Bottle feeding
I’m not an expert and recommend consulting a professional when it comes to feeding. We used the most amazing lactation consultant (LC) and midwife who I recommend to everyone, Candice Cherry, based in Brisbane. It was not as expensive as I thought it would be so reach out to a consultant for a quote, otherwise you can see an LC for free at your local Community Health Centre.
Breastfeeding didn’t work out for me and I don’t have any hang ups about that. After a week of painful feeding - yes, some pain is normal as you adjust to it, but damage is not. It’s okay to give yourself permission to stop.
Candice came to our house 7 days postpartum to teach us all things pumping, formula and bottle feeding. Candice gave me options, was supportive and non-judgemental and helped make pumping and formula feeding feel completely achievable. She gave us amazing tips for burping, settling, feeding, cues to look for and what they mean and so much more… we would have been lost without her! She was available for on-going questions we had which was invaluable as new parents with no idea what to do.
These are some of the items that helped make the journey achievable for us.
Quick Tips
Formula: you only need to boil the kettle once in a 24 hour period to sterilise water for formula. We boiled the kettle every night before we went to bed and in the morning we’d pour water into each formula bottle for the next 24 hours.
Cleaning: wash bottles that contained breast milk in hot soapy water and sterilise once a day; wash bottles that contained formula in hot soapy water and sterilised after every use.
Temperature: you don’t need to warm your baby’s milk if they’re happy drinking it at room temperature or straight from the fridge.
Night feeds: if using formula for night feeds, measure out water in the bottle and put the corresponding amount of formula powder next to it on your bedside table so its ready to go.
Pump: Medela Hands-Free
I stayed in hospital an extra day to sort out our feeding issues and I came home needing a pump (preference was hands-free). My amazing mum went to Baby Bunting and they recommended the Medela Freestyle Hands-Free. Thankfully, our LC agreed that it was the best option. It connects to the Medela app on your phone which we used to track pumps, feeds, sleep and nappy changes (excessive to some but it worked for us). It’s the most powerful hands-free pump because the motor is separate to the collection cups. I didn’t find this an issue because it meant I could pump faster and I’d just hook the motor around my wrist or put it in my pocket. If it’s an issue for you, I’ve heard great things about Reggie. Added bonus no matter which one you choose - you don’t need to buy pumping bras.
Bottles: Pigeon
Pigeon Soft Touch (wide neck) bottles were recommended by our LC and all of my friends. Once you’re aware of these bottles, you’ll notice them everywhere - they’re popular. You can choose between PP, PPSU or glass (I went PPSU). Buy online or at they’re also available at Baby Bunting and the teats are also stocked at Chemist Warehouse and Big W. Tip: there are different teat sizes and you move up in size as your baby grows. When my daughter hit 3 months old I couldn’t figure out why she was so frustrated feeding. It took me way too long to think about trying a bigger teat! Hopefully you can learn from my mistake.
Formula: Aptamil Gold+
We chose this formula as it’s the one they used at the hospital my daughter was born at and thankfully she had no issues with it! I found a lot of friends used this brand too.
This container is small but mighty and absolutely essential if you’re using formula in any capacity. Before using this, I would put formula in a Tupperware container when we were out of the house and that is a great way to either end up with formula everywhere or spend too long slowly spooning it into the bottle. This container is cheap and I probably used it every day when bottle feeding. It has three compartments so you are can always be prepared. It’s also handy to prep the right formula amounts for a babysitter or for night feeds.
Steriliser: Tomme Tippee
We got the Ultra UV Steriliser, Dryer and Storage from Baby Bunting. You don’t nede this, it is expensive - you can sterilise bottles by submersing them in boiling water for 5 minutes and this is the method I would recommend if you aren’t using many bottles. Our baby was exclusively breastfed so we went through a lot of bottles. This unit sterilises, dries and stores all in one (if you so wish). Tip: once sterilised, you can store bottles in an air tight container in the fridge until you need to use them.
We didn’t use this, but have friends who did and loved it. You fill the machine with water and formula, press a button and it will make up a bottle for you! It removes the need to boil water and warms the bottle for you. I didn’t feel like I needed this but I can see the appeal - it would be especially handy for night feeds or when someone else is babysitting - just tell them which button to press. You don’t need to use the Tommee Tippee bottles with this, use the bottles you choose to.