Please explain to me more about nipple confusion?

Question

My daughter, 2 weeks, is basically a bf baby. She did get two supplements of Enfamil (recommending by her pedi) when we thought she wasn't gaining satifactorily and it was suggested to us, but it broke my heart to give it to her. She has a good latch and sucked vigorously. She drained my breast of three ounces of milk one day. Lately, however, her bf sessions have decreased to maybe 15 mins max, vs. her usual 30. This was after she was fed by my inlaws using a (good) Avent bottle filled with expressed breast milk. They were helping us out so that we could have just a little sleep after a week of sleepless nights. Is this decreased vigor at the breast due to nipple confusion? I want to continue to bf at the breast, but the milk from the bottle is very very helpful at times. I fear it might be too late. Thanks. I'm a new mom and of course, inexperienced. Thanks.

Edit: she has been to the dr. and she is healthy - but we were concerned since she had not regained her birth weight of 7.13 and it's been 11 days (she's 7.9 now) Probably overworried, but that's what being a new parent is like.

Answer 1

First of all, there *are* no "good" bottles". A baby does not suck on an artificial nipple the way she sucks at the breast, no matter what brand or type of nipple.

However, it doesn't sound like nipple confusion. If your daughter had nipple confusion, either you would have sore nipples from her sucking incorrectly, or she would be pulling off in frustration when she didn't get any milk...or more likely *both*.

That said, giving bottles before baby is 2 months old *and* has been nursing properly for at least a month makes it more likely that she *will* be nipple-confused. It can happen after the first bottle, after the sixth, or after the 34th. There is no way to know in advance. So I would suggest you wait a little longer before giving bottles (or a pacifier) again. But it's up to you.

If your baby *does* have nipple confusion, you can usually overcome it and teach her to nurse properly again...

Answer 2

Oh, its not too late. I breastfed all 4 of my kids and also used a bottle. From what I know, the Avent bottles are great. The only thing that I can tell you from experience is for a while, unless you need to, don't give her a bottle. If she is cutting down on her feedings from 30 to 15, that means 2 things. First, your milk came in. Not the collusturm, the actual milk. Second, she is getting what she needs in that short time. Breast milk has 3 different "parts". The pre-milk, milk and post-milk. The pre is what has all the antibodies. The milk is just that, milk for filling her up. The post is full of fat and proteins to keep their bodies full longer. It only takes 15-20 minutes for a baby to get full. I don't believe in the "switching breast" method. I believe in the feeding on a breast until full. As an example, I would offer my left side and let them feed on it until they would come off by themselves. Then, I would place them on my shoulder and burp. Then offer the other side. Babies are surprising creatures. They will eat when hungary and decline when full. If she is full from the first side, she won't take the next one. On the next feeding, offer that side that she didn't take, of did but not a lot, as the first one to suckle on. If you are uncomfortable, pump the side that let down and she didn't eat and freeze that milk. I was told not to give my babies a bottle, unless their health depended on it, until 6 weeks. That is a way to make sure that the breastfeeding is established and that your milk has come in all the way.

It is going to take some time to get used to her on you and her used to using you. If you still aren't 100% sure that you are doing the right thing, call the hospital that she was born and talk to someone in the Lactation Center. If you can't get anyone there check out the LLL (La Latchea League). They will talk to you anytime about anything and be able to explain it to you better. I hope this helps and remember that the two of you are still learning and getting used to each other and congratulations!

Also, a small hint. When buying a nipple for the Avent, get the one for a 0-3 month infant. It has less holes and they are a little bit smaller and she will have to work harder to get the food out. With your nipple, there are many holes and once your milk lets down, it actually flows freely and they don't have to suck as hard on you. Once her little brain realizes that you are better, she won't take the bottle. In a while, then you can give her the bottle with expressed milk and/or formula and there won't be any nipple confusion.

Answer 3

I think you are doing okay. I would say keep to the breast for a while and see if it makes a different, don't try the bottle for a little while.

In a month or two, it will be much much easier to get away and leave a bottle but right now it is very important to keep baby at breast. If you are going to feed baby from something other than the breast, there are tubes available- put finger in baby's mouth and slide the tube (its long and skinny - my hospital gave me some i dont know if you can get it at grocery store or something) in and baby can suck from the tube kind of like a straw.

most experts recommend waiting until baby is at least 6 weeks old before introducing a bottle, even an Avent one.

Answer 4

Milk comes out of a bottle much easier than the breast. This may make some babies prefer the bottle. It is recommended to wait until breast feeding is well established before introducing a bottle. Usally around 2-3 months is a good time. I would suggest not giving a bottle for a couple months, even though it's convenient. Remember also that your body will produce as much milk as is necessary for your baby. Even if it feels like you are empty, your body will let down more milk as the baby requires it. Does your baby ever fall asleep at the breast when she's tired? This is the best way to increase your milk supply. When babies stop actively gulping, and they sort of suckle, this tells your body to make more milk, and causes more letdowns. Fennel seed tea, and oatmeal also help with milk production. Remember that the more stimulation to your breasts, the more milk you will produce. In between feedings, you can stimulate your own nipples, and cause your milk to let down as well. This tricks your body into thinking your baby is breastfeeding therefore creating more milk. There is a drug called Domperidone as well that will increase milk supply. I would really recommend holding off on a bottle for a while until your baby is older to prevent nipple confusion. You may want to talk with a lactation consultant as well. They are much more knowledgable about such things than doctors. Hope this helps,and God Bless Don't give up!!

Answer 5

Probably not nipple confusion...as long as she is not having trouble latching on. Nipple confusion has to do with their latch (they latch differently on a bottle than they do on a breast). However, bottles offer milk at a much faster rate than the breast, if you give her too many bottles, she will get used to the fast flow and get frustrated by the slower flow of the breast. It is definitely NOT too late. However, I would not offer her more than one bottle a day so she doesnt get used to that fast flow and reject the breast. And it's fine to go more than one day without giving it to her, but no more than a week. If you really want to continue nursing, you've got nurse her, not bottle feed her. Also, as babies get used to nursing, they often nurse for shorter periods of time. This is because they become more effective at draining the breast quicker. So, that also might be part of it, but it would be early at only 2 weeks old. Dont give her formula...the more you nurse, the more your supply will increase to meet her needs. If you supplement with formula, your milk supply wont increase and you will HAVE to give formula. Hang in there! Nursing is SO good for your baby and totally worth the sacrifice. Once you hit 2 months, it is SO much easier than bottle feeding - you wont have all the sleepless nights, AND you wont have to worry about preparing bottles, it'll be just waiting. You are doing great. Hang in there mommy!

Answer 6

Once you introduce different things it will give the baby more options and she might decide she prefers one method over the other. There is nothing wrong with supplementing your baby with formula, that way you can be sure she is getting all she needs. You didn't mention how old your baby was either. Is it getting close to weening her off. Bottle feeding is great. Not only does it give you a chance to catch up on much needed rest, but it also gives a chance for baby to bond with other family members, especially Daddy. Fathers often miss out on the early bonding. Babies also don't have to work as hard to get milk out of the bottle, which also plays a role.

Answer 7

I have a 6 week old, and I am by myself. I gave my baby the bottle one night for a few feedings, and she lost how to latch on to my nipple. It was hard getting her back on. But she is. Anyways, answering your question, the first couple weeks, my baby was eating for 15 minutes a side, but now it only takes her about 5 mins per side. Its all in how fast our milk comes out. My baby is healthy and going to the bathroom as normal, so I am not concerened anymore. She was born at 7'6, and last time we were att he drs, was 9 lbs even. So don't worry about it as long as shes settled and happy in between feedings. I had a hard time breastfeeding after the bottle, but I kept at, so don't give up!

Answer 8

The older the baby gets and less he needs nursing time - he gets all the nutients in first 5 mins after that it's just comfort. The bottle just makes the baby lazy cuz he won't have to work so hard. Start with breast feeding first then do the bottle never bottle first

Answer 9

I would limit bottles to only a rare occasion. I would question my Dr as to why he thought she needed formula (ECK!!) in the first place. He should've told you to nurse more often IMO. It sounds like you are really good at nursing and are enjoying it. If you want to make it last for many months to come then I would ditch the bottles as much as possible. Your baby will end up preferring the easier method of tummy satisfaction (the bottle).

Answer 10

the baby may like the texture and feel of the bottle better. Just try things out, and see what happens, if your worried go see a doctor.