimes some pediatricians are idiots anyway. Most things I read is that you should start solids after 6 months with both ff and bf babies. Hugs and feel better!!</p> <p>Eta: not to mention babies have a gag reflex, so if u give them solids before they r ready they would spit it out anyway :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956939 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 17:35:48 +0000 cait 1956939@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not sure what the reason is, I've never heard that. But it's hard to google anything about formula feeding vs. breast feeding and have the info not be distorted by the opinion of whoever wrote it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956924 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 17:10:16 +0000 looch 1956924@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So, I also had no supply, so I felt like I had no choice in the matter when I had to use formula. What I can tell you though, is that while you feel immense guilt right now, as your child gets older and you use less and less formula, you almost forget how you fed them as a newbie. </p> <p>Time heals, it really does. My 4 year old is a tornado and when he's misbehaving, I don't sit around thinking that formula doomed him! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956920 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 17:05:44 +0000 Foodnerd81 1956920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cookiemomster: the only thing I have heard is that it's good for FF babies to get used to different flavors sooner, since formula always tastes the same but BM varies based on moms diet. (Like @Mrs. Champagne: said).<br /> C was EBF and our ped gave me the go ahead to start whenever I thought she was ready, at her 4 month spot. we started closer to six months because she didn't seem ready before, that's all. </p> <p>@blackbird: I totally agree that introducing them to healthy eating for a lifetime is way more important than Breast milk or formula! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956914 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 16:58:19 +0000 Espion 1956914@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cookiemomster: Not to make light, because I understand you completely. Like many others, I was there. </p> <p>But daaaang, I was exclusively FF, and if it had made me dumb as nails, at least I would have saved all that money on post-graduate school... There is some crazy bullshit out there that people can convincingly spin as "science" and this is no exception. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956797 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 14:15:45 +0000 Snowdrop 1956797@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cookiemomster: i had read whilst researching (can't remember where) that ages ago when FF was very popular BUT formula was pretty crap. It was recommended that FF babies start solids earlier because they weren't getting enough nutrients so this is maybe where all the stuff you are reading is coming from.<br /> However, tge same article said that this is now outdated because formula is not what it used to be and FF babies are better sticking to their milk just like breast fed because they are both providing more nutrients than solids.<br /> So basically the advice that FF and BF babies should be treated differently is outdated, early formula was pretty terrible stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956749 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 13:16:21 +0000 skibobrown 1956749@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was in your same boat. No milk supply whatsoever, so DD was formula fed. We started solids at 6 months, just like a breastfed baby. Our doctor never led us to believe things should be any different for DD just b/c she was formula fed. She's happy, smart, well-adjusted, and most certainly not obese. Don't worry about a thing. You're doing what's best for your baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956741 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 13:04:02 +0000 Mae 1956741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My brother was ff and I was ebf. He's thin and I'm overweight. So there goes that theory. ;)</p> <p>In all seriousness--you're doing great. Your baby is healthy. You have not failed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956677 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:31:25 +0000 Charm54 1956677@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cookiemomster: yeah it was very stressful for me as well. I'm finally getting over it now, just as we prepare to ttc again , haha.</p> <p>Next time I will be much more confident and firm though in my choices and will not let the pushy "baby friendly" hospital workers get to me. Or I'll try at least :p </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956676 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:30:52 +0000 Mrs. Lion 1956676@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cookiemomster: This is so ridiculous to me. A happy healthy mommy is what is best for baby, regardless of what he or she is fed. &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956672 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:29:06 +0000 cookiemomster 1956672@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Charm54: ugh. Don't even get me started on the whole "baby friendly" hospital movement. I'll just say it's probably the number one cause of most of my mommy anxiety. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956667 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:19:11 +0000 Charm54 1956667@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In my area they recommend BFing moms only starting at 6 months because they don't want to interfere with moms supply and the hospitals get more $$$ if their exclusive BFing rates are high. It sucks that it translates into guilting moms who can't/don't want to bf.</p> <p>I combo fed my dd and switched to FFing exclusively at 6 months. She is healthy, happy and so smart! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956666 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:18:58 +0000 cookiemomster 1956666@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you so much to everyone for these responses. I know a lot of this is in my head, and google really doesn't help. It's good to know this seems to be specific to my pediatrician- I thought it sounded weird which is why I was investigating in the first place! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956662 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:14:43 +0000 Pepper 1956662@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Formula absolutely provides proper nutrition, so please don't let that get into your head! The recommendation varies from pediatrician to pediatrician. I was only partially breastfeeding my LO at 4 months, and his pediatrician still said I could start solids at that point, as long as he was showing an interest in eating solid foods and could sit up assisted. We started at about 4.5 months with oatmeal cereal, and he loved it. </p> <p>I had a lot of guilt as well, I started losing my supply at 3-4 months due to stress, and I was probably losing it sooner than that, because LO dropped off the scales for weight. I started EFF him right before he turned 5 months and he did so well on it! I told his pediatrician how guilty I felt, and she looked at me like I was crazy, haha. I think the internet can really play into guilt over formula feeding, because "in real life" most babies are formula fed. Please don't feel guilty!</p> <p>FWIW, I was 100% formula fed, and I am healthy and not overweight. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956659 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:11:29 +0000 pinkcupcake 1956659@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>hmm, never heard that you should vary when a baby starts solids depending on whether she is formula or breast fed. Our ped said anywhere between 4-6 months is fine, but she recommended waiting closer to 6 months and said it has more to do with whether the baby was showing signs of readiness. </p> <p>I'm sorry you are feeling this way :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956648 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:01:13 +0000 artsyfartsy 1956648@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hugs mama. I'm right there with you. T was EBF for 9 months and we just started EFF basically because he is underweight. I'm having the same feelings. But I also feel bad that I didn't start sooner. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956642 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 10:54:03 +0000 blackbird 1956642@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've never heard this.....by the way, E was primarily FF after a couple months (she got 4 oz of breastmilk a day, big fat whoop), and we didn't start any solids until about six months because our ped recommended we wait because babies have immature digestive systems until then</p> <p>Only about 30% of babies are breastfed in this country. There's plenty of data to support that the way we feed our kids-processed, high sugar stuff-is whats contributing to obesity. Not FF. Now there may be some correlation because most very poor people FF and they're also the ones most likely to have bad diets, increasing obesity rates. I never once entertained the notion that formula feeding would set E up for a lifetime of bad health because the habits you learn past 12 months carries MORE weight than the first 12 months. 12 months is such a short amount of time, what you do afterwards is so much more important. Introduce healthy foods when you're ready and she'll be fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956640 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 10:51:56 +0000 Mrs. Lion 1956640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have never heard that breastfed babies should wait until 6 months while formula fed babies can start earlier. My ped also gave us the go ahead at 4 months but we decided to wait because the latest research says that their gut is more developed and ready at that point (plus we did BLW so we had to wait until then anyway). </p> <p>Babies do not NEED solids at 4 months (with the exception of pretty rare circumstances). They get all of their nutrition from formula or breastmilk. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/formula-fed-vs-breastfed-question#post-1956637 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 10:50:41 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 1956637@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS is EBF and we started at 5 months. </p> <p>The only reason I heard (from a nurse that leads a baby group we go to) is that it's better to start eff babes sooner because they could be more picky from always having the same flavour (breast milk flavour will vary depending on what the mom eats). </p> <p>I was eff and I'm a wonderful thriving person :silly: </p>