Starting formula - clueless FTM

[ChelseaCat]

Hi all

I’m extremely proud that I’ve managed to feed my baby for the last 15 weeks without using any formula. It hasn’t been easy but we’ve got through.

I’m thinking of introducing one formula feed a day (for several reasons which aren’t really relevant to my question) but I have no idea how to start giving it. Do I need to just give a small feed of formula to start with so it doesn’t upset his stomach or can we just go straight in with a full formula feed?

Unfortunately expressing and giving BM in a bottle isn’t an option - my milk supply is extremely sensitive and I will end up ludicrously engorged and sore if I try to pump.

Any advice and help would be very much appreciated

CC

If you don’t pump but give him a formula feed surely you’ll also end up engorged as the milk he previously had from you is still in there? Anyway re formula yes you can go straight in on a full feed but don’t make them take more than they want of it. Check the side of the packet it says how much per a certain age eg it might say 150ml at 4 months or something and then i’d jump down one recommendation from that to like 120ml instead. Also make sure you burp them regularly (every 40ml or so). Also timing of when to give the formula feed in the day is important as well as how you make the feed.

I introduced a bottle of formula at around the same age (baby is now 5 months) I swapped the feed after her first morning nap and started with 200 ml ready made aptamil (just to try it out and not waste too much if she didn't get on with it) after a couple of days I bought a tin and followed the amount suggested on the tin.
After two weeks I swapped the afternoon feed and last week swapped the bedtime feed.
I haven't had any supply issues this way and it has been enough time for her to get used to the change. Good luck!

I should add she definitely didn't drink the full 200 ml at first! Maybe half the bottle. Quickly managed the amount suggested for her age though. Frequent burping is a good idea!
You will probably be engorged the first two days but your supply should regulate pretty quickly.

NCT

www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/feeding/practical-tips/mixed-feeding-combining-breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding

NHS

www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/combining-breast-and-bottle/