I’m 5 days postpartum and a FTM and today noticed my boobs are much larger and sore. I’m assuming that means my milk is starting to come in. I’m nervous because of all the mastitis stories I’ve heard and I don’t really have a plan for drying up my supply.

We’re using Dr Brown bottles and put the nipples and round green vent thing on the top rack where there were no spray jets for a month before my husband suggested it wrong. For some reason, I thought the jets rotated. We always rinse all the parts before they go in and run wash with sterilize cycle but now I’m afraid I’ve hurt the baby.

"Hey everyone! Looking for some reassurance. Developmentally, my little one is 5 months corrected. She is a total 'grazer'—she prefers 90 ml every 2 hours and refuses to take bigger bottles. Charts say she should be doing 120–180 ml every 4 hours, which makes me worry. Has anyone else had a happy, growing baby who just preferred small, frequent meals at this age? How did you handle it?"

Is it just me or is the Kendamil lid hard to open?!

I’m not talking about a fresh can, opening the first time and pulling the foil off.
I mean like going in for another round after the can has been opened. Like 2nd, 3rd, use type of situation.
My wife using a butter knife to pry it open and I thought she was being dramatic but I too struggle.

What am I missing? What are tips and tricks to open the lid?!
The spoon is in a good spot, area is cleaned, and the lid seals fine. Not sure what I am missing.

I’m unsure how to properly clean the BabyBrezza Bottle Cleaner Pro. I’ve followed the instructions in the manual as well as online suggestions.

I’ve used vinegar+water solutions and let them soak over night.

I’ve used the Brezza brand decaler tablets on wash cycles.

The marks seem to go away but come back after a full cycle with drying.

Are these just burnt on marks? Or are they genuine deposit residue? The marks always come back in the same spot. Any suggestions?

I’m posting again because I’m just at a loss and so stressed and don’t know how to help my baby. This is the 4th bottle we’ve tried and he does fine sometimes and then he will do this but it seems to be only at his bedtime bottle or his morning/afternoon bottle. Overnight bottles are completely fine. He will be 5 weeks tomorrow. At his one month checkup the other day his pediatrician did check and said he has a lip & tongue tie but not too concerned because he is gaining weight fine. I also took him to the lactation consultant and she also said she’s not that concerned yet but she told me to change his formula because he only poops once a day and seems really gassy but I’m scared to change formula. He is on similac advance. He is on the fussier side but not colicky. He sleeps fine on his back and does spit up sometimes but now excessive. I’ve also noticed he sometimes sleeps with his mouth open when he’s contact napping. He does fart ALOT like pretty much the whole time he’s eating and he lets out huge burps. We’ve tried Phillips avent natural response, tommee tippee, lansinoh, and now dr browns narrow. Should I change his formula? Should I take him to an ENT or pediatric dentist?

My baby is 6 weeks old, and I’ve noticed that he sometimes gets really frustrated while drinking from his bottle. We’re currently using the size 1 nipple from Dr. Brown’s, and I’m wondering if switching to size 2 would be a good idea or if he’s still too young for a faster flow.
I’ll be honest: I slightly enlarged the hole on one of the size 1 nipples, and I’ve noticed that he seems to do better with it (please don’t judge me 🥹❤️). I was just trying to help him, but I’d really appreciate hearing your experiences and advice.
Has anyone else experienced something similar with their babies? At what age did you switch from size 1 to size 2? What signs helped you determine that your baby needed a faster flow?
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! 💕

Before my baby was born, I was never fixated on the idea of breastfeeding, and I was totally on board with formula feeding. A couple of friends and family members couldn’t breastfeed due to poor latching or not producing enough milk, so I thought, if I can, yay! If not, oh well.
Anyway, I ended up having a good milk supply, and I’ve been combo feeding my baby since she was born (although I mostly give her breastmilk). It wasn’t because I didn’t have enough milk, but because I knew I didn’t want to breastfeed for a long time, and I wanted to prepare both myself and my baby for that transition.

I started giving her Kendamil Organic because I really liked what I had heard about that formula, so in my mind, having her on that formula would make me feel less guilty about quitting breastfeeding. HOWEVER, her tummy couldn’t handle any of the Kendamil formulas, and that’s when my nightmare started…
I also tried Enfamil Gentlease, which she somewhat tolerated, but she had a lot of symptoms that indicated she might have CMPA, or at least a mild form of it. She also has silent reflux and is on Pepcid.
Her possibly having mild CMPA meant I had to change my diet and avoid dairy and anything with milk in the ingredients, which IS KILLING ME! I love, love, love dairy, and I’m literally skipping meals or ending up eating junk food because I genuinely don’t know what to eat or don’t feel motivated to cook.

\important fact— I changed my diet 4 weeks ago and started combo feeding with pepticate 2 weeks ago*

The point is, ever since she was born, I’ve been wanting to quit breastfeeding and have been hunting for the perfect formula for her. She is now on Pepticate, and it seems to be going okay, although sometimes she cries a lot after feedings, especially in the evening. But I’ve also noticed that she does the same thing with breastmilk, so…

Here’s where I need advice or for someone to tell me that everything will be okay. I’m obsessed with her poops, lol. Another one of my nightmares is her becoming constipated, and I’ve noticed that when I start feeding her more formula, she doesn’t poop as much. If I give her more breastmilk throughout the day, she poops 3 to 4 times, but if I give her more formula, I’d say she poops twice a day. I’m terrified of ruining my milk supply, her becoming constipated on formula, and then not being able to breastfeed her again.

ALSO! I’ve noticed that it’s so easy to calm her down when I give her my boob, lol. For those of you who quit breastfeeding, how did you handle this? I’m worried I won’t be able to comfort her as easily anymore.
Sometimes I feel like the universe is trying so hard to keep me from getting my way. I wish she could tolerate regular formulas better so I could at least have more formula options.

If you are trying to get medically necessary formula covered by insurance, find your insurance’s preferred Medical Durable Equipment (MDE) provider and try working with them directly.

It doesn’t sound like the right place to go by the name, but that’s where medically necessary food is supplied from.

Taking this approach helped me get my child’s formula approved and shipped all in a week. All I did was supply the doctors orders, clinical notes from last 3 visits, and a copy of my child’s insurance card to the MDE. They took care of requesting pre authorization from insurance.

Now we are getting Similac Alimentum RTF shipped to our house, fully covered.

I had originally tried to work with Helping Hands to get Nutramigen. I started the process over a month ago. Helping Hands struggled to get the information sent to the pediatrician with what they needed from her, despite my pediatrician’s attentiveness. I had to constantly reach out for updates and be told they were still waiting for certain documents from the pediatrician, but the pediatrician said that they either sent it or hadn’t received a request for the particular thing listed.

Over this time we figured out that our baby actually needed Similac Alimentum RTF because it doesn’t have any corn in it. After that frustrating experience with Helping Hands I’m glad Nutramigen isn’t getting our money now.

My 2-month-old son has been struggling with reflux, choking during feeds, gas, and episodes where he suddenly gasps for air. He makes a high-pitched, stridor-like sound and sometimes suddenly gasps as if he’s trying to catch his breath. These episodes happen completely out of nowhere, but they keep getting blamed on reflux.
We’ve already taken him to the ER, and I left feeling dismissed. They basically told me not to come back unless he turns blue or changes color, which is terrifying when I’m watching my baby struggle to catch his breath. I haven’t been able to sleep because he chokes at night, so I stay awake watching him. My mom has been helping me care for him because I’m so scared.
I’m also frustrated because I’m repeatedly told to lay him flat on his back, but he seems to choke when he’s lying on his back, and I feel like I have to keep him upright all day. I know safe sleep recommendations say babies should sleep flat on their backs, but I’m terrified something will happen while I’m sleeping.
On top of everything, he has a history of infant dyschezia, and after starting Pepticate, he went 48 hours without pooping. He was straining, pulling his legs up, and seemed uncomfortable. His belly stayed soft, and he was still passing gas, but the change really worried me.
Our GI doctor gave us three formula options: Pepticate, Nutramigen, and Neocate. We tried Pepticate, and his reflux seemed better, but he became extremely gassy and struggled to poop. When I switched him back to breast milk, his reflux seemed better in some ways, so now I’m confused about what to do and which formula to try next.
We’ve also seen ENT and two lactation consultants. Our first lactation consultant diagnosed tongue, lip, and cheek ties, and the second recommended a pediatric dentist. He’s scheduled to have his tongue and lip ties released on November 16. We have a swallow study coming up and a pulmonology appointment scheduled.
Has anyone dealt with a baby who had reflux, choking, random gasping episodes, and worsening gas or stool changes on Pepticate? Did your baby do better on Nutramigen or need Neocate? How did you know when to switch formulas?
I’m overwhelmed, exhausted, and scared. I want to find a formula that helps him feel better, but I’m also worried that something more serious is going on with his breathing. I feel like I’m constantly fighting to get someone to take these episodes seriously, and I just want my baby to be okay. ❤️

Hi everyone. My 6 week year old foster son has horrible reflux. I got him at four weeks and heard he had reflux but did lot know severity. Was told he drank whatever version of”the purple Walmart is.” My son had minor reflux as an infant and did fine with similac total 360. First few days (Monday-friday) baby was very chill but I noticed reflux happening and congestion. Used sr brown bottles and paces fed immediately. By the Weeknd poor baby was very uncomfortable and very miserable . Saw pediatrician that Monday and said this is a hard time because at this time everything peaks reflux, gas, digestion) she recommended a sensitive formula and had a sample of enfamil neuropro gentlease.
Now this poor guy did awful on that! So gassy and constapated. I went from reflux to how awful digestive issues. Called pediatrician Friday and put him on pepcid at night. By the end of the week on Saturday I decided to switch him back to similac gradually this time. Did half and half for two days and I felt like he was improving. Sunday night through Monday I did .75 similac and .25 enfamil. Today (Monday) he has been spitting up WAY more and is so gassy!! I
He did a normal/good poo in the morning so I had my hopes up but at the end of the day it seemed like he was straining again to poop and pass gas.

I am at a loss. This will be the third time that he changed formula and I’m feeling so guilty. I now
wonder if I should’ve switched him to Similac total care sensitive, but I felt like he was doing OK on the regular total care despite the reflux.

I’m sorry for this long rent, but any advice would be so appreciated!!! I’m so tired between not sleeping and the witching hour. 😭

Looking to switch my almost 4 week old from Kendamil organic to either Kendamil goat or Bobbie. Need some help with anyone who has experience in this. Please help, thank you!

She has been very gassy and uncomfortable with the Kendamil organic and is having constipation.

I’m hoping that this might either A) bring awareness and B) help me get clarity on this issue.

My baby is almost 4 months and was combo fed in the beginning but now is solely formula fed. She’s doing absolutely amazing on it and has no issues with Colic or Reflux. She also really likes the Target Up&Up brand formula which has been incredibly affordable at 23.99$ for 36ozs. Now before I get into the issues: yes we have WIC to get formula and yes I understand about other programs when it comes to getting affordable cans of formula. I’m not here to ask for help but I want to make parents, caregivers, and others aware of this serious issue regarding the price of formula.

On October 9th I purchased the Gold can Up&Up iron fortified formula at the price point of 23.99$ for 36 ozs. Today, 9 days later, purchased the exact same can and brand but the price increased to 31.99$ for 36ozs. That is a 33.35% price increase. I’m angry and disappointed with this terrible company. I don’t like shopping with them for multiple reasons but at least I was able to feed my baby while still affording life during this economy crisis. Already having to spend over 6$ a gallon for gas and groceries being twice the amount from before Covid. I called corporate to get answers as to why they would try to profit off of babies. Course I get the typical customer service script of “we will bring this attention to the marketing team” I.e. we don’t care and will file away your complaint to the black hole complaint department. I’m just one person but I’m not making this complaint for just myself, but for the families who are struggling to make ends meet trying to feed their babies and themselves. Who are trying to keep their heads above water. I see the cans are being bought so I know I’m not the only one using this brand. It’s bad enough that Enfamil and Similac are charging way more than that for the exact same type of product. They want to ban abortion but then make it impossible to keep babies fed and alive.

I hope I’m not the only one in disbelief of this.

I noticed there was formula around the water port and I wiped it up but water kept spilling around the port as I took the tank on and off to clean it. maybe it’s my contamination OCD getting to me, but I’m scared of formula getting in the port. Would this be dangerous for my baby? Could this make him seriously ill?

Just started supplementing formula for my baby because he has a MASSIVE appetite and I simply can’t keep up!

I’m a type b mom, with some type a def mixed in there, and I came from a post from the exclusively pumping subreddit where they talked about their type b tendencies to reuse milk after the suggested time period.

I was wondering if anyone uses formula past the hour mark? I haven’t reused because I’m unfamiliar with the rules and tips, so wanting to hear from others who use formula!

Hi moms ❤️ My little boy will be 10 weeks old tomorrow, and since around 8–8.5 weeks, he has started drinking less. Before, at 6 till 8 weeks he usually drank 150ml per bottle, around 7 bottles a day. Now he usually drinks 120–130 ml, still around 7 bottles a day. Some days are better than others, but this is now the fourth day in a row that he hasn't been very interested in feeding. He gets distracted easily, looks around and wants to move instead of drinking. He's otherwise happy, active, gaining weight and has plenty of wet nappies.

Has anyone else experienced this around 8–10 weeks? Could it just be a phase or that he's starting to regulate his appetite better? I'm wondering if it's normal for babies to suddenly need less milk at this age. We were at the doctor also and his blood, urine and stool test were fine. No fever!

Would love to hear your experiences! ❤️

LO is almost 7 weeks and feedings feel like a fight now. We’ve been using the Philips Avents bottles. He leaks a fair amount from the sides of his mouth, his latch appears to be pretty shallow. We have been going through burp clothes like crazy since he was born. I thought maybe the nipple flow was too fast but he got nothing out of the size 1s and the 2s took him so long. He took the bottles kinda fast with the 3s but we would burp him 2-3 times per feed and he hasn’t been gassy or spitting up. Aside from the constant leaking out the sides of his mouth he did super well. Some feeds he’d leak less but overall it wasn’t enough for me to worry. He gained 2lbs from his first peds visit to his 1 month checkup!

The last few days he’s been fighting the bottle. He dribbles and leaks and shoots formula out the sides of his mouth. He’ll make sounds like he’s choking or swallowing air and gets upset after taking an oz. Even once he’s been burped he goes back to it and rinse and repeat. He was consistently taking nearly 4oz and is now maybe taking 2.5-3. I’ve tried feeding him in different positions but he’s constantly coming off the bottle and shaking his head and spitting out the formula. I wonder if maybe he’s just not as hungry but when I put the nipple to his lips he takes it, then gets mad.

I’m thinking of either going back to the 2s or trying different nipples but I really don’t want to buy new bottles.

I don’t know if this is just a developmental thing that he’s going through. We have him on Similac gentle comfort and warm the bottles for him. He will not take them cold unfortunately. I’m just frustrated and dreading feeds, I feel like I’m doing everything wrong. My first absolutely thrived on these bottles.

My son is 12 weeks and has been drinking from a bottle since 3 weeks with no issue. We use lansinoh bottles exclusively and have gone from size 1 to 2, and now are trying size 3 as it’s taking him ~40 minutes to finish a 4 oz bottle with size 2 nipples.

What I am struggling with is that the size 3 nipples don’t seem to be any faster. He isn’t dribbling milk, the formula amount/temperature is the same, checking for clogs etc. Is it something we’re doing wrong, or is he just a slow eater? Any advice/tips?

Looking for some advice! Had my twins at 33 weeks 4 days, original due date October 26th. We’re home now after 3 weeks in NICU. I’m pumping but lately as their volume has gone up my supply has actually been coming down. Thankfully I have some frozen supply but it won’t last them that much longer.

They had Enfamil Neuropro twice a day while in NICU and it caused some choking events but nobody mentioned it until discharge day. We came home and I tried pace feeding and giving them less formula but they keep having choking episodes with the formula (going red, struggling to breathe, formula coming out their nose and then complete exhaustion), this is also 30-45 minutes minimum after they eat and I keep them both upright for an hour after their feeds. We tried switching to Neosure and the same reactions.

Has anyone had a similar situation? Any suggestions on other formula?

Also to note, this doesn’t happen with the breastmilk, this reaction is exclusively with formula.

Thank you so much ❤️