Newbie to ff, used to bf - any tips?

[Numero_uno]

My lo is almost 7 weeks and have made the decision to change to ff cos I struggle to feed in public and it's affectin me going out so we are slowly changing to formula!

Anyone have any tips? Got my cabbage leaves to help my breasts!

 

[Shineystar]

Hi !!

I stopped after 12 days due to several issues, the biggest being mastitis that wouldn't clear so going on double strength antibiotics!

anyways, first don't feel bad about stopping, you did it for 7 weeks which is brilliant. I know you didn't say you felt bad but I know it was a total moral dilemma for me to stop and I still feel a bit guilty!

We did have problems with windiness and pooping on formula, but Ive now gone to hipp (only yesterday) and its improved already - id recommend reading about it

about the boobs - avoid hot water in the shower, take painkillers, and a tight bra!
I hope you have lots of breast pads too! I used two on each side and lansinoh to help my nipples heal (they were an awful mess!)
Oh and be prepared to not want anyone touching you!

The worst passed in about 2-3 days for me but I had red spots from the mastitis too. I still leak now though!!

 

[Numero_uno]

Hi !!

I stopped after 12 days due to several issues, the biggest being mastitis that wouldn't clear so going on double strength antibiotics!

anyways, first don't feel bad about stopping, you did it for 7 weeks which is brilliant. I know you didn't say you felt bad but I know it was a total moral dilemma for me to stop and I still feel a bit guilty!

We did have problems with windiness and pooping on formula, but Ive now gone to hipp (only yesterday) and its improved already - id recommend reading about it

about the boobs - avoid hot water in the shower, take painkillers, and a tight bra!
I hope you have lots of breast pads too! I used two on each side and lansinoh to help my nipples heal (they were an awful mess!)
Oh and be prepared to not want anyone touching you!

The worst passed in about 2-3 days for me but I had red spots from the mastitis too. I still leak now though!!

I go through stages of feeling really guilty and then really glad we changed but i couldn't go on like I was rushing around when I was out, I need to enjoy my time and since we made the decision I'm really looking forward to going out for longer without constantly worrying and rocking the pram so he doesn't wake up!

My boobs aren't too bad although this morning when I got up I'd manage to soak my breast pad through and felt uncomfortable, I let a little out in the bath and got on all 4's like the hv suggested to let it come out and release some pressure. I hope it doesn't get worse! I seems to have one big boob at the moment that is slowly getting uncomfortable!

My lo seems to be taking the milk in small doses but I did give him a breastfeed at 5am as the hv said do a few feeds so I think that must have filled him so hell hopefully want a bottle soon.

We also slept for 7 hours last night, was in shock!

 

[Shineystar]

aww 7 hrs sleep! sounds good I cant wait until the 4am feed is gone but I know it wont be before 6 wks at the earliest.

It is quite a change when you have to get up used to baby crying for a bit while you get the bottle ready, as before you could just stick them on the boob! However you don't have the issue of them constantly being at your boob to up supply etc

I feel much more confident in public now as I use the premixed cartons of formula and take empty sterilised bottles - its quicker than at home! I never did have to BF in public but I can honestly say I was dreading it sooo much!

What formula you going on to?

 

[Numero_uno]

aww 7 hrs sleep! sounds good I cant wait until the 4am feed is gone but I know it wont be before 6 wks at the earliest.

It is quite a change when you have to get up used to baby crying for a bit while you get the bottle ready, as before you could just stick them on the boob! However you don't have the issue of them constantly being at your boob to up supply etc

I feel much more confident in public now as I use the premixed cartons of formula and take empty sterilised bottles - its quicker than at home! I never did have to BF in public but I can honestly say I was dreading it sooo much!

What formula you going on to?

Using aptamil. He seems to be doing fine on it, yeah thats a good idea about the cartons as we have taken a few ready made bottles but then I worry that they won't be ok when we get home if he hasn't woken so end up throwing them away so less waste with the cartons.

We seem to be getting used to getting up and getting a bottle for him although oh is back at work tomorrow after a long weekend off so I'm on my own tonight!

 

[bjl1981]

:wave: I didn't manage to feed DS1 for more than 2 weeks, and managed 3 months with DS2 and I can honestly say I don't think there is anything wrong with FF at all if thats your choice. I also struggled with going out in public and it was getting me down, coupled with a supply issue, so FF suited me better.
My advice is when you go out to get a powder dispenser like this
https://www.mothercare.com/Mothercare-Milk-Powder-Storage-Container/208258,default,pd.html
so you just take out cooled boiled water and add the powder when you're ready to feed, that way you don't waste any precious (and expensive!) milk!

 

[Numero_uno]

:wave: I didn't manage to feed DS1 for more than 2 weeks, and managed 3 months with DS2 and I can honestly say I don't think there is anything wrong with FF at all if thats your choice. I also struggled with going out in public and it was getting me down, coupled with a supply issue, so FF suited me better.
My advice is when you go out to get a powder dispenser like this
https://www.mothercare.com/Mothercare-Milk-Powder-Storage-Container/208258,default,pd.html
so you just take out cooled boiled water and add the powder when you're ready to feed, that way you don't waste any precious (and expensive!) milk!

Ah that's good, does the water not need to be warm/hot when you add the powder in?

We have been out loads more since making the switch and I don't get panicky at all!