Switching from EBM to formula, questions on sterilizing, storage, amounts etc

[asacia]

I'm going to introduce formula later today

I've been feeding expressed breastmilk in a bottle since birth, and spending 6+ hours a day expressing just isn't maintainable anymore.

I was wondering about storage and sterilizing.

At the moment, I take a sterilized bottle out of the cold water sterilizer, fill it with EBM and put it in the fridge. I use the oldest bottle first, and give it straight out of the fridge, cold.

I like having bottles ready made in the fridge. Could I, once a day, fill sterile bottles with formula (readymade carton stuff) and put it in the fridge? It says on the carton that it'll keep for 24 hours in the fridge with the corners turned down, I assume its the same time in a sterile bottle?

Is it okay to give it cold?

When I'm out, can I put a cold bottle into a cool bag and give it a couple of hours later, like I do with breastmilk?

The carton says the recommened about is 6oz, 5 times a day. At the moment, he has 4oz at a time, 8 times a day. Should I increase the amount gradually, or let him have 6oz straight away?

What time of day would be best to give him his first formula feed?

Any advice on dealing with the guilt and devestation I feel at not being able to feed him the way I want?

 

[FierceAngel]

I'm going to introduce formula later today
Firstly welldone you did really well expressing excl is hard and stressful i only managed for 3 weeks

I've been feeding expressed breastmilk in a bottle since birth, and spending 6+ hours a day expressing just isn't maintainable anymore.
after reading your post in bf i think you are doing the right thing

I was wondering about storage and sterilizing.

At the moment, I take a sterilized bottle out of the cold water sterilizer, fill it with EBM and put it in the fridge. I use the oldest bottle first, and give it straight out of the fridge, cold.

I like having bottles ready made in the fridge. Could I, once a day, fill sterile bottles with formula (readymade carton stuff) and put it in the fridge? It says on the carton that it'll keep for 24 hours in the fridge with the corners turned down, I assume its the same time in a sterile bottle?
some people make up the powder bottles for the day although formula companies dont reccomend it, the ready feed can def be put into bottles for 24 hours we do this now its a little more expensive

Is it okay to give it cold?
if he is taking the bm cold he will prob take the formula cold if not just warm each bottle as needed in a bowl of hot water

When I'm out, can I put a cold bottle into a cool bag and give it a couple of hours later, like I do with breastmilk?
thts fine

The carton says the recommened about is 6oz, 5 times a day. At the moment, he has 4oz at a time, 8 times a day. Should I increase the amount gradually, or let him have 6oz straight away?
dont worry about guidelines let yr little one lead you.. you may find the formula will fill him up more so he might feed 6 times a day insted, start with 4ozs and if he drains the bottle add another oz and so on

What time of day would be best to give him his first formula feed?
we started with a night feed

Any advice on dealing with the guilt and devestation I feel at not being able to feed him the way I want?
talk about it with yr oh, dont feel guilty its more important tht you are happy as little one picks up on this, you did really well in the first place

few things i would add is and dont be alarmed but lo may get consipated at first give him some boiled water with a very small amount of brown sugar and it will ease (dr reccomended this to me wen i switched luisa and she was constipated) it does get better

ready ,made cartons are supposed to ease constipation acc to my hv but who knows

luisa didnt poo at all on aprimal i switched her to cow and gate and its much better.. also heard tht c&g tastes the most like bm?

if you ever need to talk feel free to pm me

 

[sparkle]

I remember well the guilt I felt when I stopped breast feeding Cormack but it was best for us and I hope that it will help you. Try to remember that a happy mummy means a happy baby, however he is fed.
At first we used the ready made stuff and kept it in the fridge ready in the bottles. I tended to make up the bottles for the day in the morning so 12 hours worth then before I went to bed do the ones for the night/ first thing.
Now he's only having 3 a day and on a routine I make them up with the powder about an hour before he needs it and then leave it to cool, it's generally then cool enough in time. If we're going out I take a carton and a flask to warm it.
If your LO is used to cold milk I'm sure it's fine to continue with that although I did read somewhere that cold milk gives them tummy ache.
Sometimes formula can give them consitpation so be ready with some boiled water. I also found a warm bath and a tummy massage helped Cormack.

Good Luck, you have nothing to feel bad about. You are doing what you feel is right for your little one. x

 

[mrs shine]

It's ok to give it cold but I think its gentler on their tummy if warmed.

The guidelines on the packs are just that, guidelines, my LO is 3 months and will usually only take 3ozs and sometimes 4oz, according to packet a 3m old should be taking a 6oz feed!

Your LO will love you whether you FF or BF, all they want is to be loved and cared for which is obvious that you do.

 

[Vickie]

I like having bottles ready made in the fridge. Could I, once a day, fill sterile bottles with formula (readymade carton stuff) and put it in the fridge? It says on the carton that it'll keep for 24 hours in the fridge with the corners turned down, I assume its the same time in a sterile bottle? Yep should be fine, we have always made bottles up 24 hours in advance and we use the powdered kind, never had any issues

Is it okay to give it cold? You can, I think as someone mentioned it is supposed to be easier on their tummies if warm, but if he's used to the EBM cold than I would think it's fine. Hannah's much older but she gets cold milk throughout the day now

When I'm out, can I put a cold bottle into a cool bag and give it a couple of hours later, like I do with breastmilk? Absolutely

The carton says the recommened about is 6oz, 5 times a day. At the moment, he has 4oz at a time, 8 times a day. Should I increase the amount gradually, or let him have 6oz straight away? Go with what he seems most comfortable with, some babies drink more some less than others, let him guide you. Keep in mind he doesn't necessarily have to drain each bottle, as long as he's satisfied it is okay if he's not taking the recommended amount. Hannah NEVER took the recommended amount but has always gained weight beautifully

What time of day would be best to give him his first formula feed? I'd do it when he's happiest--I would think he'll be more likely to take it than

Any advice on dealing with the guilt and devestation I feel at not being able to feed him the way I want? You've done so well to keep up with the expressing for so long! At the end of the day a happy mommy and happy baby are what matters the most, no matter if the baby is BF or FF