Let's talk bottles......

I'm going to try and BF, at least for the first 2 weeks to see how it goes. I know I won't want to do it long term but want to try it.

In any case, I need to register for all the bottles, nipples, breast pump, etc.

How do you know which bottles to get before the baby arrives? From what I understand, you may have to try a few different types to see what works best?

So how should I register? For one or two different styles? Stupid question, but are they all dishwasher safe now?

ETA - When I used to babysit, the woman used these plastic shell-type bottles that you put the small plastic bag inside - that seemed to work well to prevent against gas - is that style still recommended?

What else do you need along with this stuff?

TIA

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Posted by Shamee

I'm going with the Playtex nursers at first (if I can't b/f). Seems more sanitary...

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I just checked it out on BRU's site but the set only has 4 bottles - does it come with it's own breast pump? If not, which one do you use?

ETA - just re-read your msg saying if you can't BF - the nurser set is for those that will breast feed and bottle feed, so that's what you'll try?

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Posted by Deb_n_Rob

Sorry I can't help you. I am so glad you are asking these questions. I am so overwhelmed with the whole bottle thing too. Any advice or suggestions would be so helpful to all the new mommies to be.

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Oh well I'll be posting a THOUSAND more! I have a whole checklist from BRU on things to register for, and I've hardly made a dent into it yet

I'll just follow your lead. I am only a week behind you!! Maybe we'll see each other registering at BRU. I don't know if I congratulated you on having a girl. I find out next week !!

Okay...breastpumps...if you are NOT planning on bfing for more than 2 weeks or so then you do not need a breastpump. You should ONLY be pumping in the first month if you need to due to supply or latching problems. And typically that requires a rental hospital grade pump. I needed one of those for 3 months and then I was able to use my Pump In Style Advance. But if you are not totally dedicated to bfing then you would probably just stop rather than go thru all the trouble of increasing supply or fixing the latch issues. (NOT a judgement, I hope it didn't sound like one)
Breastpumps are expensive and you can get a much better deal for a NEW pump on eBay. DO NOT BUY A USED PUMP EVER!!!!
I can give you tons of info on different pumps if you want. But I didn't register for one. It is better to wait to figure out your needs first.

You will want to take the bfing class at the hospital and have a lacation consultant's phone number at home, near the phone before the baby is born in case you run into problems.

Bottles- I am very happy with the playtex nurser, silicone nipple. You get the starter set and then add to it as you find the nipple the baby likes best. You can register for 2 starter sets. some people love the Advent bottles, but Molly only takes the one nipple type.
Also, sign up at all the formula company websites and sign up your husband, your mom and your best friend too. You will get tons of coupons and free samples!

Oh, and ALL the bottles claim 'like the breast' but NONE are like a breast and they do not help the baby latch like you do on a breast. BFing is totally different than bottle feeding- for both the mom and the baby. Even the baby's tongue placement is different for both.
some babies can switch back and forth without any issues. Molly was not able to do that at all.

First of all - glad to hear you are going to give BFing a try - you might surprise yourself with liking it more than you think! If not though - no big! Pumping, bottles and formula are just as good and you'll still have a wonderful bonding time with your little one.

Like Michele said, you won't need a pump if you aren't going to continue breastfeeding. The idea is to build the supply and the pump helps that. Unless your baby is some champion latcher (which is rare) and her latching and sucking is enough to get your supply going. Pumping will come in handy at some point though if you are going back to work, or even when you want to fill a few bottles so somebody else can take the load off for you. So if you stick with it, eventually you'll want one. I would hold off on buying one for now though. (and the hand ones suck...)

Bottles- we use Avent. I had NO idea but believe it or not, your baby will let you know. I used to read posts and be like - yeah but how did you KNOW he was gettng too much air, etc. Well...weirdly..you do! It's all trial and error Teri, and you will be able to figure out what is best for your wee one. That said, we tried the disposable ones and Sophie hated the nipple. We tried Dr. Browns (which I hated) as did she. Avent she took like a charm and continues to enjoy them. We have no problems.

I got a starter set originally that i returned. I ended up getting 4 bottles , 4 0z capacity and that is working fine, but keep in mind, I only use a bottle once a day now with breastmilk in it for my husband to do a feeding, so we don't go through them that much.

I know it's overwhelming. For now just pick any brand and have them on hand. You'll be amazed by how many trips you'll take to BRU those first few weeks!!!

Great - thanks ladies!!! I had no clue about the pump.....

A while ago, I never would have thought I'd consider BFing, but after reading about all of the colostrom benefits, I figured I'd give it a try for the first 2 weeks and see how we go.

I'll probably register for the Playtex set and Avent one and see how we do. If I want to continue BFing, I'll look into the pump, etc.

At my next OB appt I want to get the numbers of LCs, and Lamaze coaches....I definitely want to get ourselves educated soon on as much as we can

When I was in BRU last weekend, there was a flyer on a breastfeeding, bottles and nipples class later this month - has anyone attended one of these mtgs? I wonder how useful they are?

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Posted by Deb_n_Rob

I'll just follow your lead. I am only a week behind you!! Maybe we'll see each other registering at BRU. I don't know if I congratulated you on having a girl. I find out next week !!

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Thank you! Have you been to BRU yet? Try to get there early on the weekends - it can be mad house!

hi there..glad to see you will try to BF. This is not a judegement call at all... this is a stressful decision because it does take some time for a mommy to get the hang of it.
At least it did for me...but I had made my decision to BF, hubby was WAY uspoprtive as was mil and sil. it was a very difficult first few days...as you can almost tell that the baby's cries are due to hunger...and you have to figure out this whole latching on thing!

I would advise giving it a Little bit more than 2 weeks because of this. I think other moms on this board also experienced what I did, after week THREE the process seemed to be a bit easier.

Julianne gave up BFing at 8-1.2 months- I could not keep up with her appetite and I tried all methods I could find to increase my supply. Believe it or not, I would cry about this..and she was totally HAPPY on formula. (there are still days I wish I could just whip out the girls to feed her!)

That being said, My sil recommended the Playtex nurser.. with the Drop In Liners. So we registered for the trial set, comes with one 4 oz and 3 8oz bottles and some liners. U can get refill liners at BJS MUCH CHEAPER and still great quality!
I used the bottles when I returned to work...and pumped at work with the Medela pump in style. Had to block out 2 sessions a day at work..all co workers knew NOT to KNOCK on the door when it was closed.


I bought a brand new pump on EBAY...much more reasonable...


we still use 2-3 bottles a day now and J is 14 months old...she uses sippy cup for all other drinks.

hope this helps!

feel free to FM mail me with any ?S

Oh, Teri...pumping at work is great- at least for me it is. Not one person comes near my office when the door is closed and I actually got an office because of pumping.

Teri- Also buy yourself A nursing mother's companion guide and read it before the baby is born, then pack it and bring it to the hospital too! Claud lent me hers and it was a HUGE help.

I have a great LC in Babylon if you want the info let me know. Of course my crappy insurance will not cover any of the pump rentals or LC service. I guess feeding my daughter is NOT a priority.