Expecting & wanting to use formula
some steps you may want to take
Open communication with your pediatrician
Have a discussion prenatally
Discuss with your provider what formula may be best for your baby and what alternatives are available if you can't find your chosen formula. Ask about how your pediatrician can help you get formula if you can't find it in the stores.
Learn what is expected newborn intake
Babies have small bellies and are made to eat often. For example most infants eat (based on infants eating 8-12 times per 24 hours):
First 24 hours: 2-10 ml per feeding
24-48 hours: 5-15 ml
48-72 hours: 15-30 ml
72-96 hours: 30-60 ml
Older than 5 days: 60-120 ml
11-14 days: 2.5- 3 oz
14 days to 12 months: 3-5 oz
Please remember this is an educational resource and should not be seen as medical advice. Other factors may affect feeding plans such as stool output, infant weight, infant glucose levels, and jaundice levels.
Use a slow flow nipple
Slow flow nipples may decrease overfeeding
Slow flow nipples decrease passive dripping from bottles better allowing babies to control the flow of their bottles.
Learn about Responsive bottle feeding
Responsive feeding may decrease overfeeding & help you utilize the formula you find
Responsive bottle feeding is allowing your baby to control the flow of milk. This is important because:
1.Most bottle nipples have a passive flow. This means babies do not need to suck for milk to drip in their mouth.
2. It is very hard to not swallow a liquid in your mouth.
3. Babies have a suck reflex on the roof of their mouth. This means they will most like suck and eat from a bottle if it touches this reflex regardless of hunger
4. Babies have a need to suck and a need to eat. When babies drink from a bottle fast they may satisfy their hunger but still want to suck. When this is interpreted as hunger babies may end up being overfed.
Video on how to do responsive bottle-feeding (please ignore comments about breastfeeding/chestfeeding) https://youtu.be/OGPm5SpLxXY
Learn about the different formula types
This will help you if you have to use a different formula type
You can learn all about formula here:https://babyformulaexpert.com
Learn about the three forms of formula
This is important if you cannot find ready to feed formula
Ready to feed formula is what is typically recommended during the newborn stage. During this time it is important to know the different forms of formula. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/Forms-of-Baby-Formula.aspx
Community
Find a community in-person or online who you can reach out to for help finding your formula brand.
Know that lactation consultants are on your team
The right lactation consultant will be supportive of your feeding choices and offer bottle feeding sessions. Call your chosen consultant, explain your goals and ask how they can help you meet these goals. If the conversation doesn't vibe with you and you want 2-3 referrals for supportive lactation consultants please call 6198885730.