bottle-Feeding

Do you know anyone who has fed their baby
formula with a bottle?

What have you heard about formula-feeding?

Do you want to do it the same as others do?
Do it differently?

Formula feeding isn’t hard, but it does take some learning. Here is what you have to do:

Formula

  • Use baby formula that you buy in the grocery store, drug store, or discount store.
  • Use the same brand of formula if you can, all the time and for the whole first year. Your baby loves her formula, and it upsets her to have to eat a new one.
  • Measure and mix formula and water just as it says on the label. Don’t measure in bottles with plastic liners. The lines don’t measure right.
  • Feed your baby with warm or cold formula – but do it the same way every time.
  • Heat the bottle by holding it under running hot water or putting it in a pan of hot water.
  • Heat the bottle right before you feed it. Don’t let formula stand out to warm up.
  • Only use the microwave to heat the bottle if you do it right.*
  • Wait until your baby is a year old before you give regular milk.

Bottles and
nipples

  • Scrub nipples and
    bottles in hot soapy water.
    Rinse well.
  • Use bottles that are easy to keep clean.
    Stay away from fancy shapes.
  • Make sure the nipple works well. Turn the bottle upside down. Drips should come out one right after the other.
  • Glass or plastic bottles are all right. So are bottles with plastic liners.
  • All of the usual nipple shapes are all right. Use the same type of nipple all the time or it will upset your baby.

Keeping safe

  • Put opened liquid and powdered formula in the refrigerator.
  • Throw away leftover formula in the bottle after you feed.
  • If you live in the country, get your well water tested for nitrate and bacteria. Ask your doctor about fluoride.

*Microwaving safely

A microwaved bottle can feel warm on the outside but be scalding hot inside. To keep from burning your baby’s mouth:

  • Microwave bottles without a nipple or cap to keep the bottle from exploding.
  • Heat 4-ounce bottles no more than 30 seconds; 8-ounce bottles no more than 45 seconds.
  • After you microwave, put the nipple and ring back on.
  • Turn the bottle upside down 10 times to mix the hot and cold spots.
  • Test the temperature by putting a few drops of liquid on your wrist. It shouldn’t feel hot or cold.

© Ellyn Satter

Side-Lying-Hold

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
cross-cradle-hold-1

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football-hold

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE-HOLD​

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
laid-back

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position