Formula help

[Deleted User]

Hello lady's,

On Saturday my LO will be one month old. I gave EBFing a shot but I just can't take it anymore. Ready to make the switch to formula feeding to save my sanity and my nips! I would appreciate any suggestions since I have exactly zero experience with bottle feeding and formula.

I have all Medela brand bottles that came with my pump. Are those okay to use with formula or should I switch to another brand?

Speaking of brands, can I get some suggestions for formula brands? I want to give him good stuff but also don't want to break the bank. Cost was the main reason I stuck with breastfeeding as long as I did.

How will I know how much formula to feed him? Since he was EBF I don't know how many ounces he took in per feeding.

Any other tips/advice very much appreciated. TIA!

BreandMikewedding

You can still use the same bottles as long as he likes those. If he isn't used to them, you may have to try a few to see what he likes.

My older two were on similac formula and this lo is on enfamil (well a store brand now). I started this lo on similac but it upset his tummy so I had to switch him to an enfamil formula. I compared the nutritional value of enfamil to the target generic and they were the same so he is on that now. If you want to stick with name brand, you can sign up on the formula Co websites and they will send you samples and coupons. I do this for everyone in my family so they send me more.

As far as how much to feed him, I would start with 2 oz and then watch his clues. If he drinks 2 oz and is still giving you hunger clues then make another 2 oz. I always start with less for a few days of feedings before making more to start so you don't waste formula.

vrj0522

Medelas are fine. I used those with DS since I was breastfeeding and supplementing with formula and once we weaned from breastfeeding he kept using them and was fine. 

We used Gerber Gentle and he really liked it. Started on Enfamil but his tummy couldn't take it and the Gerber kind was much gentler. Also a big plus for me was that it didn't have corn syrup (basically sugar) as its first ingredient. So many formulas have that as its first ingredient and that to me is just wrong. I suggest looking at the labels as the best way to choose formula.

As far as how much to feed, I found this guide very helpful:

https://www.babycenter.com/0_age-by-age-guide-to-feeding-your-baby_1400680.bc?scid=pinterest:pinbutton

angeltennis3

I have mentioned it before, but I love the Dr Browns mixing pitcher. LO is 4 weeks and will take anywhere between 2 and 4 oz in one feeding. So I usually start with 2 or 3 oz (depending on how long it has been since she last ate) and then can pour in one oz increments til LO is satisfied. (Formula is measured in 2 oz increments)

We use a Gerber supplement formula, but will probably switch to the Gerber gentle formula eventually because I will probably stop breastfeeding after 2 months and they sell the Gentle at Sam's club in bulk for less money.

We used paced bottle feeding to let LO tell us when she has had enough. I found YouTube videos more helpful than just reading about it. It took a little to get the hang of and does take more time, but LO is very obvious now when she has had enough.

Also, if you do choose to cut some BF but not all, I find if LO is particularly hungry she will not latch to the breast, but if I give her a little formula then try again she always happily latches to the boob and goes to town.