Things You'll Need:
- Bottle
- <br>Nipples
- <br>Expressed Breast Milk
- <br>Formula
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Step 1
Allow the baby time to gain skill at nursing from the breast. Give the baby three or four weeks of exclusive breast feeding prior to introducing a bottle. Once a baby is skilled at nursing, it is unlikely that she will experience confusion when switching between the bottle and the breast. Introduce bottlefeeding at least two weeks in advance of returning to work.
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Step 2
Enlist the help of someone else. Arrange to have another caregiver nearby when giving a baby the first bottle. Expect that a baby will not be happy accepting a bottle from mom. Babies who refuse to accept a bottle from mom may happily accept a bottle from dad or someone else. It may be necessary for mom to leave for a short while to convince the baby to eat from the bottle.
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Step 3
Select a time when the baby is not excessively hungry. A hungry screaming baby will not be receptive to the unexpected bottle. Some younger babies eat on an unpredictable schedule, so be observant and flexible. If a baby is showing some signs of hunger, be ready to offer the bottle. Most babies prefer expressed breast milk, but some babies will only take formula from a bottle.
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Step 4
Choose a bottle and nipple that is similar to the breast. Each baby has his own preference, so allow a baby a week or so to get used to a nipple. If a baby continues to fight the bottle after one week, try introducing a different nipple.
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Step 5
Offer the bottle to the baby. Allow her to mouth and play with the bottle. Initially, she may back away from the bottle, because the milk comes out much faster. Be patient and offer the bottle again. Remain calm. A baby will sense if the caregiver is frustrated and may refuse the bottle more adamantly.
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Step 6
Feed the baby in a different position than the position in which they nurse. Any position that is comfortable for the baby that allows eye contact will work. Examples of some positions that might work include: feeding in a baby carrier or feeding on a lap facing the caregiver.
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Step 7
If a baby grows fussy and continues to refuse the bottle, temporarily stop the feeding session and plan on introducing the bottle at another feeding. Persistence is the key to success in this process.
