EBM amd bottles....

[jerseygirl07067]

I just introduced the occasional bottle to DD (she wound up taking the Dr. Browns the best, though I still may try the Playtex nurser with my Gerber bags just to simplify the cleaning process). Anyway, she seems to eat 4.5 - 5 ounces of EBM each bottle feeding. So much for those 4 oz bottles that I registered for! It's almost easier to use the larger bottles 8/9 oz so as not to overfill the 4oz. Has anyone else run into this? Luckily I have not opened all of the 4oz bottles so I will likely exchange them for the larger size.


I was also thinking to just fill up the 9 oz bottle all the way (then keep in the fridge)so we have enough for 2 consecutive bottle feedings. I am going to keep the occasional bottle going 3 times a week so the EBM will get used up before it goes bad. Is this okay to do?

Thanks! I love this board - you are all so helpful!!

Mary

[sntm]

We switched to the 8/9 ox bottles when Jack started taking 5 oz. I would still use two separate bottles, as once the EBM is warmed it should not be rewarmed and once your DD drinks from the bottle, her saliva will contaminate it with bacteria that will grow over time and can also change the properties of the milk.

I usually go by the rule that if he doesn't finish a bottle, it stays on the counter and can be reoffered for another hour or two, then either tossed or microwaved to mix with cereal, etc. (the microwave will kill most of the bacteria but also kills off the good immunologic properties of the EBM. If you do this, be careful to check that the temp, as it can develop hot spots.) Some people will stretch the times out to a few hours -- if you have enough EBM, I would recommend against it but if you have a problem getting enough EBM, you may have to balance the higher risk of bacteria with having to toss the "liquid gold."

shannon
not-even-pregnant-yet-overachiever
trying-to-conceive :)
PREGNANT! EDD 6/9/03
mama to Jack 6/6/03

[jerseygirl07067]

Thanks Sharon. I did not even think about the bacteria factor. And also the warming/rewarming too. That makes total sense! I will just switch to the larger bottles and use 5 oz. Too bad Dr. Brown's doen't make 5 oz bottles. I appreciate your advice.

Mary