Breast milk in a bottle!?

Question

My one month old son breastfed very good from the first hour he was born, but recently my husband introduced my milk in a bottle to him and ever since he hasn't been the best eater. He'll latch on and eat for a few minutes than latch back off, and this doesn't happen at every feeding, but it happens at least a few times a day. How can I get him to drink my milk better, or is he slowly going to refuse my milk until he won't take it anymore? I really want to try to breastfeed for at least 6 months! This just makes me soo upset. Could my milk supply not be enough for him? I'm on progerstin birth control only.. He also doesn't burp that well either, we've tried many positions, but usually nothing works. So that causes him to spit up pretty much after every feeding, and than after about a couple of days without burping he'll get really fussy for a few hours and nothing we do will help him. I think it's because of gas.

If some one can help me please!?

Answer 1

Your son may be getting more efficient at breastfeeding. Some babies don't need to eat for a long period of time to get what they need. If he's peeing and pooping, he's most likely getting enough milk.

I'd hold off on the bottles for a while so he doesn't get confused. Actually babies aren't that "confused" about nipples--they know that bottles are easier and they won't have to work so hard for their milk that way! So no bottles for a few more weeks. And just let him nurse on demand, which will ensure that you have a good supply.

Most month old babies won't self-wean unless you constantly feed him with a bottle. The other way to be sure he stops taking your milk or to destroy your supply is to start giving him formula. The more he eats from you, the more milk your body will make. So keep on nursing him on demand, and you'll be able to nurse him as long as the two of you desire.

Lots of breastfed babies don't need to burp. And a little spit up is no big deal. As Dr. Sears says, it's a laundry problem, not a medical problem.

If he's a month old, he may be going through a fussy stage due to growth (or just being a baby). Don't worry about it. Let him nurse when he wants if it comforts him. During the really fussy times, trade off with another person if you feel frustrated--let another person walk and rock him if that helps. Also, some babies are comforted by being held tummy down against your forearm. If it's really gas that's bothering him, it will come out one end or the other!

You're doing a great job, and breastfeeding him is one of the best things you can do for your baby as a mom. You might want to look up the La Leche League in you area on www.llli.org. They are a great source of support for new moms and have lots of experience to help you through the tough beginning time!

Answer 2

I would say possibly nipple confusion, a month is too young really to introduce a bottle - then again if you leave it too long the baby won't take it at all, my babies wouldn't anyway. Try cutting out the bottle altogether until your son is a month or so older. Your milk will almost certainly be enough for him, it may also be that your production is slowing down as your baby is missing a feed - even if you express its not the same as having your baby feed directly from you. Again, you really shouldn't express for at least 6 weeks so your supply can establish itself.
Having said all that, it may be the wind that is causing the problem. they say breastfed babies don't get wind but they are wrong - they do, not necessarily from feeding but even a good cry can cause air to be swallowed. I would try lying your baby on his tummy and rubbing his back, that usually worked with mine. Or get some medication, gripe water or some people swear by Infacol, I never thought it helped to be perfectly honest but maybe it would have been worse.
Good luck!

Answer 3

It sounds like you introduced the bottle too soon. Babies that young can get nipple confusion. Just stop with the bottle for now and keep working with him to latch on, he'll get used to it. Also, make sure you're getting enough water and food to keep up your milk supply. The more you nurse him, the more milk you will produce, supply and demand. The pill could have an effect, but I'm not really sure. I've heard that it doesn't, but my OBGYN said I couldn't take anything because it would dry up my milk. The bottle it quicker to give him milk than the breast because the breast takes a couple seconds for milk let down. Keep trying with the breast, don't give up. Call a lactation consultant, or contact the La Leche League. Good Luck.

Answer 4

well when he is on the breast he probably wont burp because when baby has a good latch then its llike a vacume and there is no air getting into baby. you can try using the dr.Browns bottles when bottle feeding they work really well at no gas my son barely ever burped with them. otherwise milicon drops work great.. well for some people.. or ... try laying him on his back and push his knees towards his belly and make it fun that can push the gas out too...

as for the milk supply you can pump often and it will build up your supply the more you tell your body you need the more it will work.

Answer 5

many breastfed babies dont burp much since they dont get much air. just dont offer him the bottle again. he may be going through a growth spurt and they get moody and agrivated during this time. its easier to drink form a bottle as well. my son did this as well, now hes 6 months and still breastfed. i hardly ever had to burp my son he never would. he always did it on his own

Answer 6

A bottle is easier so he will prefer it. You'll have to decide to either quit the bottle or use the pump exlusively.