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Advice on Bottle Feeding from the start
Hi Girls,
I'm now 36wks with my first and have made the decision to bottle feed from the start. I've taken care of all the practicalities (bottles, formula, steriliser etc) but would really appreciate some advice as my NCT teachers will only discuss breastfeeding.
Should I take bottles and ready made carton formula into hospital with me? How quickly after the birth should I give the first feed (I know they recommend quite quickly with breastfeeding)? How will my boobs be if I don't breastfeed even once? Will they engorge and then the milk supply dry up?
Sorry to ask so many questions but it's hard to get good detailed & (most importantly!) un-biased advice on bottle feeding from MW's. books etc. Any comments appreciated! xx
I'm now 36wks with my first and have made the decision to bottle feed from the start. I've taken care of all the practicalities (bottles, formula, steriliser etc) but would really appreciate some advice as my NCT teachers will only discuss breastfeeding.
Should I take bottles and ready made carton formula into hospital with me? How quickly after the birth should I give the first feed (I know they recommend quite quickly with breastfeeding)? How will my boobs be if I don't breastfeed even once? Will they engorge and then the milk supply dry up?
Sorry to ask so many questions but it's hard to get good detailed & (most importantly!) un-biased advice on bottle feeding from MW's. books etc. Any comments appreciated! xx
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Replies
You wont need anything in the hospital all you have to do is decide on what formula you want, I have bottle fed both my boys. The midwife should ask you what milk and bring you a bottle of ready made with a disposable teat.
I fed my first on cow and gate and the other on SMA as it seemed more available. When this one makes an apperance I will feed it SMA. I would just like to say dont let the midwives make you feel like your doing something wrong as thats the impression I got.
Sara x
My oh's auntie has just had a baby (well 7 weeks ago) and she had bottle fed from the start. She said your boobs engorge when your milk comes in 3 or so days after the birth, and then your body reabsorbs the milk so they go down )
I think they do supply the milk in hospital, a choice of sma or cow & gate and so on. I know what you mean, there isn't all that much info about bottle-feeding, I've been reading up on it and am seriously confused about how to prepare bottles.
Regarding the preparation of the formula - each tin/pack comes with a leaflet inside or directions on the side about how much formula to how much water. If you are a bit unsure at first you can always buy the cartons that are ready prepared to use the first few times if you arent confident but the directions are pretty self explanatory.
I too will be standing by my decision and be bottle feeding from the start - I struggled with my eldest son and it was not good for either of us.
Take care, Love Lee xxx