The Great Formula Feeding Thread

ChrisB · August 2014

tourqeyes said:

Really was committed to breastfeeding this time. Did fenugreek, pumping after feeding, nipple shield, lactation cookies, dark beers -- and my supply would not increase. I was getting 25 - 30 ml at the height of my production.

It was stressing me out and I decided that I was fine with FF again. TBH the reason I wanted to do it was to 1. Save money 2. Try and lose weight faster.

Dr Brown's bottles.

Variety of formulas right now -- so far DS2 is responding well to it. I have a stockpile of formula, because you know I like to hoard stuff.

However, I have found that Up&Up Brand has been the cheapest from DS1 (nearly twice the formula for cheaper than the advertised price what Enfamil or Similac goes for -- you can coupon this down with manufacturer coupons, store coupons, and stack with checks if they will let you, but it still isn't as good of a deal as the store brand). This time I am working my way through formula samples (I signed up every family member in a 25 mile radius from me and pick up free & unopened samples from those on facebook trade sites or my neighborhood community facebook group if I am first to respond).

The formula is going faster than I thought, so I'm holding my breath that it gets us through at least the first few months or until Target runs another good deal like $20 off of $100.

I did enjoy the time with my son BF, so I miss that a little bit. However, I'm comfortable with my decision.

Duh, great idea. Don't know why I haven't thought of this before!

lindslalala · August 2014

DD is the slowest.eater.ever! It took her 25mins to drink 1oz last night. She eats for 5 mins, loses interest, then minutes later she wants to eat again for another 5 mins. It is taking forever to feed her, and it's driving me nuts. It seems like she's more of a snacker than a big meal eater. Anyone else dealing with this?

ksspiff · August 2014

If my baby gives up, I start messing with him: head scratches, feet tickles, making raspberry noises, vigorous burping, damp washclothes on all exposed skin.
Lazy baby? Ain't nobody got time for that when sleep is on the line.

[Deleted User] · August 2014

The user and all related content has been deleted.

skr1619 · August 2014

@eadams08‌ we started with enfamil newborn. He seemed fine at first but then he started getting uncontrollably fussy and his poor tummy was distended. We switched to enfamil gentlease and it took him about two weeks to adjust. He's doing very well on it. That switch combined with gripe water (mommy's bliss brand) has helped tremendously! He passes gas no problem and his little belly is back to normal. He's only fussy now if he's tired, hungry or bored.

We use the Playtex bottles with the drop in liners and on occasion Dr. Brown bottles. Side note: I just recently found out that you're supposed to push the air out of the liners until the milk reaches the nipple... Whoops.

mustangholly · August 2014

How did you ladies adjust emotionally to FFing? I haven't been able to get our little one to latch. I have been exclusively pumping for 3 weeks. It really is awful. I'm stuggling. I have a lot of pain and keep getting blocked ducts. (A blocked Duct on one side or the other every day this week) I dread pumping and feel like the hrs I do it every day I could sleep or be with our baby. I just can't get myself to quit. I feel awful about it. I don't have any issue not to pump so I feel bad just giving up. The thought of quitting makes me want to cry. I want the baby to have all the immunity from my milk. I didn't realize this was going to be such a battle. Our Pediatrician recommended going as close to 8 wks as I could for immunity. The thought of another 5 wks sounds terrible.

lindslalala · August 2014

@mustangholly‌ my MW told me with both of my kids that my mental health is more important than BFing . That really helped me with my guilt.

missilini · August 2014

What are your thoughts on donor milk? My friend had a baby about a week before me and she has an oversupply. She was going to donate to the hospital, but knows I'm not producing so she offered to give it to me. Part of me thinks it's a little icky, but the other part thinks it's ok. I hate that the first ingredient in the formula I'm using is corn syrup. I know I can switch formulas. I'm just using up the freebies for now. So I'm torn. If you were offered free BM would you use it?

mustangholly · August 2014

missilini said:
What are your thoughts on donor milk? My friend had a baby about a week before me and she has an oversupply. She was going to donate to the hospital, but knows I'm not producing so she offered to give it to me. Part of me thinks it's a little icky, but the other part thinks it's ok. I hate that the first ingredient in the formula I'm using is corn syrup. I know I can switch formulas. I'm just using up the freebies for now. So I'm torn. If you were offered free BM would you use it?

@missilini‌ I couldn't do it.

glitterclaws · August 2014

@mustangholly‌ - I pumped for 4-5 weeks before realizing that I was missing out on being happy with my new baby. I was always planning feeding and pumping sessions and setting pumping goals and the obsessive scheduling was exhausting.

Do what makes your family happy.

cookieinva · August 2014

@mustangholly I decided not to feel too guilty because it is important developmentally for my baby to eat well, sleep well, and be loved by a happy mommy. Stopping pumping allowed me more time and an improved mood to spending playing with him or doing things to make for a happy mommy (i.e. more time for laundry, napping, exercise, etc.). Also my mood imrpoved greatly for not feeling tied to a pump or pumping schedule. I stopped BFing/pumping sooner with this baby than I did with my older son and, ot coincidentally, I bonded sooner with this baby just because I was happier.

Mamanorris81 · August 2014

missilini said:
What are your thoughts on donor milk? My friend had a baby about a week before me and she has an oversupply. She was going to donate to the hospital, but knows I'm not producing so she offered to give it to me. Part of me thinks it's a little icky, but the other part thinks it's ok. I hate that the first ingredient in the formula I'm using is corn syrup. I know I can switch formulas. I'm just using up the freebies for now. So I'm torn. If you were offered free BM would you use it?

We are using donor milk and formula. It's from a friend that I trust and I feel good about it. I never made a drop of milk with either of my babies and it was hard emotionally on me. I feel better knowing that Lennon is getting some BM. If you have any questions about it feel free to ask!

jennp1979 · August 2014

For those of you only formula feeding are you still pumping for weight loss ?

If so when does the weight loss begin?

Jillhorner87 · August 2014

We are every 3.5 - 4 hours and sometimes 2.5 ounces or he will surprise us with 3 ounces! I bought tommee tippee bottles, but my son was pretty tiny when he was born and he literally gets tired out from drinking out if them because the nipple is so big! He is now using medela bottles and just switched to their nipples. We used the similac hospital nipples till today. I just had to stop breast feeding last week :-( not producing nearly enough anymore.

Eric&Steph11 · August 2014

Hi all,

Lurker from A14 as my baby decided to be 2 weeks early and I ended up being a July mom I wanted to thank you all for this amazing thread as it has helped me deal with my decision to FF. I wanted to try to BF, but when the time came I wasn't feeling it and LO was stubborn to latch. By the time my milk came in I was in so much pain and crying constantly I made the decision that it wasn't worth it and ever since I've enjoyed every experience of being a FTM (even the constant 2-3 hr night awakenings!) Thanks again for all your honest comments and I'm proud to agree with all of your decisions.

Csltdk · August 2014

Eric&Steph11 said:
Hi all,
Lurker from A14 as my baby decided to be 2 weeks early and I ended up being a July mom I wanted to thank you all for this amazing thread as it has helped me deal with my decision to FF. I wanted to try to BF, but when the time came I wasn't feeling it and LO was stubborn to latch. By the time my milk came in I was in so much pain and crying constantly I made the decision that it wasn't worth it and ever since I've enjoyed every experience of being a FTM (even the constant 2-3 hr night awakenings!) Thanks again for all your honest comments and I'm proud to agree with all of your decisions.

So glad to hear this has helped you! Welcome to July. How is your LO doing coming 2 weeks earlier?

Eric&Steph11 · August 2014

LO is doing wonderfully Weighed in at 7 lbs 2 oz and 21 inches long. He and I were both ready for the adventure to begin! He was stubborn with latching at the birthing center and I had to supplement with formula. After he lost 8 ounces by the time we left in 2 days I was sold on formula. Now he's surpassed his birth weight at 7 lbs 14 oz. Everyone's happy! lol

taylorjeanne84 · August 2014

Eric&Steph11 said:
LO is doing wonderfully Weighed in at 7 lbs 2 oz and 21 inches long. He and I were both ready for the adventure to begin! He was stubborn with latching at the birthing center and I had to supplement with formula. After he lost 8 ounces by the time we left in 2 days I was sold on formula. Now he's surpassed his birth weight at 7 lbs 14 oz. Everyone's happy! lol

Welcome to July14!

TugboatSheila · August 2014

I would totally do donor milk from someone I trusted.

And I can only echo what others have said about acknowledging that mental health is so important. When I was pumping and getting only 5ML out of one of my breasts I realized how depressed I was. I cried everyday about it. But enough is enough! Your baby is getting YOU which is the best thing for him/her. I smile so much more with my baby now and I think that really helps me feel More connected to him.

I will admit though that with my next child I will try again and if I get a normal supply the hours of pumping will probably be worth it.

You aren't failing by giving him formula.

Csltdk · August 2014

Shark week starts tonight- fuck yeah!

Ellie's first beach trip is tomorrow, perfect timing

lindslalala · August 2014

Csltdk said:
Shark week starts tonight- fuck yeah!

Ellie's first beach trip is tomorrow, perfect timing

That Rob Lowe commercial for Shark Week has been on constantly!

On a loosely related note, DH said that the tub after my water birth looked like something out of Jaws. You're welcome for that visual.

lindslalala · August 2014

I thought I was in the random thread, oops $:\$ ">

Csltdk · August 2014

lindslalala said:
I thought I was in the random thread, oops $:\$ ">

Haha I thought I posted this in the random thread as well. Whoops!

missilini · August 2014

Do you warm up your baby's bottle? I use bottled water to make her bottles and they are room temp. I usually don't warm them up because she is screaming. I was wondering what others did though.

Mamanorris81 · August 2014

I make his bottles ahead of time and warm them up. I have tried to give them to him straight from the fridge when he is crying and he hates them cold.

emy730 · August 2014

@missilini‌ We don't warm them up unless we make them ahead of time and put them in the refrigerator. We don't do that very often though. Normally we just use bottled water at room temp.

cookieinva · August 2014

We don't warm them; haven't had to. We can give room temp, freshly mixed bottle or pre-mixed straight from the fridge. I'd encourage you to try giving from the fridge just incase your LO doesn't require them to be warmed. Neither of my sons have seemed to care so far.

littlemissmarla · August 2014

We warm them only because we are using ready to feed formula and breastmilk that's been in the fridge. I love the Kindee Kozii, it doesn't really make the milk very warm almost like room temp.

middleschoolmommy · August 2014

I usually mix 24hrs worth of formula and keep it in the fridge. I warm bottles with the kindee kozii. I love that thing. Ill start a bottle warming then go change his diaper. Its ready by the time I'm done changing him. Its gotten to where he expects to eat following a diaper change, EVERY time.

lindslalala · August 2014

Jdubb13 said:
Hi ladies,
I'm considering transitioning my 3 week old EBF to formula after dealing with issue after issue and some PPD. Any tips for making this transition? Should I start by cutting one feeding or more? How much formula are your LOs eating at a month old? I'm worried that as my supply starts to dwindle that she'll not get enough milk at the feedings on the breast. Did you experience any issues during the transition? TIA

I quit nursing cold turkey with both my kids. Once they had a bottle/formula neither of them wanted to nurse so it was easier to just stop all at once. Plus I'd get so engorged they'd have problems latching.

ksspiff · August 2014

@Jdubb13‌ PPD contributed to my transition too. If you have the patience to go slow, that might be better on the hormones. I'm sorry I don't have any good transition advice.
My 5week old drinks 3-4 ounces at a feeding. Two weeks ago it was closer to 2-3 ounces

Mamanorris81 · August 2014

Bottle warmers, worth it or no? We warm lennon's bottles in a large cup with hot water. I am wondering if a bottle warmer would do it faster? Any reccomendations if you have a good one?

alyss0nl · August 2014

I have the Avent bottle warmer. Takes about 2 mins. I like it. https://t.toysrus.com/skava/static/product.html?type=TRU_product_us&url=/product/index.jsp?productId=3251284&cp=&frmSearch=true&frmSearch=true&parentPage=search&domain=http://www.toysrus.com

missilini · August 2014

Another stupid EFF question. LO was drinking 4oz of formula, but the last day or 2 she has been drinking 1-4oz more often throughout the day. So I have still been making 4oz bottles since I don't know what she will be in the mood for. Anyways i know it says in the formula directions to throw out the milk an hour after the feeding starts. Do you do this or put it in the fridge for a later feeding? It kills me to throw out 3oz of formula.

TricksyPixie · August 2014

Ladies... How do you get your munchkin to burp?! DD will burp when she wants to, but most of the time won't, no matter how hard I try. I can be at it for 15 minutes and nothing. Then she cries and cries because she has a gas bubble. I have gripe water, which helps, but you know what's more helpful?

HER FREAKING BURPING.

alyss0nl · August 2014

missilini said:

Another stupid EFF question. LO was drinking 4oz of formula, but the last day or 2 she has been drinking 1-4oz more often throughout the day. So I have still been making 4oz bottles since I don't know what she will be in the mood for. Anyways i know it says in the formula directions to throw out the milk an hour after the feeding starts. Do you do this or put it in the fridge for a later feeding? It kills me to throw out 3oz of formula.
Once formula is warmed up you should toss it. It's painful, for sure. What I've done is make a smaller bottle and if he still wants more, make another bottle. Basically in increments of 2 oz so I'm not wasting 3oz or more.

alyss0nl · August 2014

TricksyPixie said:

Ladies... How do you get your munchkin to burp?! DD will burp when she wants to, but most of the time won't, no matter how hard I try. I can be at it for 15 minutes and nothing. Then she cries and cries because she has a gas bubble. I have gripe water, which helps, but you know what's more helpful? HER FREAKING BURPING.

I have the most luck with the 3rd and 4th position. https://m.wikihow.com/Burp-a-Newborn

middleschoolmommy · August 2014

TricksyPixie said:
Ladies... How do you get your munchkin to burp?! DD will burp when she wants to, but most of the time won't, no matter how hard I try. I can be at it for 15 minutes and nothing. Then she cries and cries because she has a gas bubble. I have gripe water, which helps, but you know what's more helpful?

HER FREAKING BURPING.

DS is incredibly difficult to burp. Sometimes he just won't do it. Sometimes it helps to lay him flat on his back, or stomach, for 5 mins and then sit him up to burp.

ksspiff · August 2014

I don't keep formula that has been started, but I have made an extra four ounces that sits in the fridge for the day: start with a two ounce bottle, then if he wants more, pour some in from the fridge. That way I can still offer it, but I'm not wasting as much.

emeek · August 2014

DS2 has been eating like crazy. I was giving him so much I thought I was going to make him sick but guess was just starving. Went to his 1 month check up today and he gained 2 pounds!

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