Formula Equation

Here you will find some information on formula feeding.  Breast is Best, yes, but it might not work for everyone.  There are some women who associate the breasts with sex and feel uncomfortable with latching their child on and making that connection.  Other women don't want to expose their breasts.  Some babies are born tongue-tied and have difficulties latching on.  Whatever your reason, it is your reason.  Just know you are not alone in your experience or thoughts. 

With that said, the choice to formula feed is yours.  Many hospitals have a brand of formula they generally use.  If you do not want your child starting off with Similac, for example, then you might want to bring your choice of formula to the hospital. 
Other formula choices are (in no particular order):
Goat's Milk
Enfamil
Parent's Choice Organic Formula
Earth's Best Infant Formula
Good Start

Provided your baby does not have milk allergies or requires a prescribed formula, like Neocate, then choosing a formula is up to you.  There are different ones like cow's milk and soy.  Learn about the differences in the two. 

It is important to remember that when mixing formula, it can be detrimental to your baby's health if there is too much water.  Formula can be very expensive.  Adjusting the water to formula ratio is dangerous.  Here is another instance of an infant who experienced serious repercussions.   Formula can be in excess of $22 per can.  One can of infant formula will provide a nine-month-old about 3 days.  There are ways to help with the costs of formula.  Amazon has a Subscribe and Save club.  If you go to Amazon.com and sign up for their program (it's free) you can get formula (and coffee!) delivered right to your door for a very reasonable price.  Earth's Best Formula, for example, is $25 per can at Hannaford's Supermarket.  With Amazon's program, you'll pay $86 for four canisters.  You'll save $3.50 per can and it comes to your house with no additional delivery charge. 
Walmart has Similac Sensitive Soy for $142.68 for a case of 6.  Amazon has the same case for $141.64.  Not much of a difference, but when you're pinching pennies, it all matters. 
There is also WIC.  WIC will cover the costs of formula if you and your family qualify.  "WIC is a nutrition program that provides nutrition and health education, healthy food and other services free of charge to Massachusetts families who qualify. WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children. To apply for WIC, call 1-800-WIC-1007 or contact a WIC program in your community."

Worcester WIC Program

26 Queen Street
Worcester, MA 01610
(508) 860-7744


Lastly, if you sign up for birth clubs with Similac, Enfamil and Good Start, you can receive samples and coupons for formula.  It's important to know that if you switch over to a different formula, do so gently and slowly as to not upset your baby's digestive system.  Each formula contains different ingredients. 

If you unable to breastfeed for any reason, you are not a bad mother.  You must make choices that you are comfortable with in order to be a good mother to your baby.  If you are uncomfortable, your baby will feel that energy. 
Peace.