How to Bond With a Newborn When Bottle Feeding
Whether bottle feeding or breastfeeding, the most important factors when feeding your baby are love and tenderness. It is very important that you communicate this love to your baby. It is important to have eye and skin contact with your baby when you are feeding her. This happens naturally and automatically with breastfeeding; it takes a bit more effort with bottle feeding.
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Instructions
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Avoid propping up the bottle when you feed your baby. For babies, being cuddled and loved is just as important as being fed. Besides not receiving the emotional support that he needs, propping the bottle can lead to choking and even ear infections.
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Switch arms when bottle feeding your baby. Switching arms in the middle of feeding will allow your baby to see you and the environment from a different perspective. It will also help you to relieve any aches or stiffness from holding your baby in one position for an extended period of time.
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Place your baby next to your skin when you feed her. When possible, open your shirt and nestle your baby close to you when you feed her. Skin to skin contact will provide your baby with the warmth and closeness that she needs.
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Set aside plenty of time for each feeding session. If your baby doesn't fall asleep during feeding, take the time to socialize with him after he has finished eating.
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Have a positive attitude about bottle feeding. If you really wanted to breastfeed but were unable to for any reason, don't feel guilty about about bottle feeding. Your baby will be able to pick up on any frustrations or negative feelings that you may have and it may cause difficulties during feeding sessions. Think of these feeding sessions as time to bond with and cuddle your baby.
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Tips & Warnings
If your baby is fussy after draining her bottle, increase the amount of formula by one ounce until she seems to be satisfied.
Whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, think of this time as a way to spend quality time bonding with your baby.
Once your baby's teeth come in, allowing her to fall asleep with the bottle in her mouth can lead to tooth decay.
When bottle feeding, don't use shortcuts. You will be sacrificing closeness with your baby for convenience.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://z.about.com/d/pediatrics/1/0/V/N/baby_bottle.jpg
