my five months old baby wouldn't take anything other than breast feeding. what should i do?

Question

from the beginning she refused the bottled nipples, then formula generally she take little food (1-2 teaspoon) and i'm a working mom. it either i leave the job of or i get some idea as to how to deal with this situation

Answer 1

Did you try pumping breast milk and giving that by bottle? That is the first step. Often times babies don't like the taste of formula because they are used to the taste of breast milk. If she'll take breast milk by bottle you can pump and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hrs and in the freezer for a week.

Try different nipples too. Sometimes it's the nipple that is the problem, not the taste.

The key is finding the nipple she seems to prefer the most, and then constantly offering it to her. Sometimes babies just don't like new tastes and textures, but by introducing the same thing over and over she will eventually get used to it.

If you are trying to get her onto formula, then once you get her taking breast milk from a bottle then gradually start replacing some with formula. Start maybe with 1/4 formula and 3/4 breast milk for a few days, then go to half and half, the 3/4 formula and 1/4 breast milk, then all formula. But if you can pump your milk and give it to her, that would be the best.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

There are several options. First of all, you could give her pumped milk from a cup instead of a bottle. At her age, try a sippy cup; it's more likely to work than a regular cup that is used for very young babies. Or have her get the milk by spoon, the way that someone must be giving her the solids.

Who is caring for your child while you are at work? Can they bring her to you during your lunch break? Then you could nurse her without your having to stop working entirely. Another thing to consider is where she is in child care. If she is very near your workplace, you could drop in whenever you have a chance in your workday.

And, by the way,1-2 teaspoons is *not* very little food; it is more than most 6-9 month old babies need! But it will not replace a nursing, obviously.

I hope this helps!!

Answer 3

If you want to give her a bottle, try a slow flow nipple. That worked well for my daughter. Playtex makes a great slow flow nipple. You could give her breastmilk in the bottle first - and it helps to have someone else give her the bottle the first few times. Then if you want to give her formula, you can gradually switch over to formula. As far as cereal and food go - offer it to her and if she gets a little in her mouth, great. If not, don't worry about it. At 5 months, it is just about learning the idea of food and how to swallow something that is not breastmilk/formula. You can try checking out www.babycenter.com/baby - they have a ton of article on breastfeeding, formula feeding, etc. I hope that helps some!

Answer 4

Try the orthopedic bottle nipples. They are shaped to feel more like mom. Try pumping your milk and have your caregiver store it in the fridge or freezer. Maybe if she tastes your milk, it'll help her get used to the bottle, and then she can be slowly switched to formula. Good luck!

Answer 5

Are you using the Platex Nurser bottles that are made for breast feeding? Give the baby time. When she gets hungry she will eat. Try talking to your doctor to make sure nothing is wrong with her and she is just being picky.

Answer 6

leave the job.. kids do much better with mom at home for the first 5 years of thier life, learn to make some sacrifices, you dont need a cell phone, a new car, or 500 channels on TV...
best thing to do would be to stay home, or even only part time work, eventually she will have to eat something else.

Answer 7

my one child was like that.
i bought vent-aire bottles with the slow nipple
then put up to my breast and slowly worked it into the babies mouth.
I slowly would start adding a little more each time in the bottle.

it takes time and patience but if all else fails most kids love bannanas. because of the texture.

Answer 8

you could pump your breast milk ahead of time....it keeps for about 24 hours...it is a hassle, but breast milk is really the best milk for your baby....breast fed babies are healthier and grow up and have a better emotional balance than formula fed children....best of luck to you and your baby with what ever decision you make.

Answer 9

you should pump the milk and then mix it with formula and feed it to the baby, they may not take it right away but if they get hungry they will.

Answer 10

she will get hungry enough to eat just keep encouraging her to eat. she will not starve herself