Breastfeeding Vs Bottle Feeding: When To Introduce A Bottle

Breastfeeding a newborn can be a challenging task for new mothers, and it is important to establish a good breastfeeding routine before introducing a bottle. In the first few days after birth, it is recommended that mothers focus on breastfeeding their babies exclusively to ensure adequate milk production and prevent nipple confusion. Introducing a bottle too early can potentially lead to a decrease in milk supply. Generally, it is advised to wait at least 3 to 4 weeks before offering a bottle to a breastfed baby. This allows mothers and babies to get comfortable with breastfeeding and establish a good milk supply. However, if a mother needs to return to work or be away from her baby before this time, it is possible to introduce a bottle earlier with careful planning and guidance from a healthcare professional.

How to introduce a bottle to a newborn

Introducing a bottle to a newborn can be a tricky process, but there are several ways to make it easier. Here are some tips on how to do it:

Timing is key

Most experts suggest waiting until your baby is 3 to 4 weeks old and breastfeeding is well established before introducing a bottle. This helps to launch your milk supply and reduce the risk of "nipple confusion", where the baby develops a preference for bottles over the breast. If you're returning to work after maternity leave, it's a good idea to start bottle-feeding several weeks beforehand so that your baby has time to adjust.

Prepare the bottle properly

Breastfed babies can be particular about the temperature of their milk, so make sure the bottle is warmed to around 98 degrees Fahrenheit (body temperature). You can use a bowl of hot water or a bottle warmer to achieve this. It's also important to wash your hands and sterilise the bottle and nipple before feeding.

Let someone else do the first feed

Your baby may associate you with breastfeeding, so having someone else introduce the bottle can help reduce confusion. Choose a feeding time when your baby is usually calm and not too fussy. It may also be helpful to have the person offering the bottle wear something with your scent on it, such as a nightgown or t-shirt.

Try paced feeding

This method slows down the flow of milk to mimic breastfeeding and reduce the risk of your baby drinking too much. Use a slow-flow nipple, keep the bottle horizontal, and pause every 20 to 30 seconds during feeding. Stop feeding when your baby shows signs of being full, such as turning away from the bottle.

Bond with your baby during bottle-feeding

Talk to your baby and look into their eyes to help them feel secure. You can also try skin-to-skin contact, which can help babies relax and stimulate digestion and interest in feeding.

Be patient and consistent

It may take some time for your baby to accept the bottle, so don't force it. Offer the bottle at the same time every day to establish a routine. If your baby refuses the bottle, comfort them and try again later.

Seek professional advice if needed

If you're having trouble introducing a bottle, consider consulting a lactation consultant or your baby's healthcare provider. They can offer guidance and suggestions tailored to your specific situation.

How to store breast milk

Storing breast milk properly is essential to preserve its beneficial properties. It can be kept at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer. Here are some detailed guidelines for each storage method:

• Room Temperature Storage: Breast milk can be left at room temperature (up to 77°F) for up to 4 hours if it's freshly expressed. Previously frozen and thawed milk should not be left out for more than 1-2 hours. Always use covered containers and keep the milk as cool as possible. Any leftover milk after feeding should be discarded within 2 hours.
• Refrigerator Storage: Store breast milk in the refrigerator (40°F) for up to 4 days if it's freshly expressed. Previously frozen and thawed milk should be used within 1 day. Place the milk as far back in the fridge as possible to avoid temperature fluctuations when the door is opened.
• Freezer Storage: Freeze breast milk as soon as possible after pumping if you don't plan to use it within 4 days. It's best to use frozen milk within 6 months, but it can be stored for up to 12 months if necessary. Avoid refreezing thawed breast milk. Use breast milk storage bags or clean glass/hard BPA-free plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Label the containers with the date and your child's name if sending them to a childcare provider. Leave some space at the top of the container, as the milk will expand when frozen.

Some additional tips for storing and handling breast milk include:

• Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer before pumping. Ensure the area, pump parts, and bottles are clean.
• Pump during the times your baby would normally eat to maintain milk production.
• If you need help with milk letdown during pumping, try thinking about your baby, bringing something with their scent, applying a warm cloth to your breasts, or gently massaging and rubbing your nipples.
• Avoid mixing freshly expressed milk with older, cooled, or frozen milk to prevent bacterial growth in the colder milk.
• Thaw frozen milk by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight, running it under lukewarm water, or submerging the bottle in a pot of lukewarm water. Do not use a microwave, as it can create hot spots and damage the milk's nutrients.
• Always test the temperature of warmed milk before feeding by dropping some on your wrist—it should feel warm, not hot.
• Use thawed milk within 24 hours of it becoming thawed and within 2 hours of bringing it to room temperature or warming it.
• If your baby doesn't finish a bottle of milk, discard any leftover within 2 hours.

How to hold the baby when bottle-feeding

It is recommended that newborns are breastfed exclusively for the first 3 to 4 weeks of their life. This allows the mother's body to establish milk production and helps to prevent "nipple confusion" between the breast and the artificial nipple. However, if you need to introduce a bottle before 3 to 4 weeks, perhaps because you are returning to work, it is important to continue breastfeeding or pumping to maintain your milk supply.

When bottle-feeding, it is important to hold the baby in a position that is comfortable and fully supported. Here are some tips on how to hold your baby when bottle-feeding:

• Hold the baby upright, with their head on your chest or in the crook of your arm. This position is especially good for infants with reflux.
• Use a nursing or feeding pillow to help support the baby's head and neck and to give your arms a break.
• Switch the baby from one arm to the other about halfway through the bottle. This can help prevent your baby from developing a side preference.
• Make sure you can see your baby's face and hands during feeding. They use these body parts to communicate discomfort or that they need a break.
• Be mindful of your own comfort. Choose a position that you can maintain for 20 to 30 minutes without becoming tired.

Remember to always support your baby's head and control the flow of milk. Stop feeding when your baby needs a break or is full, and burp them often as they are more likely to swallow air from a bottle.

How to know if your baby is hungry

It is recommended that newborns are breastfed exclusively for the first 3 to 4 weeks to establish milk production and prevent "nipple confusion". If you are planning to introduce a bottle, it is best to do so after this period.

Your baby will give you signs to let you know when they are hungry and full. It may take some time, but you will learn to recognise these hunger cues. Here are some early signs of hunger:

• Being more awake and active
• Turning their head to the side, as if looking for food
• Opening and closing their mouth
• Turning their head toward the breast or chest, or a bottle
• Making sucking motions with their mouth
• Smacking their lips, drooling more, or sticking out their tongue
• Sucking on their fingers, hands, or clothing
• Clenching their hands into fists
• Staring at you and following you with their eyes, especially if you are their primary caregiver
• Giving you a distressed look
• Making the sound "neh!" just before a cry, according to Dunstan baby language

Hunger pangs will usually wake a baby from sleep. If your baby sleeps longer than they should, use a feeding chart or guide to estimate if they are feeding frequently enough for their age. Newborns should not regularly sleep for 4 hours or longer at a time. If your baby loves sleep more than feeding, consult a paediatrician about whether you should be gently waking them to feed.

A newborn will feed often, usually every 2 to 3 hours and sometimes more. They should feed up to 12 times every 24 hours. This frequent sucking stimulates milk production.

How to increase your milk supply

Breastfeed on Demand

The more your baby nurses, the more milk your body will produce. Feed your baby whenever they are hungry and let them feed for as long as they want, especially in the first few weeks of establishing your supply. It is best not to put your baby on a strict feeding schedule. Instead, follow their cues and let them tell you when it's time to eat. In the early weeks, your baby will eat 8-12 times every 24 hours.

Offer Both Breasts

Let your baby finish the first breast, then offer the other side. If your baby falls asleep after one breast, wake them and offer the second breast.

Empty Your Breasts

Hand express or pump after a feeding to draw out all the milk and signal to your body to make more. Pumping or expressing milk frequently between nursing sessions and consistently when you're away from your baby can help build your milk supply.

Avoid Bottles and Pacifiers in the Early Weeks

Feed your baby from your breast whenever you can. In the first few weeks of establishing your milk supply, your baby should do all their sucking, or as much as possible, at the breast. The baby empties your breast much better than a pump does, so you'll make more milk in response to your baby's signals compared to a machine.

Get Plenty of Sleep and Eat a Healthy Diet

Lack of sleep is rough on your milk production. If you can, take a "nursing vacation". Cut back on outside commitments and spend a few days doing little besides relaxing with your baby, resting, eating, and nursing. Eat a normal, healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

Massage Your Breasts

Breast massage can help to boost the volume and fat content of your milk. When your baby is "comfort nursing" (calming and soothing themselves more than drinking), massage your breast near the chest and then a little further towards the nipple, and wait for your baby to take a couple of swallows. Then massage another area of the same breast and wait for more swallows. Repeat.

Frequently asked questions