https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 04 Aug 2026 04:11:14 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples/page/2#post-546574 Sun, 03 Feb 2013 00:46:15 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 546574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We had samples and used a little (the liquid, not the powder). I have kept them in case of an emergency for nearly six months and am finally feeling confident enough to toss em! I wish I had done it sooner.</p> <p>I went back to the hospital at five days and so we had to supplement. We used a little then! So I can see their use in an emergency situation!</p> <p> But I just want to say, milk not coming in until day 3 and/or weight loss less than or equal to 10% of total body weight, engorgement, etc....all those are normal issues. It is hard to get into bfing, and one should expect a learning curve. Fortunately, nature helps facilitate this: newborns don't require milk as soon as they are born so you have some time. In fact, if you are not producing milk, you need to be feeding the colostrum that you are producing (it is so good for them!) and you need to be nursing to bring that milk in, so introducing a bottle could affect when your milk finally comes in and prevent baby from getting that good colostrum. The virgin gut theory makes sense to me and is a reason I would avoid introducing formula for anything other than emergency situations. I had to formula feed due to an emergency and it has always bothered me. I wouldn't do it of my own volition unless formula were the way I planned to go from that point forward. If you need to supplement because of jaundice, excessive weigh loss, etc. your doctor will let you know. You'll have to see him/her at a one week appointment and 1 month so you'll have plenty of time to discuss if you need to supplement! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples/page/2#post-546450 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 21:34:35 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 546450@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I got it in the mail unsolicited I was kind of shocked. It's marketing just to get people "hooked" imo. I would absolutely formula feed if I needed to. And I guess it's nice to have a sample just in case. But I think it's wrong. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples/page/2#post-546368 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 20:13:34 +0000 plantains 546368@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think they are great, and I really despise the formula is poison mentality. I had a couple of samples at home but never used them as I didn't need to. Even though BF was horribly painful in those early weeks, it never occurred ro me to use the formula. If however I had needed to, I would be so glad to have them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546362 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 20:05:33 +0000 sunny 546362@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I got some just in case but I was never tempted to use them. I am also someone who does get tempted easily by sweets, etc. but I think I was just really determined to BF. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546350 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 19:53:19 +0000 Foodnerd81 546350@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Maysprout: Yeah I really think the issue is more about not giving moms enough info, especially in terms of when to expect milk to come in and how much weight is normal for a newborn to use. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546348 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 19:50:49 +0000 skibobrown 546348@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was really glad that I had them on hand when I needed them when my milk didn't come in and DD was losing way too much weight. I was really hoping not to use the samples, but I was glad that I didn't have to go running out to a store to find formula when I was forced to supplement. The one thing that I don't like is that you only end up with samples from the major brands. DD is now an Enfamil drinker b/c that was what I had on hand when she first needed formula. If I had done some more research, I would have chosen one of the all-natural organic brands, but by the time I thought to do that I didn't really want to switch b/c we were doing well enough with the Enfamil. Oh well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546345 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 19:47:36 +0000 Maysprout 546345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have a problem with formula companies giving them away but I think OB offices and hospitals should be more informative and responsible for what they advertise/distribute.</p> <p>They should explain that babies in the womb are in a watery environment and so a bit bloated when born and it's normal to lose up to 10% of their birth weight, that breastfeeding supply works by feedback so supplementing will delay your milk from coming in and decrease your supply. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546338 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 19:41:38 +0000 Foodnerd81 546338@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaMoose: Yeah I know a couple of friends who needed them once or twice in the very beginning. and still breast fed without a problem. </p> <p>I also know a couple of people who did start out supplementing with formula samples, tried to BF, and ended up not. But one was not particularly committed-- she gave it a shot, didn't work out, oh well, and one had other health issues and ultimately opted to go back on non-BF friendly medication anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546331 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 19:32:54 +0000 MamaMoose 546331@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I absolutely don't think they are the beginning of the end for breastfeeding. I have a bunch in the house and was never tempted. We still have rough days with breastfeeding (she's almost ten weeks old) and sometimes I'm tempted to pump and give her a bottle but I have never once been tempted to give her the formula for convenience. And my kid is seemingly allergic to everything under the sun. I currently don't eat dairy, soy, wheat, eggs, nuts or fish. I have considered formula for her health because my daughter is STILL showing signs of an allergy but as long as my doctor feels that she is thriving on my milk she will be exclusively breastfed. If I can be on such an extremely restrictive diet and still not be tempted to use formula I think that's proof that those samples don't have much power. I have many friends who needed to use them to get through the first few days for various reasons and went on to EBF their kids with no issue. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546326 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 19:28:21 +0000 mamimami 546326@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's a slippery slope. First you use a sample instead of offering the boob, supply drops a tiny bit, you do it again... It's what they call a booby trap. Not saying this is what happens to everyone but most formula companies really disgust me, tbh. This is the strategy they use in places like Africa where people use the samples and then surprise, they don't have enough milk and they're stuck. The people who can least afford it. I think formula is great for those who need it but I don't know what I'd do if I needed it because like I said, most of those companies totally gross me out with their sneaky tactics. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546296 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 18:26:04 +0000 heffalump 546296@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had problems breastfeeding and my pediatrician gave us samples. For me, I wouldn't want to get random samples of things because I'd want an ok from my doctor first, so we probably wouldn't use the sample anyway (like for lo she had constipation issues so we needed gentle for her tummy), and then I'd just feel wasteful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546285 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 18:13:48 +0000 MegWag 546285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here in the UK, formula samples are illegal. In fact, they aren't allowed to advertise infant formula- only follow on milk. It's very strict, but the breastfeeding rates here are still way low. I think the "just in case" mentality leads to problems. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546283 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 18:13:02 +0000 Rubies 546283@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Huge fan! It was such a lifesaver the first few weeks when breastfeeding wasn't going well and do you know how expensive formula is!??! I was so grateful to have free samples! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546279 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 18:09:02 +0000 FarmWifeGina 546279@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not a fan. Even though I've ended up having to feed my babies with alternative methods due to IGT (insufficient glandular tissue), I'm still not a fan of formula, formula companies, or their marketing strategies. If a mom is having supply issues, supplementing with formula can certainly sabotage that supply even more. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546273 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 18:00:28 +0000 MrsRcCar 546273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We were given formula at the hospital because my milk hadn't come in before we left. It was nice to have it just in case. In fact we still stock some formula in the house just in case something happens with my supply. I do a lot of frozen milk though, so it would take a while to need the formula. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546271 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 17:57:34 +0000 JerricaBenton 546271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not really a fan. I didn't sign up for anything formula related and still got 3 cans in the mail. I agree that in general, breastfeeding isn't as encouraged as it should be (in the real world) and also, I feel like if for some reason I had to formula feed, I wouldn't want to just use whatever free stuff I was sent. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546255 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 17:46:34 +0000 hilsy85 546255@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sorrycharlie: exact same! We had some ready to feed formula in te house just in case. Breastfeeding wa seriously challenging the first few weeks and never did I feel tempted to use formula. But if I had, because of how stressed I was, then that would have been ok too. I think it's definitely ok to have some at home in case of emergency. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546239 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 17:30:15 +0000 immabeetoo 546239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think they're tricky! I received them from my OB and the hospital and held on to them at first. I went by my pedi's recommendation and offered la boob to my newborn every 2 hours or sooner if he had hunger cues and my milk came in super fast without engorgement. I had a great LC visit in the hospital, took the samples home "just in case" and then paid a private LC to visit at home. I explained I'd kept them "just in case" and she said that it was a little tempting - and that I'd have at least one night where I was panicked and felt like I wasn't making enough milk - and that no baby ever starved in a night. She explained using them would prevent my body from having to make more milk and could start a bad cycle.</p> <p>I donated all the samples that night and felt super confident. A few days later I had one of those nights, and was glad the formula wasn't here - my supply responded the next day and all was well.</p> <p>Then I had to have emergency surgery 2 days before we moved - I had no frozen milk since we were moving. It was really, really stressful in that they wouldn't tell me if my 2 week old and husband would be allowed all the way back with me or how long it would all take. We had to get formula on the fly just in case and it added stress to an already stressful situation. (They let them come back with me and I breastfed right before and after my surgery, and all was well).</p> <p>So.. long story short.. I think they can be good and bad. Having them around will definitely increase the likelihood that you'll use them, of course. But that isn't the end of the world (and sometimes it could be a lifesaver!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546234 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 17:25:49 +0000 Weagle 546234@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm pretty neutral about them. I absolutely don't think they're the beginning of the end when it comes to BFing. Lack of information and support is more of a contributor to that. We never needed the samples, and i was never tempted to use them even when things did get hard. I'm extremely thankful that our friends had them when they did need it. I would rather a child drink formula than not get enough/mom go crazy with BFing pressure. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-546223 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 17:15:49 +0000 lomom 546223@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm really hoping to breastfeed and plan to consult with an LC while in the hospital and if we run into any issues, but I've heard from SO many people that those free formula samples were a lifesaver. It sounds like there can be alot of challenges to breastfeeding (which is crazy to think about something so natural being so hard, but I'm so thankful to have friends who have been open and honest with their experiences) so I fully intend to keep them stashed in the house, in case of an emergency.</p> <p>And by stashed, I mean, seriously hidden so that no do-gooder makes a bottle of formula so I can catch an extra hour or two of sleep or something. That's not, in my mind, an emergency, and I can totally see that happening with MIL since she formula fed all her kids and all of her other grandkids have been formula fed (which is totally fine, but I just don't want to go down that route unless I need to). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-539565 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:43:22 +0000 sorrycharlie 539565@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have to say, I don't mind it. I had a ton in the house "just in case" I didn't like breastfeeding. I'll admit it. </p> <p>Well, breastfeeding was difficult in every sense of the word - and until week 3, I couldn't afford an LC (a friend's sister offered free help). My mom tried to help but really, last breastfed 20 years ago. She didn't get the whole supply/demand thing, or how to fix a latch, etc. </p> <p>I was never once tempted to use it, and if I was..it's not poison. I agree that yes, breastmilk generally speaking is healthier than formula, but it is not always best. I think having formula not easily available is also unsupportive, because it says (to me) that if you can't breastfeed, then tough noogies. I get not PUSHING it on people, but I didn't see samples like that. No one showed up at my door telling me to use it - I just took the mail and put it in the cabinet. Whatevs. </p> <p>For what it's worth, I'm still exclusively breastfeeding at 4 months - no bottles or pumping, either, so I did just fine with little support and formula in the house ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-539551 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:39:31 +0000 runsyellowlites 539551@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: DH is ultra supportive of me bfing and is so glad that I stuck it out. We had alot of initial feeding issues though so even with my MW, mom, and DH that middle of the night feeding still got to me. There were other times that I wanted to throw in to towel too but by that time feeding formula would've been even harder (P is mspi and was VERY sensitive, she would've needed Rx formula). I know not knowing where the formula was really saved my butt b/c I HAD to work out those latch issues with P.</p> <p>I'm against them b/c I'm against formula unless medically necessary. (I ff my DS and have ebf'd DD) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-539541 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:35:36 +0000 Foodnerd81 539541@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For those people who aren't a fan-- it sounds like the problem is lack of support more than the availability of formula. But then again, that's really easy for me to say when 1) I haven't had a baby yet, so obviously haven't tried BFing yet; 2) I DO have support-- DH will help, my mom and sister will help, I'll have access to LCs and my hospital is pro-BFing. So for me, it would only be peace of mind but I'm fully committed and have the people around me who will remind me of it.<br /> I'm going to take them to have them around just in case for sure. And hopefully I'll never need them and can donate them to someone who does. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-539464 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:17:10 +0000 Minnie_Girl 539464@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not a fan. In my experience, it's a very effective marketing strategy where mom's confidence in breastfeeding is undermined with threats of failure. So--"just in case"--you have a can of formula sitting around for the inevitable time when breastfeeding gets hard and/or you don't have support. </p> <p>I was furious with the hospital because the breastfeeding support was so bad/nonexistent. The staff basically pushed formula on us because my milk wasn't coming in fast enough for them. HELLO, my milk would come in a hell of a lot faster if I breastfed my baby instead of being threatened with weight loss/jaundice and told to pump and supplement! That kind of intervention also prevented DD from learning to latch. Stupid stupid stupid. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-539411 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:02:52 +0000 pinkb 539411@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I tried to get as many as possible. We already had to switch formula twice so it was nice that we had a can already on hand when the Dr said to switch. And what we don't use I am donating. I already gave some to a friend who delivered her 6th baby 2 weeks before me and she was super grateful cause its expensive! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-539407 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:01:15 +0000 runsyellowlites 539407@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Totally against.</p> <p>Having formula in the house is many times (thought not all the time) the beginning of the end of breastfeeding for many moms. Especially since the first few weeks are difficult. ie. thinking baby is still hungry b/c the frequency of wanting to nurse so mom supplements OR baby loses 5-7% of it's body weight and milk "hasn't come in yet" so mom supplements (it's normal for a bf baby to lose up to 10% of their weight in the first few days).</p> <p>We had formula that we were given from the hospital and as against formula as I am I totally went looking for it one night b/c we were having so many feeding issues. DH had put it away though and at 3 am I had no clue where to find it (thankfully).</p> <p>I know many moms are fine with bf'ing and supplementing though so that's up to you. I am 100% against formula unless medically needed so for us we donated it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-539404 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:00:22 +0000 autumnlove 539404@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't get any from our hospital but my friend gave us some samples that I used the first month! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-539399 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:58:24 +0000 Goldilocks1107 539399@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Free is awesome. I signed up for samples from Similac, Enfamil and Gerber. What I didn't use, I donated to a women's shelter.</p> <p>And for those opposed to samples, maybe consider donating them as well - that way "in need" women who can't breast feed and can't afford formula will have better access for their children. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-539383 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:54:06 +0000 sarac 539383@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Very opposed. I know women who didn't have the breastfeeding support they needed, were tempted by the formula sitting around, and didn't end up having the breastfeeding relationship that they really wanted. I enjoyed giving my samples to a mother who needed them, but I wish they didn't just randomly come. </p> <p>I also got given a huge bag of them by a very sweet nicu nurse on discharge. Not an hour earlier had we successfully established breastfeeding, and before that I'd been pumping and bottle feeding well, so there was no reason at all to give them to me. I was pissed, honestly, but I tried to see it from her side of just trying to be friendly and helpful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-formula-samples#post-539097 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:56:49 +0000 loveisstrange 539097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm for them! Even if you don't use them, a women's shelter or food pantry would dearly love to have them. We ended up donating a bunch because they weren't the right brand. We gave them to a local women's shelter. </p>