When should I introduce a bottle to my baby?

There are a lot of opinions about when to start offering a bottle to a breastfed baby. In general, you can offer an occasional bottle to your baby once your milk supply has been well established and your baby has been nursing well for 2 to 3 weeks. Some parents give a bottle as early as 2 weeks, some prefer to wait longer. Some mothers even wait until about a week before they return to work. You can decide when is the best time for you and your baby.

Try not to skip a breastfeeding until you have to. When you offer the baby a bottle, put an ounce (or less) of breastmilk in it, and let someone other than Mom give it to baby. Make a new game out of the experience. Give it when the baby is not too hungry to play. Don’t expect him to start sucking right away. Let the baby explore the nipple with his tongue and mouth first. Be gentle, do not force. If baby is resistant, try again later.

What if my baby refuses the bottle?

If the baby refuses the bottle, you can try a different type of nipple. You can also try a different time of the day, or hold the baby differently, or have another person try to give it. See the above suggestions for introducing the bottle. If baby continues to refuse, and gets upset whenever you try, do not force him. There are other ways to give baby the milk, such as a spoon or dropper, or by cup. Contact the Lactation Consultants for advice and assistance if needed.

What kind of bottle and nipple should I use?

I recommend a silicone nipple that is labeled “slow flow” or “newborn” depending on the brand. The Avent or the Healthflow nipples are examples. The shape and type of the bottle is not important. You can try different shaped nipples (i.e. orthodontic) if your baby is resistant to the first one.

How much milk should I pump?

Practice with the pump by using it once or twice a day starting about 1 week before you plan to introduce a bottle. Start out with about 5 minutes of pumping at a comfortable suction level. Try not to worry if the pump does not stimulate the milk to flow at first. As you get used to the pump, you will get more than drops, but probably not more than an ounce per pumping unless you skip a breastfeeding (which is not recommended).
When you are comfortable using the pump, you can gradually increase the suction level (but still keep it at a comfortable level), and you can pump for a longer time. Mothers usually find that the milk flow stops, or slows after 10 to 15 minutes of pumping. The suction level should always be comfortable, so this will vary from one pump to another, and with each mother.

When should I pump?

Practice pumping once or twice a day whenever it is convenient for you. A lot of mothers make more milk in the morning, so the baby is satisfied with nursing just one side. You could pump the second side to save for your return to work. You will get more milk if you pump about ˝ hour after a two sided feeding. Do not worry if your baby wants to nurse right after you have pumped. Your breasts will make more milk as she/he nurses.
When you return to work or school, plan to pump about every 3 hours that you are away. After your baby is 4 to 6 months old, you can pump twice a day while at work.

How much milk will my baby take each day while I am at work?

You should plan on leaving about 1 oz of milk for every pound your baby weighs. At first, put about 2 oz in each bottle so not as much will be wasted if the baby doesn’t drink much at each feeding. Once your baby is adjusted to the work/daycare routine, the sitter will be able to tell you how much the baby takes at each feeding. Then you can increase the amount in each bottle to that amount.

My baby nurses frequently. Will he want to eat as much while I am at work?

Most babies do not feed as frequently when their moms are not there to breastfeed them. Many babies will take just a few ounces of milk the first few days that they are in daycare. Then they will nurse a lot when you return to them!! Babies will adjust and the sitter can tell you how much and how often your baby is feeding. Ask for a report each day when you pick up your baby from childcare.

What kind of breastpump should I buy?

Get the best one that you can afford. If you are returning to work full time and the baby is 6 to 8 weeks old, consider renting a hospital grade breastpump to help you keep your milk supply up during the first few weeks that you are working. Many mothers who work full time like the convenience and ease of the double pumps like the Purely Yours or Pump N’ Style. Some mothers work part time, or are able to breastfeed their babies at lunch time. They may choose a smaller hand held breastpump. Talk with a breastfeeding specialist or lactation consultant if you need help deciding which pump is best for you.