Mixing & Warming Formula
Warming formula for the enteral pump was a Sisyphean task. Putting the formula into the hang bag as high as 65 degree Celsius resulted in an output close to room temperature.
We did find that mixing most formulas around 65 degree Celsius resulted in a better blend, except for Enfamil AR (added rice, high starch), which mixed better at room temperature.
We purchased borosilicate media bottles and added steel mixing balls, which we clean daily in a steam sterilizer. These serve our purpose well. (Affiliate Links for Feeding Items)
Although not always required by all formulas, we find they all do mix better when you let them sit for at least 5 minutes and shake them again before putting them into the enteral pump bag.
Our baby was a tad prone to spitup, and we were prescribed high-starch formula, and instructed to mix it at a slightly thicker consistency. You should always consult with a nutritionist or dietician, but we suggest mixing formula at a ratio using 25 ml of water per fluid ounce required. This allows you to put more calories in a smaller amount of formula.
We aim for 120 kcal per kilogram of our newborn, but she is huge and grows so fast, we are often closer to 95 kcal/kg. We currently raise the rate & dose daily, at the first morning feed, by 1 ml dose and 3 ml rate, but this changes regularly. We were previously raising both, or just the dose, by 3-10 daily.