Nipple confusion?

Question

I wasn't able to breastfeed my first child because he was premature and was on a feeding tube for a few weeks while in the hospital. As long as my second one is able to breastfeed, I'm planning on doing it. However, is it a good idea to also give the baby a bottle of breast milk, like if we're out to dinner or somewhere where I'm not able to breastfeed? I didn't experience this with my first, so I was wondering if switching back and forth from the bottle to the breast would confuse the baby and cause problems at feeding time.

It wasn't to go out without the baby, but if we bring him/her out with us. I wouldn't be comfortable breastfeeding in public. That's why I ask about using a bottle.

Thanks everyone, for all your answers.

Answer 1

It is fine to give the baby a bottle if you are out in public. I asked my lactation consultant about it and she said that if you must give a bottle, make sure that the nipple on the bottle is kind of long and the base of the nipple is wide just like the breast. The nipples of the Playtex Vent-Aire are the kind that are okay. Any shaped like that are fine. I just named that bottle, because everyone is familiar with it. Also make sure that the nipple that you buy is designed to make the milk come out very slowly. The problem with switching from bottle to breast and back again is that the milk in the bottle comes out a lot faster and the baby doesnt have to work as hard to eat. Whereas the breast, the baby really has to work and after a while of the bottle, they get lazy. It is all human nature. So make sure that you only give the bottle when necessary to avoid any problems with breastfeeding. Hope this helps. Good luck and Congrats on your baby!

Answer 2

My pediatrician told me that nipple confusion is not as common as books would have you to believe.

My daughter was jaundiced when we brought her home from the hospital and it took the better part of a week for my milk to come in so it was necessary that I give my daughter bottles of formula. Since then, she's switched from bottle to breast with no problem whatsoever. Now, she does prefer the breast, but if I need to give her a bottle she has no problem with it. My kid doesn't care where her food comes from so long as it's warm!

My daughter never took a pacifier either, but I understand some people breastfeed and use pacifiers and there's never a problem with nipple confusion there either.

I think the best thing is to take cues from your baby. You may need to have Dad or Grandma give your baby a bottle if baby won't take it from you, but that's usually not a problem.

I never have had any modesty issues about breastfeeding in public, but I'm just not very good at it when I'm away from home. I have to use the football hold because I'm a large chested gal, so it's hard to do that in public so I completely understand your wanting to bottlefeed when you're out.

Just trying giving your baby a bottle and see what happens. I'm pretty sure you'll be fine.

Good luck!

Answer 3

A lactose specialist would say not to bottle feed too. My son on the other hand had so much trouble attaching that I had to give him a bottle at night so he had enough milk - this was formula because I wasnt producing enough either. I think if you are able, breast feed only but dont feel pressured if it isnt possible. If you can pump when you go out to dinner - at least until you get the hang of being able to do it and keep everything comfortable - I think that should be perfectly fine. As often as you can try to use the breast but if the baby takes to it right away I wouldnt worry about nipple confusion. I dont know if that made perfect sense or answered your question exactly but hope it helped! LOL
GOOD LUCK AND CONGRATS

Answer 4

I am a mother of two, my son (first child) would not breast feed, or even suck on a bottle, because he got stuck in the birth canal, and his head was soooo bruised he wouldnt suck on anything for a few days.... BUT my daughter is a month old yesterday, and she is a great little sucker! haha so we are breastfeeding.

I can say its great to know she is getting my milk and knowing how great it is for her, but I have been supplementing her with formula after my milk but only at bedtime. that way she is used to the bottle so if I am at some point not available to feed her she would be annoyed with the false nipple of the bottle. I didnt introduce the bottle to her though until she was used to my breast.

I am modest with my body and dont feel comfortable with whipping out my boob anywhere to feed her, so last night knowing that she was going to want to eat while we were at a birthday party, I brought formula and a bottle for her... and I felt more comfortable with that. Plus trying under a blanket, she just falls asleep.

Congratulations, and I hope this helps you...

Answer 5

Once a baby has had a bottle enough times, they do not want to nurse anymore. Bottles are easier to eat out of and they realize this. I have four boys and nursed them. Once I went back to work and they started getting bottles. It wasn't long before they did not want me anymore. Do not feel like there is a place you can not nurse. Breastfeeding is natural. God made you to breastfeed. You can do it discreetly under a blanket so noone sees you. I nursed everywhere. It is also more convienient than having to carry bottles and find a way to heat them and keep them cold.

Answer 6

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby/back-to-breast.html

Practice with nursing will help you gain confidence. I nursed in front of a mirror constantly the first two weeks home from the hospital to ensure that no one could see anything, with and without a blanket. There are laws in effect in most states that protect your right to nurse in public, so don't be afraid that someone will get in your face about it, the law is on your side.

To the man that said that it's important to give your baby a bottle so that daddy can bond with the baby, there are other ways to bond with the baby! Giving a bath, playing with them, talking to them, there's even a special hold that dads do (you hold the baby against your chest with their head underneath yours. Humming will help calm the baby down. Dads are better at this than moms because their voices are deeper.)

Answer 7

From what I have read: You are supposed to exclusively breastfeed for 2-3 weeks and then you can use a bottle after that.

Answer 8

sorry to hear about your first child but i would try as hard as possible to keep the baby on a nipple if you have to switch to a bottle occasionally that is fine but make sure its fresh also you can always go to the restroom in a stall and feed your baby there is nothing wrong with this good luck :)

Answer 9

That won't be a problem. The baby may prefer the breast, but will learn to use the bottle, too.

Answer 10

You need to wait a few weeks before you even try to pump, your milk needs to come in all of the way. After a month or so, you can start to pump, and go out for dinner. My baby is 3 mos. and doesn't have nipple confusion.