After a year of formula feeding, I’ve learned a lot. I didn’t have a plan about how I should feed my first baby, and had no idea that your life centers around it for the first few months. I tried breastfeeding in the beginning, and through the pain of Mastitis, lots of tears and confusion, I decided to switch to formula. There’s more to the story of why I wasn’t able to keep breastfeeding, but it wasn’t a decision I made lightly. Regardless of the reason you are choosing formula, I want you to feel confident and hopeful.
I remember feeling embarrassed that I was giving Emmy formula and desperately wanting to find other people that were also using formula. I didn’t want to feel alone, and I wanted to learn more about it. So, I’m ready to share all that I learned along the way to help you.
Choosing a formula. I started by asking my doctor for a formula recommendation. Mine recommend Similac Pro-Advance. This may or may not work for your baby, but I liked that it was that it is sold at most stores so I could look for the best price and get it quickly if needed. Be prepared and willing to try different formulas until you find the right fit for your baby. My doctor recommended sticking with one for at least two weeks before switching. Emmy didn’t experience excessive spit up or gas, which are a few things to look for when introducing formula.
Keep a backstock. The last thing you want is to run out of formula, so I recommend always having at least one extra container on hand. When you open that container, it’s time to go buy another one. Even with this plan in mind, there still was a time my husband was running around town to find an open store after delivering pizza all night.
Making bottles. One interesting thing about formula is that it mixes better when warm. We used a bottle warmer and liked to shake the formula before and after warming it. Also, be sure to follow the directions on your formula package, but ours specified to add the water first, then add the scoops of formula to ensure you got the right mixture.
We used Avent glass bottles, but this is another thing that will really depend on your baby. If one bottle isn’t working well, be prepared to try another. After you use a bottle, wash each part separately with soap and set it out to dry completely. Sometimes our bottles would leak if they were still wet. Nothing is worse than spilling milk on your baby in the middle of the night – it will upset you and them. I personally loved glass bottles because they clean so well and don’t hold onto milk film.
On-the-go feeding. I was really intimidated at first about how to give Emmy a warm bottle on-the-go. The first thing I learned was, always have more than enough formula and a bottle with you at all times. I would pack three servings of formula in a divided container. I would add filtered water to the bottle before I left, or make sure I had bottled water with me. To make it warm, I would bring boiling hot water in a Thermos. This water is not to add to the bottle, but to place it in to warm it up. So, fill the Thermos half way and place your mixed bottle in it, just like you would with a bottle warmer at home. We would also use an insulated bag, and place an already-warmed bottle of water in it for short trips. Don’t add the formula to the warm water until you need it. If you are at a restaurant, you can also ask for warm water. After getting through the newborn phase, the warmth of the bottle wasn’t as crucial and Emmy would also take a cold bottle. Just remember, it mixes better and flows from the nipple better when warm.
Dad can help. Something that often gets overlooked is the Dad’s role in feeding. Sharing the load for middle-of-the-night feedings was a huge help for both of us in the newborn days. Justus loved being able to feed Emmy and bond with her, and I appreciated the help. You can also do this with bottles and breastmilk, which would be great too.
