I have been living off my savings for a while now and the bank account is starting to look a little slim...so I have to go to work or at least go to school. This is my problem. My daughter will NOT take a bottle. For about a week or two she would take it from me only but that was only after a real battle. Recently6, she has refused the bottle and pacifier. If I try to push it we eventually both end up in tears. I have tried all the tips abou7t introducing a baby to a bottle but she just won't take it. My friend tried the other night and she ended up calling me to come feed her because my baby was arching her back and just screaming her head off. When I arrived they were standing on the porch fand she only had a diaper on because my friend was saying that my daughter was getting way too hot from the struggle. She will also make gagging sounds and choking sounds. Twice she has forcefully spit up from screaming. THis is without even getting ANYTHING from the bottle.
2007-04-16 04:34:00 · 10 answers · asked by Erika H 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I am afraid that I won't be able to go to school or get a job because I just cannot depend on her getting food from anywhere but my breast! Please help.
2007-04-16 04:34:39 · update #1
I know you don't want to hear this, but it's true. If she's hungry enough, she will give up and figure the bottle out.
Don't give up.
Keep trying - once a day, have someone else if possible, give her the bottle. You leave the room.
If she screams and throws a fit, lay her down until she settles then try again.
Keep trying. She will eventually take it.
My 3 1/2 month old daughter takes a bottle from the sitter's, a binky, and I breastfeed her. She fought the bottle too, but eventually gave up.
Are u putting breastmilk in the bottle??? You should.
Good luck.
2007-04-16 04:40:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try keeping the bottle around in a non-intrusive way, such as a toy or plaything. Have it out when she is awake, doing her little baby play activities, and let her explore it on her own terms, when there is no pressure of trying to feed a hungry and frustrated baby. When she gets used to it and begins to find it interesting, try putting a little bit of breastmilk in it, but don't pressure her to actually drink it. Give it to her to play with when her tummy is already full, or between feedings when she isn't likely to perceive it as a threat. Eventually, try offering it to her for a small snack-sized feeding when she is not terribly hungry, but getting sleepy for a nap.
I agree that, if you must return to work and/or school, she WILL begin to take the bottle after she gets hungry enough. But I also understand that you're hesitant to put her (and her caregiver!) through such a stressful experience if you can avoid it. I think that the tips above should help you with that, although it's not a quick fix for the problem. It will probably take a few weeks or even a month or so before she gets over her negative feelings about the bottle. Then again, she could have a change of heart immediately once the pressure is removed, and be taking the bottle beautifully by the end of the week. ;) Either is possible. :)
This approach works well later with introduction of the cup as well!
Kudos to you for giving your baby the very best! Best of luck with the bottles, and returning to work. :)
2007-04-16 04:59:37 · answer #2 · answered by LaundryGirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son was the same way. I had to finally put him on a bottle after his top and bottom teeth came in. We put a couple of drops of strawberry quick in the formula so that he would like the taste, it helped. i put some on my finger first and them made sure the outside of the nipple had some on it too, so that he could taste it right away and know where it was coming from. It took him a little time to get the hang of using a bottle, but once he did, everything went as smooth as silk. We also tried different nipples and bottles, his favorite were the playtex, comfort air. At first it was all we could use but after a while that changed too. If you don't feel comfortable with the strawberry quick, try something else that's tasty, BUT STAY AWAY FROM HONEY!!!!
2007-04-16 07:15:37 · answer #3 · answered by Poot's Mama 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My younger son wasn't too keen on taking a bottle either. Try a variety of bottle and nipple styles (sorry, this can get expensive) and have her get used to taking it from you with the skin contact she gets while nursing. I assume you're feeding breastmilk in the bottle, otherwise the taste of formula could be what's bothering her.
The bottles my son ended up taking were Dr. Browns, try buying just one to see it works for you before investing in a bunch of them. A friend had luck with the Playtex kind that have a disposable plastic part that holds the milk...
Good luck!
2007-04-16 04:41:10 · answer #4 · answered by Bored Enough To Be Here 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you giving formula or pumping your breast milk?
Some babies are more picky and they definitely can smell the difference btwn formula and breast milk.
Also ... Call your local Dept. of Human Resources and see what resources are available to help you in supplementing to your income for the baby ... the WIC program is great and is available to both you and the baby because you breast feed.
It is OK if you work, they contribute to you based on income.
Food stamps are also based on income as well ...
BOTH are resources you pay for with your taxes ... there is nothing wrong with getting either assistance ... it's like asking for your tax money back!
2007-04-16 04:56:18 · answer #5 · answered by gromit1203 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You just have to keep trying. When she is hungry enough she will take the bottle. dont stop trying. Make sure your friends try for you because if you try sometimes she will smelll your milk and want the boob and not the bottle. but keep trying to give her the bottle.. like i said if she is hungry enough she will drink from a bottle. Also try different types of bottles. good luck
2007-04-16 04:40:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This may sound kinda mean but wait until she gets really hungry dont FORCE her to eat when she gets hungry she will drink from a bottle I know its hurts to see your child not eat but my older sister dropped off her kid at my dads house and had my dad do it :). If you cant do it because you will be worried that she hasnt ate leave her with someone who is firm and will not give in to her. Kids are really smart and they can work their way into what they want :) Good Luck
2007-04-16 04:42:06 · answer #7 · answered by Ness 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Breastfeeding is really more important than alot of people realize. just go look at the article about it at http://www.yourchildrenaturally.com
I would seek financial support or some loan until baby is dependent on solids at around 8 months. I would do whatever necessary for my baby's health for all their life! even if you have to try the government.
Are you a single mom?
2007-04-16 04:46:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
my son wouldnt take the bottle either....I ended up trying the playtex drop-ins....the nipple is very breastlike and soft compared to others....he fought a little but took to it very well....if that doesnt work their is a company called One Step Ahead that has a catalog and they sell a bottle that is shaped like a breast!!!
Good luck and God Bless
2007-04-16 04:54:11 · answer #9 · answered by JLee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try a soy formula, It is sweeter than a regular formula and sometimes breastfed babies will take it better. This is what worked for me, my daughter was the same way, arched her back, screamed, cried, it was horrible.... She took the soy right away, I used Nestle brand.... Good luck!!!!
2007-04-16 04:42:31 · answer #10 · answered by Alicia P 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋