Things You'll Need:
- Bottle
- Breast milk
-
Step 1
Start when your baby is just beginning to seem hungry. If you wait until she is very hungry, she will be less patient.
-
Step 2
Wrap you baby tightly in a blanket with her arms inside. They will show you how to do this at the hospital.
-
Step 3
Pick-up your baby and begin to walk, swing and sway. Cradle her in your arms so her mouth is just below your breast.
-
Step 4
While you continue to walk, offer her the breast.
-
Step 5
If she does not take it, offer her the bottle.
-
Step 6
Once she has latched onto the bottle, remove it quickly and immediately replace it with your nipple.
-
Step 7
Be patient. It may take several attempts over several days for her to take your nipple.
-
Step 8
This may be stressful for you; your baby is crying and you want to comfort her. Enlist a partner to help.
-
Step 9
Continue to walk, swing and sway. Offer your breast. If your baby does not take it, have your partner offer the bottle.
-
Step 10
Once the baby is latched on to the bottle, have your partner quickly remove it while you immediately replace it with your nipple. This works well because the baby is distracted by the other person and where the food is coming from.
-
Step 11
If your baby begins to nurse in very short sessions, you may be tempted to top-off the feeding with a bottle. Resist doing this. She may be hungry again soon, but consistency with the bottle will allow her to become more comfortable nursing. As she grows more comfortable the feedings will get longer.
