needing to top up baby

Brodiefb · 2024-09-28T12:12:51+00:00

i have a month old premature and she is needing top ups i'm running out of frozen breast milk so i'm going to buy some formula in the mean time whilst building my stash back up. what would the best formula be for a breastfed baby?

KitBag2024 · 28/09/2024 13:18

There is no "best" formula in the UK. All will be nutritiously sufficient for the babies needs as long as it is stage 1. Don't be tempted to go for hungry baby or anti- colic unless medically advised.

CocoPlum · 28/09/2024 13:24

How premature/how old is she now? If she is BF, are you in contact with BF specialist support (NOT a MW or paediatrician)?

There is no "best" formula. Whatever your baby takes. And know that they will drink more than they need - research how to pace bottle feed to avoid a flow preference for the bottle.

Cotswoldmama · 28/09/2024 13:32

My first son was premmie, 31w3d I gave a bottle of formula in the evening when he got to about 3 months as even though he was gaining weight it was very slow and steady and I was paranoid he wasn't getting enough milk. I gave him a bottle at night. We used cow and gate but I think they're all basically the same. If you introduce a formula and he likes it and will take it. I wouldn't bother trying to get a frozen supply of breast milk, just combi feed instead then you don't have the hassle of trying to fit in pumping etc.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 28/09/2024 13:47

We gave Aptamil to our 32 weeker as that's what they had used in the hospital.

Original poster

Brodiefb · 28/09/2024 18:51

CocoPlum · 28/09/2024 13:24

How premature/how old is she now? If she is BF, are you in contact with BF specialist support (NOT a MW or paediatrician)?

There is no "best" formula. Whatever your baby takes. And know that they will drink more than they need - research how to pace bottle feed to avoid a flow preference for the bottle.

i was induced at 35+5 due to her measuring small was born at 3ib12oz no nicu time she is not a month old i've only been breastfeeding her she's growing at her own pace however she she's not on "the correct line" health care visitor said she's happy but she has to advise top ups. i have brought pre made aptamil because im hoping not to need it for very long as im trying to up my supply

OP posts:

HVPRN · 28/09/2024 19:14

Have you spoke with a lactation consultant? Have you tried breast compressions whilst breastfeeding? Expressing off one breast same time as feeding? Lots of cluster feeds in the evening? Feeding 1-2 hourly?

Yeah Leila everyone else says, just slow the flow PACE feed and infant first milk, they'll all the same

CocoPlum · 28/09/2024 19:25

Brodiefb · 28/09/2024 18:51

i was induced at 35+5 due to her measuring small was born at 3ib12oz no nicu time she is not a month old i've only been breastfeeding her she's growing at her own pace however she she's not on "the correct line" health care visitor said she's happy but she has to advise top ups. i have brought pre made aptamil because im hoping not to need it for very long as im trying to up my supply

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Is her weight increasing along a growth line though? That is a very low birth weight and I'm not a doctor but if she is gaining weight there's no "correct" line. We don't want a baby dropping centiles, but if she's growing steadily I don't really think your HV (who I assume is not a paediatrician) should necessarily tell you to top her up. I think this is something to discuss with a lactation specialist and your baby's doctors.

DavidBattenburgh · 28/09/2024 20:00

Is she being plotted on a premie chart? I ask as my daughter also didn't fit the line, I was BF and they were going on about it not being in her best interests and to switch to a bottle. She was a nearly 37 week c section but my son had been a 42 weekend and not overcooked. When they plotted her in the premie chart she fitted it exactly.

ChickpeaPie · 28/09/2024 20:28

If you're topping up with formula then your milk supply with decrease so be mindful of that, may be worth expressing as well.
As above, no formula is better than another

Chichz · 28/09/2024 20:36

Nutritionally they're all the same I agree, but I did feel better using Hipp as it was organic. 🤷‍♀️ People mention Hipp and Kendamil as being a bit softer on babies' tummies too?

Not an expert in your situation at all though, and agree that top-ups are often advised when not always necessary. Good luck!

teatoast8 · 28/09/2024 20:38

If you can express you can top up with that. When my daughter lost weight I never used formula. My milk was enough

Sleepygrumpyandnothappy · 28/09/2024 20:46

CocoPlum · 28/09/2024 19:25

Is her weight increasing along a growth line though? That is a very low birth weight and I'm not a doctor but if she is gaining weight there's no "correct" line. We don't want a baby dropping centiles, but if she's growing steadily I don't really think your HV (who I assume is not a paediatrician) should necessarily tell you to top her up. I think this is something to discuss with a lactation specialist and your baby's doctors.

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Low birth weight babies also need to gain catch up weight. A month is very early to start worrying about that but health visitors and paediatricians will get nervous if a baby keeps on tracking the 0.4th percentile.

OP I was in your shoes. I went back and forth on top ups for the first six months. I really didn’t want to as I took to heart everyone who said that I should be pumping to increase my supply, breast milk would always be enough if I fed on demand etc. In retrospect I wish I’d been a bit more relaxed about it and accepted that a lot of the advice just doesn’t have very small babies in mind. (I also wish I’d got DS’ tongue tie sorted earlier).

Oh and I used Aptimal. Everyone round me seemed to so their marketing is clearly doing something right. But they are all basically the same.

CocoPlum · 28/09/2024 20:55

Sleepygrumpyandnothappy · 28/09/2024 20:46

Low birth weight babies also need to gain catch up weight. A month is very early to start worrying about that but health visitors and paediatricians will get nervous if a baby keeps on tracking the 0.4th percentile.

OP I was in your shoes. I went back and forth on top ups for the first six months. I really didn’t want to as I took to heart everyone who said that I should be pumping to increase my supply, breast milk would always be enough if I fed on demand etc. In retrospect I wish I’d been a bit more relaxed about it and accepted that a lot of the advice just doesn’t have very small babies in mind. (I also wish I’d got DS’ tongue tie sorted earlier).

Oh and I used Aptimal. Everyone round me seemed to so their marketing is clearly doing something right. But they are all basically the same.

Show quote history

Thanks for this input - I'm experienced in the BF part but not so with preemie babies, I wasn't aware of catch up weight.

My main point still stands because many HVs do not give out great advice especially with regards to BFing, so I think the OP needs to speak to those who really have knowledge in this area so her baby can get the nutrition she needs but also protect her BFing if that's what is wanted.