My two month old has exclusively nursed for the past eight weeks and I'm going back to work in two weeks so she needs to learn to use a bottle. We're still going to use breast milk, but I can't be there to nurse her during the day. We have tried five different nipple/bottle systems and she fights them all. I'm no where near my husband and her when they are trying so she doesn't see, smell, or hear me. She has gotten better over the last few days, but it still takes her about 30-45 minutes to get an ounce or two down and she should be eating 4-5 ounces per meal. Anybody have any other tips for us?
2006-06-26 13:47:55 · 7 answers · asked by docal 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
If your consistannt just pick the one you think shell like the best and then stick with it shell get used to it.....if you keep changing them shell never pick one...
2006-06-26 14:17:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, it might be better for you to feed her the bottle. The sights and smells are comforting to her. Try nursing for half the feeding, then bottle feeding. Then, pump the remaining milk. After a few days if all is going well, try offering the bottle first, then the breast. A few more days after that, if all is going well, try the bottle for the whole meal. A few more days after that, try hubby feeding her. A gradual weaning process is better than going cold turkey when it comes to infants.
2006-06-26 13:53:31 · answer #2 · answered by The Apple Chick 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try using a feeding syringe, or a finger feeder. They are meant for your exact problem you can find them at www.medela.com under specialty feeding products. The great thing about these devises is they do not cause nipple confusion. And you'll want to avoid that at all cost. If she gets nipple confusion it will cause her to feed incorrectly, which will be painful to you and she will not be getting enough to eat. Also if she is not nursing properly you will start to slow down milk production and eventually not make enough milk to pump and feed. It is also very important that you continue to pump at work during her normal feedings. Not doing so will slow your production. They do make small cordless pumps that fit in your bra. They are rounded but noticeable. But its not a huge machine strapped to your chest. Always remember "Supply meets demand" If your breast are not getting the signal to produce regularly they wont. Oh yeah, when she is a little bit older, maybe another month or two you can use a feeder cup. Also available at medela. Good luck.
2006-06-26 14:17:34 · answer #3 · answered by silent*scream 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you could pump milk into a bottle and see if she will drink it if not you'll have to keep trying or you can just go back and forth nipple and then bottle
2006-07-03 06:05:08 · answer #4 · answered by aleshabell 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure if your husband is experienced with bottle feeding babies but if he is not I would suggest you get one of the grandmas who is or someone else who has a lot of experience bottle feeding babies to start her out and to teach your husband what works best for the baby. ALSO dont push baby to eat more then she wants and needs to or faster then she wants to babies will only eat as much as they need and no more pushing them to eat more will only begin to develope bad eating habits which could follow them there entire lives.
2006-06-26 19:55:39 · answer #5 · answered by CowtownMummy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe try a fatter teat on the bottle - one with a bulbous bottom - she will get used to it - dont forget to burp her when halfway through the bottle and maybe have something of yours - ie a piece of clothing - close to her so she can still smell you - babies respond well to smells - dont worry too much she will adjust and so will you.
2006-06-26 13:55:16 · answer #6 · answered by PERCY L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't know if you have tried the Advent bottles..but they are most like the mother's breast in that aspect...she may do better on those bottles.
2006-06-26 13:51:32 · answer #7 · answered by miss_chrissy_dawn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋