Breastfeeding is always best - and I had no intention of giving Leah formula milk when she was born as I was determined to feed her myself. However, the best laid plans... as they say. There will always be some mothers who cannot (or choose not) to breastfeed, and although it practically broke my heart when I had to start giving Leah formula milk, at least I knew I was doing the best I could for her given my circumstances.
Aptamil First was recommended to me by the midwives in our local hospital, and because it was the first formula Leah ever had, I have continued to give her it as I saw no good reason to try any other kind. It's probably the most expensive formula milk, but she was happy with it and gaining weight properly and that was good enough for me.
Aptamil First is a whey based infant milk suitable from birth until 12 months. It's widely thought to be the closest to breastmilk (and advertised as such.) This is because it contains prebiotics - which would be naturally found in breastmilk. Prebiotics are basically food for the friendly bacteria in a baby's digestive system. It's important to encourage these friendly bacteria, as they help build the immune system and fight off infection.
Aptamil First also contains "Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids" (LCPs) which are important for the development of a baby's brain, eyes and nervous system. Although most formula milks now contain LCPS, only Aptamil contains them in the format which is closest to breastmilk.
The milk is easy to prepare. The powder form comes in 900g resealable tubs, which contain a leveller so that you can accurately scoop the powder without adding too much or too little. You simply drag the full scoop along the in-built leveller to get the exact dosage. You make up the milk with cool, boiled water and add one scoop per ounce of water, and then shake well. The milk keeps in refrigeration for up to 24 hours.
You can also buy Aptamil in ready-made 200ml cartons. These are great for travelling or for being out and about as the milk is already at room temperature, so all you need to do is pour it into a sterilised bottle.
Interestingly, in hospital we were given 100ml glass bottles of ready-made milk, to which you simply screwed on a sterile teat. I've noticed that these are not available to buy, and only seem to be for hospital use.
I noticed an almost instant change in Leah's nappies when I started giving her formula - and not a pleasant one. It's not just the milk itself that smells horrible, (all formulas do, to be fair) but the after-effects weren't pleasant either!
I've never liked formula milks and I don't think I will ever be really enthusiastic about one, but at least I don't burst into tears every time I give her a bottle now (I guess my hormones have calmed down.) However, although I found it emotionally tough, it was easy in every other way and at least by giving her Aptamil I felt I was giving her the best that was available on the market - it's the one recommended by doctors and midwives (when formula is necessary, of course.)
Jul 2nd, 2005
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