Massive vomiting after first ever bottle of formula

[mousesmum]

My first post! Hi everyone. We've decided to supplement with formula after dd (18 wks) was not gaining weight. We thought we'd start with one formula feed a day, and keep bf for the rest of the feeds. So... she took the bottle no problem, downed 7oz in about 10 mins - then threw up hugely in 4 instalments. Looked like most of the bottle! Feeling a bit stressed about the whole weight/supplementing thing anyway so I have some questions: was it just too much? Did she drink it too fast; should we switch to a slower teat? She doesn't normally vomit at all. Any suggestions welcome :)

erm bump! don't take this as gospel but I wouldn't worry too much for a first go, probably digestive system trying something new, and they often keep some of whats gone down in, it just looks more when it comes out..... try the formula again at a later date, if same happens again, dd might not like the formula and try a different one? some babies don't get on with SMA, but will be fine with others, don't forget to buy them from your local doc's/hosp as loads cheaper, HV will advise where.

is it possible that she took too much, too quickly?

I would guess it was too much for the first go.

Our DS3 only has about 7-8oz and he's nearly 15 months. Not that comparing babies will help but I think it is alot for such a little tummy.

i suspect it is probably down to your lo taking too much too quickly, so a slower teat may help. what sort of flow teat did you use?

Has she had ebm from a bottle ? If so did she take 7 oz as that actually seems quite a lot in one go for a first attempt. Perhaps try less next time and use a slower or variable teat. If same thing happens could be the formula doesn't agree. btw weight gain often slows at this time and supplementing is not always the answer. As long as she is still gaining it isn't necessarily an issue. Could you offer another b'feed or use ebm instead of the formula, if you are not comfortable with the idea of supplementing.

I used a medium flow teat (Avent no. 2) but I think I'll go back to the no. 1! Thanks emMerryChristmasmg, that's useful to know - dd has taken expressed breast milk from a bottle before and normally manages 6-7oz, which is why I thought 7oz would be ok. Anyway she's fast asleep now, it seems to have knocked her out. Will try again tomorrow with a slower teat and smaller amount and see how we get on.

mousesmum - hi sorry don't have time to read entire thread - but have you tried increasing your milk supply or increasing feeds instead of formula ? I know alot of HV suggest formula the minute they find out your baby isn't gaining as much as he should, but there are different reasons why a baby may not be gaining, not always to do with BF.

I highly recommend you read the info. on La Leche League website and another called www.kellymom.com (American) They both have excellent advice on why a baby may not be gaining and how to increase your feeds/supply to see if that helps weight gain.

I know its very upsetting when you do your best to BF and baby doesn't gain. I became so paranoid about my DS I went and bought very expensive baby scales so I could weigh him every week ! Luckily he has always been on 25th centile, never less or more. Now DS is nearly 6 mo and still exclusively BF with no problems.

Don't get obsessed like me though, just read the research and hopefully you will find out what is best. Best of luck.

Keep bumping your message up. There is a hv on here called Amanda who might see this and offer advice.