Introducing bottles to breastfed babies can be a stressful and emotional time for parents and baby.
Some moms feel guilt when baby is introduced to a bottle because it’s a huge change for baby, while some moms worry about nipple confusion (also known as nipple preference). Many parents are overwhelmed by the amount of information and advice on what bottles to use, and when to start using them.
Take a deep breath! It is important to remind yourself – and remind yourself OFTEN – that you are a great mom. Breastfeeding is important when you and baby are together; however, if you will be apart for a feeding, it will take some time and patience by your caregiver to teach a breastfed baby to take a bottle.
Here are 6 tips we find helpful when feeding expressed breastmilk to breastfed babies:
- If you and baby won’t be apart for feedings, don’t feel pressured to introduce a bottle. Many moms are able to exclusively breastfeed! However, if you and your baby will be apart while you’re still breastfeeding – because you’re returning to work or for another reason – you will need a way to feed baby expressed breastmilk. You can also have your caregiver try straw cups if you want to avoid introducing an artificial nipple.
- Try to wait until baby is 4-6 weeks old before a bottle is introduced. This is enough time for baby to establish good breastfeeding habits, and for your body to establish a good milk supply.
- Have someone else feed baby the bottle. It is best if someone other than mom gives baby the bottle because it minimizes confusion for baby. Teach baby early that mom breastfeeds and other caregivers bottle feed. It is also helpful to not be present when feeding expressed milk as it can cause further frustration or confusion for baby.
- Don’t skip a feeding session when baby is being bottle-fed. This is where your breast pump comes in! It may seem like a luxury to have a moment to yourself when someone else is feeding baby, but it’s critical to keep providing breastfeeding cues to your body. Mom should pump at the same time she would normally feed baby. This ensures her body doesn’t get the wrong message and reduce milk production.
- Give yourself time to find the nipple that works best. Many parents find that they need to try multiple nipples to find the one that works best for baby. It is important to have enough time to figure it out before hitting a firm deadline, like returning to work. The Lansinoh Bottle with NaturalWave Nipple was designed especially for breastfed babies and allows baby to use the same feeding actions as when at the breast, and is clinically proven to reduce nipple preference. It will make an easier transition back to breastfeeding when you are back together.
- Try Paced Feeding. The way a baby is fed a bottle is also important. “Pace feeding” is when the caregiver invites the baby to draw the nipple into their mouth, paces the feed to ensure baby is not forced to feed more than she wants, and recognizes baby’s cues when she has had enough. This method most closely resembles baby’s feeding behaviors at the breast, and can reduce the risk of overfeeding and symptoms associated with colic like stomach upset, gassiness, and fussiness.
All content found on the Lansinoh.com website, including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
