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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Formula Amount Help Please

18 replies

pregnancyrollercoaster · 19/09/2023 23:54

DD is 5wks 5days old last weighed 8lb 6oz at 5wks 1 day and I’m getting in a total pickle with feeding. She is FF due to a variety of factors so please don’t suggest or ask about BF as it didn’t happen for us. Until today she has been on 4oz every 4hr and I think I’ve completed misread the feeding table guide on the box (table attached) as it suggests for her age / weight I should be feeding 5 bottles in a 24hr period but I’ve been giving her 6 4oz bottles in a 24hr period. Today I tried to switch to 5oz / 5 bottles but she has been very unsettled and not managed to get to 5hrs between which then makes me think I’m potentially massively overfeeding her 🤯 can anyone help me out before I go completely paranoid android and shame myself again for getting being a mum thing wrong 😩 She’s on infant gaviscon for reflux too which is a maximum of 6 doses in a 24hr period. Thank you kindly for any wisdom and assistance I feel like I can’t ask my HV for advice as their stock response is do responsive feeding and FF is almost shamed by our healthboard too so they can’t advise me on FF 🙏🏻 💜

OP posts:
pregnancyrollercoaster · 19/09/2023 23:56

Sorry table didn't attach to original posting

Formula Amount Help Please
OP posts:
OohBettySpencer · 20/09/2023 00:15

The following is meant to reassure you, not be patronising.

Your hv is absolutely right in promoting responsive feeding.
These charts are the same as saying a man needs 2000 calories per day, one man could be slight and sedentary and the other could be built like a rugby player and have an active lifestyle with a much higher basal metabolic rate.

We don't eat the same amounts at the same intervals, why do we (society) think babies should? Because formula companies have brainwashed us to thinking so, so there is more wasted product and is they make more money.

if you look at that guide, you are trying to feed your 8lb baby what is recommended for a 10lb baby because of her age.
It is just a guide.
not all babies need the same amount, the same way all adults have different appetites/requirements.

Forget the clock, forget the numbers on the side of the bottle. Used a paced responsive feeding technique and the reflux is likely to ease. Have a look at possums paced feeding video on you tube for a great video.

As a rough rule of thumb formula feeding babies need 150ml/kg/24hrs for healthy growth. But they may take more.

By using paced responsive feeding, you won't override her appetite which will reduce the risk of her being overweight when she is older. And she is likely to be more settled between feeds.

It will also support you to develop trust in your maternal instinct and learn to read your babies cues better.

laladoodoo · 20/09/2023 00:15

Hiya, that table id a guide and only a guide - try not to focus too much on it!

We followed it in principle I guess but there were many times where we fed our baby more than that table and it was what she wanted! My baby generally will reject milk she doesn't want. We make 1oz more than the recommendation for each feed - sometimes she takes it and a lot of the times she doesn't.

Was your HV happy with the weight/growth? Is it consistent since birth? If she was being overfed it would be evident in the stats. Just go with what she wants x

cinnamonbiscuit · 20/09/2023 00:19

I currently have a 5 week old and we're formula feeding. From my experience with both my formula fed DDs, the info on the side of the formula tin is complete nonsense, just ignore and don't let it stress you out. 6x4oz feeds sounds perfectly fine to me. My DD is only going 2.5-3 hours between feeds which is also totally normal. If your DD is going 4 hours between feeds that sounds ideal, and presumably you'll have a 6 week check soon where she'll be weighed and you can double check that her weight gain is tracking as it should be. Please don't stress yourself out, it sounds like you're doing really well!

pregnancyrollercoaster · 20/09/2023 00:35

OohBettySpencer · 20/09/2023 00:15

The following is meant to reassure you, not be patronising.

Your hv is absolutely right in promoting responsive feeding.
These charts are the same as saying a man needs 2000 calories per day, one man could be slight and sedentary and the other could be built like a rugby player and have an active lifestyle with a much higher basal metabolic rate.

We don't eat the same amounts at the same intervals, why do we (society) think babies should? Because formula companies have brainwashed us to thinking so, so there is more wasted product and is they make more money.

if you look at that guide, you are trying to feed your 8lb baby what is recommended for a 10lb baby because of her age.
It is just a guide.
not all babies need the same amount, the same way all adults have different appetites/requirements.

Forget the clock, forget the numbers on the side of the bottle. Used a paced responsive feeding technique and the reflux is likely to ease. Have a look at possums paced feeding video on you tube for a great video.

As a rough rule of thumb formula feeding babies need 150ml/kg/24hrs for healthy growth. But they may take more.

By using paced responsive feeding, you won't override her appetite which will reduce the risk of her being overweight when she is older. And she is likely to be more settled between feeds.

It will also support you to develop trust in your maternal instinct and learn to read your babies cues better.

Not patronising at all thank you for being kind, reassuring and informative. I'll have a look at the possums paced feeding video and thanks for the rule of thumb calculation too it's really appreciated ❤️

When my HV advocated responsive feeding I asked for more detail and their response was watch for DD cues and when she cries feed her. When we were in hospital the MW kept saying feed every 3 but you can stretch to 4 if DD doesn't wake at 3hr 🤯 I've done more reading around it as need more detail than that as terrified I do over feed or under feed DD.

OP posts:
pregnancyrollercoaster · 20/09/2023 00:40

laladoodoo · 20/09/2023 00:15

Hiya, that table id a guide and only a guide - try not to focus too much on it!

We followed it in principle I guess but there were many times where we fed our baby more than that table and it was what she wanted! My baby generally will reject milk she doesn't want. We make 1oz more than the recommendation for each feed - sometimes she takes it and a lot of the times she doesn't.

Was your HV happy with the weight/growth? Is it consistent since birth? If she was being overfed it would be evident in the stats. Just go with what she wants x

Thank you for your kind message, a friend suggested the make up 1oz more just in case.

Daft question but how would I know if DD is satisfied as she's been draining bottles since she arrived safely earthside.

Weight has been fine since initial post birth loss fortunately as I was worried about being pulled in for 24hr observation which is the norm if baby doesn't regain and gain weight. She was 6lb 10oz at birth. DD is on the 25th centile for weight according to her red book. They don't do length measurements in our trust only weight and head circumference.

OP posts:
Inkypot · 20/09/2023 00:45

OohBettySpencer · 20/09/2023 00:15

The following is meant to reassure you, not be patronising.

Your hv is absolutely right in promoting responsive feeding.
These charts are the same as saying a man needs 2000 calories per day, one man could be slight and sedentary and the other could be built like a rugby player and have an active lifestyle with a much higher basal metabolic rate.

We don't eat the same amounts at the same intervals, why do we (society) think babies should? Because formula companies have brainwashed us to thinking so, so there is more wasted product and is they make more money.

if you look at that guide, you are trying to feed your 8lb baby what is recommended for a 10lb baby because of her age.
It is just a guide.
not all babies need the same amount, the same way all adults have different appetites/requirements.

Forget the clock, forget the numbers on the side of the bottle. Used a paced responsive feeding technique and the reflux is likely to ease. Have a look at possums paced feeding video on you tube for a great video.

As a rough rule of thumb formula feeding babies need 150ml/kg/24hrs for healthy growth. But they may take more.

By using paced responsive feeding, you won't override her appetite which will reduce the risk of her being overweight when she is older. And she is likely to be more settled between feeds.

It will also support you to develop trust in your maternal instinct and learn to read your babies cues better.

I wish someone had given me this advice when my baby's were newborns. It is so helpful and logical. I can't guarantee new-mum me would have actually taken it in properly at the time, but it is the clearest help I've seen anyone give on formula feeding in all my years of parenting (and I'm into the teenage years now).
OP you sound like you are trying your best for your baby with the knowledge you have. I have no useful advice other than you're doing a good job and I wish you all the best.

pregnancyrollercoaster · 20/09/2023 00:46

cinnamonbiscuit · 20/09/2023 00:19

I currently have a 5 week old and we're formula feeding. From my experience with both my formula fed DDs, the info on the side of the formula tin is complete nonsense, just ignore and don't let it stress you out. 6x4oz feeds sounds perfectly fine to me. My DD is only going 2.5-3 hours between feeds which is also totally normal. If your DD is going 4 hours between feeds that sounds ideal, and presumably you'll have a 6 week check soon where she'll be weighed and you can double check that her weight gain is tracking as it should be. Please don't stress yourself out, it sounds like you're doing really well!

Congratulations on your new arrival 💖

We've got our 6wk check next week as again our healthboard do it 'around 6 wks' 🤞🏻 it goes well and HV is popping in at the end of the week as it's been a bit of a rollercoaster with various things going on with DD and I.

I'm trying not to stress - it's chuffing hard not too!!

OP posts:
pregnancyrollercoaster · 20/09/2023 00:52

@Inkypot thank you, I'm trying my best to navigate my new role and all the curve balls it has thrown us so far. I need to cut myself some slack which is hard for me to do. I keep reminding myself as long as DD is loved, clean, healthy, safe and fed everything else is a bonus 💖

OP posts:
OohBettySpencer · 20/09/2023 01:27

Aw op, I'm pleased it came across the way I intended.

In terms of hunger cues, at this age, if your baby is awake they are likely to be hungry. Start preparing the bottle when she starts stirring in her sleep.
The milk is safe for 2hrs at room temp, and one hour once her moth has touched the teat. If she's crying, you've missed the early hunger cued and can lead to more abdominal discomfort, as she will be all tense when she starts feeding and probably have taking excess air in when crying.
Of course this response to early hunger cues is easier in the day when you're awake than when you're asleep at night, so don't be harsh on yourself if you don't wake till she's crying at night.

As she gets a little older and has longer awake periods, her early hunger cues might look like wide eyes, turning her head from side to side, opening her mouth, licking her lips or mouthing her hand.

You mentioned not knowing whether to offer more...if she finishes a bottle then offer more. But be sure she is positioned and fed as per possums video. If she is reclined, the milk will flow into her mouth and that can lead to overfeeding and babies not recognising they're full due to the time it takes for the signal to get to the brain from the stomach.

And while we're talking about it, how are you preparing your milk? If using a perfect prep machine, I would highly recommend preparing as per nhs guidelines: with hot water (at least 70degrees) from a kettle, Water into bottle first then add appropriate number of scoops of powder, for at least a week to see if it helps the reflux issue.

Preparing milk this way and using paced responsive feeding technique resolves a huge number of feeding issues in formula fed babies.

Lastly, try not to worry too much. It's sounds like you're doing a great job and trying to do your best for your beautiful bundle. Remember no one was born knowing this stuff. Becoming a new parent is a huge learning curve and we're all winging it to some extent. 😉We can only do what we know at the time.

pregnancyrollercoaster · 20/09/2023 02:03

OohBettySpencer · 20/09/2023 01:27

Aw op, I'm pleased it came across the way I intended.

In terms of hunger cues, at this age, if your baby is awake they are likely to be hungry. Start preparing the bottle when she starts stirring in her sleep.
The milk is safe for 2hrs at room temp, and one hour once her moth has touched the teat. If she's crying, you've missed the early hunger cued and can lead to more abdominal discomfort, as she will be all tense when she starts feeding and probably have taking excess air in when crying.
Of course this response to early hunger cues is easier in the day when you're awake than when you're asleep at night, so don't be harsh on yourself if you don't wake till she's crying at night.

As she gets a little older and has longer awake periods, her early hunger cues might look like wide eyes, turning her head from side to side, opening her mouth, licking her lips or mouthing her hand.

You mentioned not knowing whether to offer more...if she finishes a bottle then offer more. But be sure she is positioned and fed as per possums video. If she is reclined, the milk will flow into her mouth and that can lead to overfeeding and babies not recognising they're full due to the time it takes for the signal to get to the brain from the stomach.

And while we're talking about it, how are you preparing your milk? If using a perfect prep machine, I would highly recommend preparing as per nhs guidelines: with hot water (at least 70degrees) from a kettle, Water into bottle first then add appropriate number of scoops of powder, for at least a week to see if it helps the reflux issue.

Preparing milk this way and using paced responsive feeding technique resolves a huge number of feeding issues in formula fed babies.

Lastly, try not to worry too much. It's sounds like you're doing a great job and trying to do your best for your beautiful bundle. Remember no one was born knowing this stuff. Becoming a new parent is a huge learning curve and we're all winging it to some extent. 😉We can only do what we know at the time.

Typing this one handed as I do post feed upright time with DD who is snoozing and fluffing away apologies for any typos 😅 listening to the howling weather we've got here tonight.

We're using TT anti colic bottles. Prep wise it's a fresh feed every time with the rapid cool flasks as the TT perfect prep machine gives me the 😰 and on the rare trips out it's a bottle of ready made apitmal if needed that's in the change bag.

I feel like I suddenly don't know anything about everything and I do keep trying to tell myself that everyone is winging it in some way. I've distanced myself from a lot of social media as I found myself comparing what's going on with us v others who are in the throes of a new parenting life.

Your wisdom is really appreciated and I'll certainly be reading / watching more about possums when I'm a bit more awake 💖

OP posts:
OhcantthInkofaname · 20/09/2023 02:39

Listen to your baby not a chart.

marchapriljuly · 20/09/2023 03:13

I have a FF 11 week old. I had the same worries! Felt like I knew nothing (which, to be fair, I didn't), and was so worried about over feeding because he seemed hungry aaall the time! My baby was quite big (9lb 9oz) when he was born and I was told to ignore the side of the formula box as he would want to feed more often due to his size. Literally, like the post said earlier, all babies are different! But he has stayed on his weight percentile by following his lead, and the HV/MW have both been really pleased with his progress.

I now make him 6oz every 2.5-3.5 hours - sometimes he has only half of a feed, other times he might want an ounce more. I've just learnt to trust him and to respond to his needs. When he was 6 weeks I remember he went through a phase of having much more than usual! Totally stressed me out, but now I really believe they just ask for what they need. A BF baby doesn't have their milk measured usually, so it's easier not to get tied up with numbers - if the baby wants feeding, they'd just get fed. We have to try and not focus on the numbers too.

Ultimately, a fed baby is a happy baby. You're doing great, just trust the process! Now I don't worry about under or over feeding - I know he will tell me! Keep going Smile you've got this!

pregnancyrollercoaster · 20/09/2023 13:45

marchapriljuly · 20/09/2023 03:13

I have a FF 11 week old. I had the same worries! Felt like I knew nothing (which, to be fair, I didn't), and was so worried about over feeding because he seemed hungry aaall the time! My baby was quite big (9lb 9oz) when he was born and I was told to ignore the side of the formula box as he would want to feed more often due to his size. Literally, like the post said earlier, all babies are different! But he has stayed on his weight percentile by following his lead, and the HV/MW have both been really pleased with his progress.

I now make him 6oz every 2.5-3.5 hours - sometimes he has only half of a feed, other times he might want an ounce more. I've just learnt to trust him and to respond to his needs. When he was 6 weeks I remember he went through a phase of having much more than usual! Totally stressed me out, but now I really believe they just ask for what they need. A BF baby doesn't have their milk measured usually, so it's easier not to get tied up with numbers - if the baby wants feeding, they'd just get fed. We have to try and not focus on the numbers too.

Ultimately, a fed baby is a happy baby. You're doing great, just trust the process! Now I don't worry about under or over feeding - I know he will tell me! Keep going Smile you've got this!

Thank you for sharing your experience it's a real rollercoaster sometimes especially when the mum guilt and doubt creeps in, didn't appreciate how crippling it could be!

It's a lovely autumnal day here today so the plan is to go for a short walk with DD in the pram to get some fresh air around us and drop a thank you card through a neighbours door as they handed in a gift for DD at the weekend

OP posts:
pregnancyrollercoaster · 20/09/2023 13:56

OhcantthInkofaname · 20/09/2023 02:39

Listen to your baby not a chart.

I say this kindly, vague 'advice' like this doesn't help which was why I posted asking for assistance. No need to be unkind 💖

OP posts:
Scalessayeek · 20/09/2023 14:20

Each baby is different for sure, my girl was 9lb 3oz born at 39 weeks and at 4/5 months was only having 21oz of milk some days. (Probably averaged 24oz a day over a week). Weight gain was fine and I couldn’t fathom how she was drinking so little compared to friends and what was advised on the box. If the 6 bottles were working I’d definitely continue, baby will start to go longer when she is ready.

Tlolljs · 20/09/2023 14:24

Bearing in mind my youngest is 34. We used to say half their weight in ounces of milk. So 8lb baby has 4 oz of milk. But like others have said it vary hugely.

HaddawayAndShite · 20/09/2023 14:32

I feel like I suddenly don't know anything about everything
Yup, this sounds familiar. You think you’re getting it, you read something and bam, absolutely brain meltdown and you question everything. Blame it on the sleep deprivation and hormones.

I also don’t think PP was nasty saying listen to baby, honestly, they’ll tell you when they’re hungry or they’ve not had enough. If they’re gaining weight and having lots of wet nappies, you’re likely doing the right thing.

Stop questioning yourself, you’ve got a lifetime ahead of you both to do that 😂

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