Advice for New Mum re formula prep

[SmileyEyes]

My DD is 6 wks old and I am bottle feeding. When I started I was preparing the formula in advance, putting in the fridge and warming when required. I was using SMA Gold. I then changed to Hipps Organic and they advised to NOT make in advance but to put the boiled water into bottles and put in the fridge for later use (once cooled), warm when required and then add formula (A bit of a do during night feeds). I have looked through previous threads and have got myself really confused as to whether I am doing the right thing.
Along with this DD has very uncomfortable flatulence which makes her moan and cry most of the day and night (even when she is asleep!). I changed to Hipps because of this problem, thinking it may be the formula.
So I am now wondering:
Once I have sterilised her bottles can I leave them to dry naturally and fill them at a later time (having washed thoroughly as DD has thrush)?
Do I have to put the water filled bottles in the fridge if I need to use them throughout the day and night or can I leave them out at room tempreture?
I have been demand feeding but DD sometimes will only take 1 - 11/2fl when I have been told by HV to give her 4fl oz. Should I wait for her to really cry (as opposed to no tears) for her feed or assess how long she has gone since the last feed(I normally wait 2 hours)?
Sorry for the numerous questions but I can feel myself getting a little stressed especially because DD always seems to be in pain, whether with hunger or chronic flatulence.
I am considering changing formula again to Aptamil but hesitant as I don't want to make DD more uncomfortable.
I haven't discussed with HV as I don't find her that approachable.
Please help as I am beginning to drive myself mad trying to work it out myself.
Thanks

ok, i found with hipp that it does need mixing with warm water or it doesn't mix properly. but i did used to make it up and keep it in the fridge. no problems at all. have since changed to cow and gate organic which i do the other way... put water in the bottles and then add formula as i need to as it doens't need to go into warm water iyswim?
i keep the bottles out on the worktop... not in fridge.

as for feeding... why is your health visitor saying she needs 4oz? she will eat what she watns, and no-one will be able to force her to have more! you sound like you're doing just right... demand feeding and letting her take what she wants!

what makes you think she is in pain? do you wind her well after every feed? if she is in pain it may be nothing to do with the formula... would advise a visit to an osteopath... amazing people!

Thanks Starlover. I think she is in pain because she goes rigid, pushes down her chin, will raise her legs up and push them out all the time grunting or making little noises that sound like 'ow'. It is horrible to watch. I have tried to massage her tummy but it doesn't help. I do wind her during and after the feeds normally she burps very well but sometimes not at all. Tried Infacol but she brought up her milk everytime. Tried Gripe water but nearly choked her so afraid to try again. Interested about the Osteopath what would they do?

You don't need to keep boiled water in the fridge - its just water, there is nothing to go off.

You're supposed to make sure there is always a bit left in the bottle after she has finished - that way you know she had enough. Other than that, its up to her how much she drinks. But I found that if it was less than about 2.5 hrs since the last feed, I should try everything else to calm/distract before feeding. Often they were bored or tired rather than hungry (they still want to suck when bored or tired so you can't use that as a signal!). But with bottlefeeding, I don't think feeding more often contributes to wind??

I seem to remember that Hipp Organic makes quite a few babies windy but this is totally off the top of my head. Although its not actually going to hurt to try a different one. Just don't tell your hv.

Sometimes they just have to grow out of it (in about 6 weeks time for you...)

they will just have a very gentle feel to see if there are any areas that are particularly tight or "out of place". did you have a natural birth? this can increase the chances i think of there being something niggly that might be causing her pain... not surprising thinking about the small space she had to squeeze through iyswim?!

anyway we took ds to one and she was fab. she asked if he favoured one side (which he did) and she said was it the left (it was!) and she said his neck muscles were a bit tight down that side.
she also asked if he hicupped a lot (again spot on!) and said that his diaphragm was very tight as well. she gave him a gentle massage to help loosen everything up. He had 3 treatments in all and was much better after. he used to get hiccups at least once or twice a day and they almost stopped after the first visit!!!!

I also know someone else who had a very difficult baby, cried constantly. she took him to the osteopath who manipulated his head, neck and back and he was like a different child!!!

Yep! Can also recommend an Osteopath. I'm not sure about Hipp Organic milk and the need to mix it cold etc - I always made everything up in advance.
As for her needing 4oz a feed I wouldn't worry but just go along with what she wants. HVs can be a bit dictatorial sometimes about what's right and wrong and they are not always correct (know this as I am one myself )
If she's gaining weight then she is getting adequate milk.
Also colic can make babies of your DD age really uncomfortable. I have a theory that it's because they are adjusting to food going through their systems for the first time and get uncomfortable spasms and also I suspect many babies have silent reflux where they are not sicking back loads but having small regurgitations causing pain and discomfort - hard to tell at this stage though.
There are various formulas on the market for colicky and uncomfortable babies which are available over the counter and via your GP (Omneo Comfort for example)which might be worth trying if you're desperate.
I know how hard a colicky baby is as DS had terrible reflux as a baby.
Another thing worth trying (local Mums swear by it in my area) is Colief Colic drops which are available from Boots (you might need to look in the homeopathic/aternative section. This works by neutralising the lactose in milk which is thought to be the cause of alot of discomfort. I can't comment as I never tried it (didn't know about it when I was a new Mum) but I hear good reports about it - it IS £10 a bottle though just to warn you.

Thanks for the advice. Interestingly DD has hiccups everyday so think we might go down the Osteopath route - pennies permitting! ;)
She does tend to regurgitate small amounts of milk even a couple of hours after she has had a feed. Visiting the Dr on Friday for my 6 week check up so I think I will ask his opinion as he has a special interest in pediatrics.
I am feeling much more comfortable with not putting the water in the fridge, and definately going to change from the Hipp formula.
This was my first post and I am really glad that I did as I have been worrying for days!!
Thank you once again.