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Reputation: 21

Transitioning from Breast Feeding to Bottle Feeding

My 3.5month old has always been breastfed, but now that I have to go back to work she needs to transition to the bottle. Unfortunately she has been refusing the bottle everytime my husband or mother-in-law attempt to give her one. I would love suggestions on how we can get our little one to take a bottle without so much drama!

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  • Profile_small
    Reputation: 157

    I called on my favorite breastfeeding expert Renee Beebe, M. Ed., IBCLC, a highly respected Seattle-area lactation consultant, and here is her take on your feeding dilemma:

    "It's really terrific that you have been exclusively breastfeeding your daughter! It can be challenging to transition back to the workplace, so it's great that you are being thoughtful about helping your baby learn about another way to receive your milk.

    It is normal for a 3 month old baby to initially refuse a bottle. It is a foreign object to her. Why should she suck on a silicone nipple? Let me assure you that even if she had been given a bottle every day since she was born, she may still refuse at about 3 months.

    This is the age when babies can start taking more control of their world! My best advice to you is to take it slowly, make it fun, be creative, and give her control. Babies are naturally curious and use their mouths to explore. If she sees the bottle as just another play -thing that is in her world, she will be more accepting.

    Try other liquids. Make it surprising, novel and interesting. I sometimes use water or very diluted apple juice when introducing a bottle. Or use breast milk—but very cold. Some babies will only take a bottle if they are distracted with TV, toys or going for a walk.

    Try making the bottle very UNlike the breast, and you may be more successful. Who says she has to drink from a bottle anyway? Many babies do very well with a cup—sippy or otherwise. Best of luck!"

    I've seen Renee's advice work time after time in my own clients.

    Learn more about breastfeeding, check out Renee's Breastfeeding Between the Lines at The Second 9 Months

     

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4 Other Answers

  • Plumeria_small
    Reputation: 58

    Keep trying. Look for the right combination of factors that doesn't cause the poor child to freak out.

    Are you expressing milk for bottle feeding? Is it the right temperature?

    Are you using formula? That stuff smells nasty. Have you tried a different brand?

    Have you tried different nipple types? Is the nipple too big or too small?

    Is the baby easily distracted when feeding? Then turn down the lights, the t.v. or radio, shoo the dog out, etc.

    Do Dad and/or Grandma use cologne? They shouldn't.

    The trick is to get the most boringly inviting atmosphere for feeding. You may need to wait longer to feed just to make sure baby is good and hungry.

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  • Ozomahtli_small
    Reputation: 2397

    If she's hungry enough, she'll take a bottle. Eventually. At least, that's what I've heard from other parents with this problem. Once you get over the initial hump, it should get much easier.

    You've probably already tried this, but squeeze a few drops out of the nipple so she knows it's in there. And, make sure the bottle is warm, so the milk feels and tastes like the "real thing".

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  • Qlandav2ex_small
    Reputation: 4209

    I don't know if you have worked with any lactation or breastfeeding specialists or not in the past but the following website is a good resource for finding the right folks to provide research and experienced based answers.

    http://www.breast-friends.org/pages/hospital.html

    This is the page that shows the hospital based services but there are references to the La Leche League and other listings through the links on the left side of the page.

    Many of the listings indicate that free phone consultations or other problem solving services are available.

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  • 2008_0522stuff0016_small
    Reputation: 2052

    Many experts would say that you waited too long to introduce a bottle to your kid, so you're going to have problems and this won't happen in a day. Will she take a bottle if you give it to her? If so, you can try getting her on the bottle, then passing her off to your husband.

    Your kid is not only used to being exclusively breast fed, but also to your scent, sound, and general being. Dad and Grandma are quite different and probably confusing.

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