The Great Formula Feeding Thread

Ekg688 · August 2014

Hello ladies,

littlemissmarla · August 2014

Do you all use ready to feed formula or powder? LO is almost 3w, I had read somewhere that initially using the ready to feed for the first month would be preferable as it cuts back on contamination.. etc (FTM paranoia took over) .. I was really only planning to use ready to feed for the first month as it is $$$. My question is do I need to do anything specific when I am ready to switch to powder? Can I just jump over to powder or do I kind of need to ween her off the ready to feed?

glitterclaws · August 2014

LO was on ready-made in the NICU and started powder when he came home. We switch back and forth between the two whenever it's convenient. We take the 2oz nursettes in the diaper bag because gerber nipples fit right on the container.

alyss0nl · August 2014

We used the ready to feed in the hospital, and when we got home, we started him on the powder, and haven't had any issues. I've never heard of only using ready to feed for the first month because of contamination.

Lindsay2907 · August 2014

FF from day 1!
4 weeks old.
Helen takes 4oz every 4 hours, and goes 6 hours at night. God love her!

Lindsay2907 · August 2014

alysson.lawless said:
We used the ready to feed in the hospital, and when we got home, we started him on the powder, and haven't had any issues. I've never heard of only using ready to feed for the first month because of contamination.

Never have I heard this either.
Seems paranoid and silly.

littlemissmarla · August 2014

Lindsay2907 said:

alysson.lawless said:
We used the ready to feed in the hospital, and when we got home, we started him on the powder, and haven't had any issues. I've never heard of only using ready to feed for the first month because of contamination.
Never have I heard this either.
Seems paranoid and silly.

Obviously it's paranoid thats why I stated that and looking for advice which you seem to have none of.

Csltdk · August 2014

@littlemissmarla‌ I don't think I have ever seen snark from you, you tell dat bitch

littlemissmarla · August 2014

Csltdk said:

@littlemissmarla‌ I don't think I have ever seen snark from you, you tell dat bitch

Sleep deprivation has taken it's toll, haha I no longer have patience for assholes.

glitterclaws · August 2014

^ Haha. Awesome.

I'm not sure if someone already mentioned this, but re: the powder contamination - it has to do with touching the scoop. Once you touch the scoop handle and then toss it back in the powder, technically you've contaminated the container with non-sterile hands. HTH!

littlemissmarla · August 2014

csmith0085 said:
^ Haha. Awesome.

I'm not sure if someone already mentioned this, but re: the powder contamination - it has to do with touching the scoop. Once you touch the scoop handle and then toss it back in the powder, technically you've contaminated the container with non-sterile hands. HTH!

I knew I wasn't totally crazy! Lol thanks

alyss0nl · August 2014

The up and up brand formula has a place where the school attaches to the top, so that only the actual scoop touches the formula, not the handle.

taylorjeanne84 · August 2014

I'm OCD about the scoop handle! You aren't crazy!! We use Up and Up and I make sure to slide it in it's spot everytime.

Edit: words

RJHarmon · August 2014

Up & up never used to have that feature! I am delighted! (However, now I think they are a PIA to open) With my first 2 I sucked it up and bought a tub of similac first then transferred the up & up into the similac tub because it had the scoop holder.

SavyShi · August 2014

Hi everyone... I'm normally a lurker on the boards but just need to vent. I'm very happy there is special thread for this. I tried so hard to stick with EBF and it just was not working out. Between the latching issues (blisters, bruises, ect.) and supply issues things were constantly stressful. I was always anxious about every feeding. We are gradually switching over to FF and right now I'm pumping some BM. I am much more at ease FF but more importantly, so is my LO. He is already SO much less fussy and sleeping better. However... I am having some doubts if I made the right choice. I feel like in some way I am now slighting my LO for not continuing to BF and it makes me somewhat less of a mother. My pediatrician said if it was that difficult and stressful for us why continue it and said a happier Mom is more important for LO. He also stressed it is more important to enjoy the feeding time. I guess I'm just being very hormonal about everything? I feel like as I lessen my pump sessions throughout the day and am starting to produce less... the more upset I get. On the flip side I was extremely anxiety ridden when I was EBF. Please tell me these feelings are somewhat normal? I think I'm driving my SO crazy over this as he doesn't quite understand why I'm dwelling or feeling some remorse.

mustangholly · August 2014

SavyShi said:
Hi everyone... I'm normally a lurker on the boards but just need to vent. I'm very happy there is special thread for this. I tried so hard to stick with EBF and it just was not working out. Between the latching issues (blisters, bruises, ect.) and supply issues things were constantly stressful. I was always anxious about every feeding. We are gradually switching over to FF and right now I'm pumping some BM. I am much more at ease FF but more importantly, so is my LO. He is already SO much less fussy and sleeping better. However... I am having some doubts if I made the right choice. I feel like in some way I am now slighting my LO for not continuing to BF and it makes me somewhat less of a mother. My pediatrician said if it was that difficult and stressful for us why continue it and said a happier Mom is more important for LO. He also stressed it is more important to enjoy the feeding time. I guess I'm just being very hormonal about everything? I feel like as I lessen my pump sessions throughout the day and am starting to produce less... the more upset I get. On the flip side I was extremely anxiety ridden when I was EBF. Please tell me these feelings are somewhat normal? I think I'm driving my SO crazy over this as he doesn't quite understand why I'm dwelling or feeling some remorse.

I am going through the same exact thing. I dread pumping and can barely keep up with LO. I am already using the few bags I had in the freezer. I dread giving LO formula. Makes me so upset. I know it's ok. But I feel like I am not giving my LO the best. Hormones make it worse. Pediatrician said the same to us. I am just trying to go one day at a time.

nbeverly916 · August 2014

I feel the same way and I am doing the same thing. You are not alone! Everyone keeps telling me its all about feeding your baby and doing what's best for your baby. I pump a few times a day and ff the rest of the time. I still feel guilt but know its for the best and I feel so much less stress. On a happier note I know my baby will take a bottle when I'm gone and the hubby can help feed her at night so I can get more sleep. So there's a couple positives!

middleschoolmommy · August 2014

Can we talk about baby poop? Maybe tmi, but-

We switched ds to gentelese 3 days ago and his poop has gone from pasty to seedy. Still the same freen color, but with a bunch of white "curds". Anyone elses LO have this? I'm thinking he might not be digesting it all? He seems hungry more frequently and will take more formula than before.

NugsMom · August 2014

SavyShi said:
Hi everyone... I'm normally a lurker on the boards but just need to vent. I'm very happy there is special thread for this. I tried so hard to stick with EBF and it just was not working out. Between the latching issues (blisters, bruises, ect.) and supply issues things were constantly stressful. I was always anxious about every feeding. We are gradually switching over to FF and right now I'm pumping some BM. I am much more at ease FF but more importantly, so is my LO. He is already SO much less fussy and sleeping better. However... I am having some doubts if I made the right choice. I feel like in some way I am now slighting my LO for not continuing to BF and it makes me somewhat less of a mother. My pediatrician said if it was that difficult and stressful for us why continue it and said a happier Mom is more important for LO. He also stressed it is more important to enjoy the feeding time. I guess I'm just being very hormonal about everything? I feel like as I lessen my pump sessions throughout the day and am starting to produce less... the more upset I get. On the flip side I was extremely anxiety ridden when I was EBF. Please tell me these feelings are somewhat normal? I think I'm driving my SO crazy over this as he doesn't quite understand why I'm dwelling or feeling some remorse.

I am struggling with this big time. It has caused many tears in my house.

I have been working so hard trying to EBF, pumping 8x a day to increase my supply and going to see lactation consultants 2-3x a week. I had a mindset of, as long as I try my hardest and don't give up, this will work out.

Well, 6 weeks later I'm only able to pump 1/4 of what DS eats. It is depressing.

I have heard the same things from the pedi and LCs. I have guilt over this though and feel like I have failed.

TwizzyG · August 2014

I also went from EBF to pumping, but I haven't been able to keep up with DD's demands. She was always screaming and fussy when I was EBF and she nursed for an hour (felt like constantly). Now that we're supplementing with formula with EP and she's like a new baby!!! Having a happier baby is way more worth while than sticking to my plan to EBF/EP. So much less stressful for me (and DH).

Try not to feel guilty ladies. I know sometimes it's hard not to, but you don't love your child any less if you can't EBF them!

skr1619 · August 2014

@eadams08‌ that's exactly what happened to my son when we switched him to gentlease too. The curdles are normal for FF babies. And they get hungrier in the beginning because the proteins are partially broken down in the gentlease formula. It'll pass! My son seemed to "level out" by the 2nd week. Then his poops became pasty again with very little to no curdles. I'd be concerned if he had little hard pellet poops or blood. Of course if you're still concerned you can talk to your pedi

hth!

NugsMom · August 2014

@TwizzyG‌ do you mind sharing your schedule of feeding/pumping? How often do you pump? Do you feed then pump every time, or do you have someone else feed while you pump? How about MOTN feedings? I'm trying to figure out something that will work for us.

kweaver123 · August 2014

eadams08 said:
Can we talk about baby poop? Maybe tmi, but-

We switched ds to gentelese 3 days ago and his poop has gone from pasty to seedy. Still the same freen color, but with a bunch of white "curds". Anyone elses LO have this? I'm thinking he might not be digesting it all? He seems hungry more frequently and will take more formula than before.

My lo has always had the seedy poop on formula.

glitterclaws · August 2014

How often are you guys getting projectile vomits? We've been getting them daily and have switch formula a few times at the drs recommendation. We've been on nutramigen (milk allergy formula) for about 2 weeks now and the past two days are the first he hasn't emptied his stomach at least once. Anyone else have this going on?

shortstack930 · August 2014

Hey all! Looks like I'll be joining you guys!

I've been EBF for about a month now and DD has been extremely fussy and it seemed like she was never awake and not crying. When we took her to the pedi at 3 weeks she still hadn't reached her birth weight. I went to a LC and she told me that DD wasn't getting a deep enough latch and she wasn't emptying the breasts fully, which had caused my supply to decrease because my breasts weren't getting the signal to produce more milk. She helped me to get her to latch better and gave me tips to increase my supply.

I definitely noticed an improvement in her after we saw the LC, but she would still cry several times a day after a feeding and it seemed like she was still hungry. We took her to the pedi again today (a week later) and she finally reached her birth weight, but she is already almost a month old. The pedi said it was time to start supplementing with formula because she should be over 8lbs by now and she is only 7lbs 2oz.

She's still getting probably about 75% breast milk but since we started supplementing today I have already noticed a drastic difference. She is so much more content and actually took a nap in the afternoon instead of crying all day! DH and I are both more relaxed (although I did cry like an idiot when he fed her the first bottle of formula) and we are hoping we will get more bonding time with her since we won't be stressing out over feedings.

I'm so glad that this thread is here because it really makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one going through this. I didn't want to supplement at first because I felt like a failure, but after seeing how much happier my girl is already I feel like an idiot for ever second guessing the need to supplement. I want her to be happy and thriving, and she finally seems to be doing that.

We are using Similac Advance to start and she uses the Avent Naturals bottles.

littlemissmarla · August 2014

What kind of water do you all use to mix the powder formula? Bottled water, filtered water? So confused

skr1619 · August 2014

littlemissmarla said:
What kind of water do you all use to mix the powder formula? Bottled water, filtered water? So confused

I use nursery water. I think some people boil water and let it cool.

TwizzyG · August 2014

NugsMom said:
@TwizzyG‌ do you mind sharing your schedule of feeding/pumping? How often do you pump? Do you feed then pump every time, or do you have someone else feed while you pump? How about MOTN feedings? I'm trying to figure out something that will work for us.

Now that we are at 5 weeks, I found that my baby was following the E.A.S.Y. Schedule on her own pretty close, so I work around that.

Her MOTN feeding is usually 3:30 or 4 and I pump after (or during) that. (hands-free pumping bra comes in handy here if pumping during feeding!)
Then, she eats at 7, we have her activity time, and when she goes for a nap around 8:15, I pump.
Then it's literally repeating the same thing all day.
10 am: eats, activity, nap @ 11:15 and I pump.
1pm: eats, activity, nap @ 2:15 and pump.
4pm: eats, activity, nap @ 6 and pump.
7pm: eats, bath and short activity, then bedtime.
10/10:30 is her "dream feed" and that lasts her until 3:30 or 4 am. I pump after the dream feed.

Then we do it again the next day.

If you are trying to get some extra BM, sometimes I'll wake up before the 7am feed and pump too.

Hope this helps!

alyss0nl · August 2014

I use the water from my water dispenser.

emy730 · August 2014

We have a water filtration system in our home, so we use that.

Aab7114 · August 2014

I use bottled water right now. I will be asking the pedi at his next appt if I need to switch to something with fluoride added.

NugsMom · August 2014

@twizzy very much. Thank you! I get overwhelmed with feeding him his bottle and also pumping often enough at times, especially if I'm home by myself. We are at 5 weeks, too. He'll be 6 weeks on Friday.

TwizzyG · August 2014

I'm at home by myself too. If I pump and feed her at the same time, I'll use the boppy to help prop her up to feed her to make it a little easier. I usually just do it separately even though it takes more time out of my day.

lindslalala · August 2014

I use tap water

Csltdk · August 2014

I use distilled water.

ksspiff · August 2014

@shortstack1030‌ congratulations on making the switch to a thriving baby! A content baby is so much easier to be with every day

We started with nursery water, but now I use tap water that's been through the brita filter

shortstack930 · August 2014

Do you guys sterilize the bottles after each use or just wash with soap and water?

emeek · August 2014

I use water from my Brita filter to mix bottles

skr1619 · August 2014

shortstack930 said:
Do you guys sterilize the bottles after each use or just wash with soap and water?

I sterilize my bottles, nipples, pacis, and any other bottle parts before the first use and then once a week

eta: and just wash with soap and water throughout the week

shortstack930 · August 2014

samounthak said:

shortstack930 said:
Do you guys sterilize the bottles after each use or just wash with soap and water?
I sterilize my bottles, nipples, pacis, and any other bottle parts before the first use and then once a week

eta: and just wash with soap and water throughout the week

Okay good because this is exactly what I had been doing but then a friend told me she sterilizes after each use so I was worried I was doing something wrong.

Thanks!

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