The term formula feeding means giving your baby formula milk in a
bottle. Formula milk is based on cow's milk that's been processed
to make it more easily digested by a new baby. It's for babies who
don't get breast milk, or in addition to breast milk. No matter how
persistent some women are with attempting to fully breastfeed their
baby, they find for one reason or another, that it is better for
themselves and their baby to change to bottle-feeding. This can be
a difficult decision for some mothers to make, especially if they
had their heart set on breastfeeding their new baby. Seek some
guidance from your local Health Nurse. If you are trying to
establish breastfeeding, it has been suggested that the early use
of bottles and dummies can interfere with the establishment. It can
reduce both the infants sucking capacity and stimulation of the
breasts. This may result in delayed and poor establishment of
lactation.
What you need to know
- Babies who aren't breast-fed must only have formula milk -
ordinary cow's milk is not suitable.
- It's important to keep all feeding equipment clean by
sterilising between uses. This is because formula fed babies don't
get the same protection from infection as breast-fed babies.
- Bottle-feeding with formula milk, or with expressed breast
milk, gives mother's flexibility when they go back to work.
- However you feed your baby, you and your baby will love
spending the time together. Hold your baby close when you're
bottle-feeding, and enjoy it.
A Guide to Bottle Feeding
You may bottle-feed from the start, or find you make the change
from breast-feeding later on.
What you need
If you plan to fully bottle-feed you'll need:
- Sterilising equipment
- At least six bottles and teats
- Mixing jug.
- Bottle warmer (optional).
For an occasional bottle only, one or two bottles and teats will be
fine. You may not need to buy all the sterilising equipment.
Preparation:
Make up your baby's feeds according to the instructions on the
pack. The main points you need to remember are:
- Ideally boil the water for 5 minutes and then allow to
cool.
- Always put the amount of boiled water in the mixing jug or
bottle first, before the powder.
- Always add the correct amount of scoops, making the feed either
too weak or too concentrated can be potentially dangerous. DO NOT
pack the scoop too firmly with formula powder. Level off the scoop
with a knife. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- You can buy pre-measured sachets of dried milk which ensure you
have the proportions right. Ready-to-feed formula is even easier,
though it does cost more.
- Keep made up formula refrigerated and only store this way for
24 hours.
- Do not add anything else to your baby's bottle such as cereal
powder, honey sugar etc.
Important: Heating bottles of formula in a microwave oven is NOT
recommended. The heat can be uneven, leading to scalding hot spots
in the bottle.
When you bottle-feed:
- Hold your baby close, and make sure the teat is always filled
(this reduces the amount of air-swallowing).
- Every so often, you'll need to take the teat out of your baby's
mouth as the sides stick together and prevent a good flow.
- Wriggling, crying and pushing the teat out with the tongue may
mean your baby needs sitting up to get rid of wind.
- Do not leave your baby unattended while they are drinking from
a bottle.
- If your baby's fully or mostly bottle-fed, you may find it
easier to make up all the infant formula you'll need for the next
24 hours, and keep it in bottles in the fridge. Some babies take a
bottle straight from the fridge, but most mothers feel it's kinder
to warm it by standing the bottle in a jug of hot water first, or
using an electric bottle warmer.
Note: test the formula by shaking a drop or two onto your wrist or
the back of your hand. It should feel more or less the same
temperature as your skin.
If you need to switch to bottle feeding, do it gradually unless
you're changing over in the first few days. A sudden changeover can
mean an uncomfortable build-up of milk in the breasts, which could
lead to problems like mastitis. If you think you are developing
mastitis contact your doctor immediately. Early treatment is
essential.