BFing Newborn Twins - Back up bottles and formula?

[juneavrile]

I'm going to try to breastfeed, but plan not to get too upset if it doesn't work and will be looking to mix expressed or formula in at some point anyway as I think I will need to be able to have husband do it sometimes

What do you recommend I buy in terms of number and type of bottles per baby? I am confused about all the different sizes, materials and flow. Is there something that works for newborn and 3 month old? Should I buy a sterilising unit from get-go, or is that unnecessary to start? Is there a good all-rounder formula or do you think ready to drink better?

Thank you

any thoughts

I would buy some Dr Brown baby bottles. Buy four. They come with the newborn teats.

Stock up on some cartons of ready made formula.

You will also need a steriliser.

If you buy these close to the time of birth and keep you receipt safe you can always return them if it's all going well with the boob.

Just remembered MAM bottles have a tear that is similar to nipple so they might be better.

Also buy some soothers. Some babies like to be on boob constantly. A soother can give you a cheeky ten minute break. Yes I really meant ten minute. BF is hard work and nobody told me I would be doing it constantly in the first few weeks!

Teat not tear!

Bf babies can be picky about teats so I personally wouldn't buy a 'system'. This time I bought one bottle from a few ranges to see what DD2 liked. In the end, the glass NUK bottle with a latex teat worked for us.

We also tried:
Medela Calma
Yoomi
Breastworks
Mimijumi
Nuby Natural
Lansinoh
Playtex

With DD1, we didn't buy a steriliser and just used a big pot on the stove. Simply clean all the pieces and bring the water to the boil. Pop the pieces in and put the lid on. Leave for 10 minutes. We always assembled the empty bottles and popped them in the back of the fridge. Just took one out and made up a bottle as needed. I find the Milton steriliser great for ebf for the odd bottle and the pump pieces.

Re pumping. You don't need to clean and sterilise the pieces of the pump after every session. Put all the pump parts (bar the pump) into a freezer bag and store at the back of the fridge. Clean and sterilise once in 24 hours.

I have no idea if you want to consider donated breastmilk. If you do, there is a group Human Milk for Human Babies (HM4MB) who could provide you with ebm free of any charge.

Have you had the chance to sit down with the Infant Feeding Specialist at your hospital? I found mine excellent.

Congrats

Oh and ready to drink are easier and quicker. More expensive though.

I like Aptamil brand best.

If money is right then powder is best but in the first week or two it's going to be manic so stretching to the cartons initially is worth it

Oh and if you definitely planning using bottle you would be best with six. They go pretty quickly and folk usually wash them once a day sterilise them and they are ready to go next day.

Thank you so much for your help.
I will enquire re the feeding specialist, it hasn't been offered.
I hadn't thought of buying a few different rather than a set. Think I will do this and buy some RTD milk. Then I'll feel 'safe' if the bf isn't working.
Babies are due over xmas / new year and I don't want to be without a back up if I happen to need it on the one day our Sainsburys is closed.