Anyone try formula feeding from Birth Here?

Talk to your doctors (both your specialist and your OBGYN) and find out:

1. If the medicine is safe to start taking before you give birth

2. If not then, find out exactly WHEN you need to go back on your medication.


Does it have to be immediately after you give birth? Or can it be a few hours or a few days later?


You might be able to do 1 feed before taking the medicine or a few hours/days of feeds before starting.


Of course, bring your medication with you - so you can start taking it as soon as you need to.


Based on their advice, you can tell the midwife/nurse what you require - add it to your simple birth plan (keep it short and simple so they read it).


Be sure your OBGYN and Pediatrician (both whom will visit you at hospital regularly) know the whole story, so they can support this as well.


If you need to go back on the medication prior to or the same day of the birth, then bring the formula and bottles of your choice to Matilda so they can use that.


The nurses and midwifes at Matilda will respect your choice, especially if you explain to them that you need to start medication right away and that is why.


I would even suggest going up to Matilda sometime this month, and speaking to the nurses/midwifes on the floor and explaining your situation and checking with them that it is okay to bring your own formula and bottles. I think this will help relax you, and prepare them for your arrival.


They will be great, show you how to prepare the bottles, how to bottle feed, how to wash the baby, etc... Actually in our case they taught my husband the nappy changing and bathing and he taught me once we got home!


But do consult with BOTH your doctors first, and maybe even have them speak to each other. You can then have it added to your charts, and be sure everyone is on the same page so you needn't worry when you are in hospital.


Good luck!!

I've seen a lot of moms who do not breastfeed in Queen Mary Hospital. Not an issue at all.

Had a terrible time bf my first and so was very reluctant to do so for my 2nd. Had both at Matilda. For my 2nd I went in for a planned CS - midwife asked me beforehand what I wanted to do. Said I would give it a go, which I did, but decided after just 24 hours that I wanted to switch to formula. Simply rang the bell, told the midwife my baby was due for a feed and I wanted a bottle, no more breastfeeding. Her response was what formula would you like? We have A, B, C, etc. No pressure whatsoever.


Also, if you want to take your own bottles/steriliser, etc., then maybe phone up and ask about that beforehand. Haven't heard of anyone doing that before. However, do bear in mind that they have bottles there (Avent and Dr Brown and probably other types as well) and will sterilise and mix feeds for you. (Personally I would let them do it for you - once you get out of hospital you will be doing it often enough!!!)


Just remember it's your baby, your body - of course it's their job to encourage bf but you have a reason for bottle feeding. If mum is happy, baby will be too.