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Bottle feeding
Many moms that do not have a choice other than to bottle feed,
will know the agony experienced when forced to feed their baby
formula, as nothing can compare nutritionally to 'mother's milk'. If
however you bottle feed by choice there are ways to make it a simple
and enjoyable experience.
Selecting a formula
This is a decision that must be made in conjunction with your
paediatrician, but is does help to be aware of what products are
available on the market.
All formulas contain vitamins and minerals in the correct quantity
and are all iron-fortified to prevent anaemia and assist in the
correct development of your baby, in the early months. Most newborn
babies will use a formula, that is made up of non-fat cow's milk,
and by the time your baby reaches between four to six months of age,
you may find that it is no longer satisfying his hunger and you may
choose to put him on a follow-up formula. This contains all
essential minerals and vitamins as well as casein, which is a
tougher milk protein that is harder to digest, so keeping your baby
satisfied for a longer period. Since this is also a time when you
may start introducing solids into his diet, he should still be
assured of all the nutrients he needs.
Alternatives to cow's milk
A number of specialised formulas are available for specific needs
and conditions, but your paediatricians advice should always be
sought before making a change.
Soya-based formulas contain proteins isolated from the soya bean,
and are lactose-free, with the carbohydrate in them being derived
from sucrose or corn syrup. These formulas are very useful for
babies who are intolerant to lactose, but it shouldn't be used as a
substitute if your baby is allergic to cow's milk, because there is
more than likely to also be a reaction to soya protein.
Evaporated goat's milk is also available, and are useful for infants
who suffer from chronic diarrhoea, food allergies, certain types of
fat and gluten malabsorption or have an inability to tolerate cow's
milk or soya protein. These and other specialised formulas, should
only be used under careful medical supervision.
Whichever type of formula you choose to use, always make feeding
special. Just because you have chosen to bottle feed, for whatever
reason, this does not mean that you should be deprived of the
closeness one experiences during breast feeding. Hold your baby
close to you, perhaps even against your naked breast and never let
her lie flat during feeds, as this can cause ear infections, due to
milk flowing from the throat into the eustachian tube. Never let
your baby fall asleep with the unfinished bottle in her mouth, as
the sugar found in milk, can cause serious tooth decay if repeatedly
left in the mouth for too long.
What not to use
Full cream and low fat cow's milk, condensemilk, coffee creamers
and milk blends are not designed for infant consumption, as they
often have too much or too little of the certain essential nutrients
that is needed for your baby's growth and development, and may even
contain harmful organisms that can make your baby seriously ill.
Equipment
Six bottles and six teats should be sufficient for bottle-feeding
your baby. Teats come in various shapes and sizes and it is only by
pure experiment that you will find which one suits your baby best.
There are teats on the market with the size of the holes differing
according to your baby's age, but if you are unable to purchase
these, you can enlarge the hole yourself, by using the blunt end of
a thick needle which has been heated in a flame.
All bottles, teats and dummies will need to be thoroughly
sterilized, using the conventional boiling method or using
sterilizing liquid or tablets, which are dissolved in water and the
bottles placed in it for the stated period. Whichever way you
choose, all bottles, teats etc. will need to be thoroughly washed
and rinsed in hot water. It is recommended that you follow these
procedures before each feed, until your baby is a year old.
Making up feeds
As mentioned earlier, it is vitally important to be meticulous
about hygiene, especially when making up your baby's feeds, as germs
can multiply rapidly in milk.
- Store formula in a cool dry place, taking note of the expiry
date on the tin.
Formula milk stores well in the refrigerator, so you can make up
to six bottles at one time, which should give you enough for
approximately 24 hours.
- Always use the scoop provided to measure out the milk powder,
following your doctor's or the brands directions for the correct
amount of water per scoop.
Adding extra powder will make the mixture too strong and could
result in the damage of your baby's kidney's or even her brain.
- Tap water should never be used to rinse sterilized bottles or
when making up a feed. Fill sterilized bottles with boiling water
and allow to cool before adding the powder, this will make for
easier mixing
- Put a cover over the teat and store in the refrigerator until
needed. When heating a cooled bottle for a feed, never use the
microwave, as this can damage the bottle and teats and the heat is
not distributed evenly, so there is a chance of scalding your
baby. Rather take a large jug or bowl, filled with boiling water,
and stand the bottle in it until the desired temperature is
reached.
- Never keep leftover milk to use in the next feed.
- Whether using a bottle warmer or simply holding the bottle
under a hot tap, be sure to always test the temperature of the
milk, by dripping a few drops onto the inside of your wrist.
- Lastly, don't feel guilty if you wanted to breastfeed, but
couldn't - you're not alone.
How much and how often should I be feeding my baby?
During the first few days prior to her birth, your baby will
probably be given a diluted form of her milk. If she is of a desired
birthweight you will probably be told to feed her every four hours,
but those that are underweight usually require a feed every three
hours. This depends entirely on you and your baby and you should
schedule your feeds according to when your baby demands them.
A bottle feed should take approximately 20-30 minutes - if you find
that it is taking much longer, it could be due to the hole in the
teat being too small. The staff in the maternity section will
normally advise you on your baby's feeding requirements, before you
leave the hospital.
As your baby increases in mass, so will her feeds have to be
altered, and around six months she should be having three to four
milk feeds, resulting in a total of 1 litre in 24 hours. This will
gradually decrease once you have introduced solids into her diet.
What about extra vitamins, iron and fluoride?
Not all formulas provide your baby with an adequate amount of
vitamins, so it is a good idea to consult your doctor on the
multi-vitamin drops available on the market. It is wise though, to
first check the tin, to see if any vitamins have been added, as
vitamin A and D are dangerous when taken in huge amounts. Vitamin C
is impaired by heat, so it is also for this reason that you should
allow the boiled water to cool before mixing your baby's feeds.
Most formulas are iron-fortified, so there is no need at this stage
to supplement her feeds, unless she was premature at birth which
would have caused her not to have sufficient time to build up any
iron reserves. Excessive iron consumption does tend to make the
baby's stools darker, and is related to constipation.
If you are currently living in an area with water not containing
sufficient fluoride, a supplement should be taken into account and
added to your baby's feeds from birth. Fluoride has also been proven
to reduce tooth decay.
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