How to Bottle Feed With Love

When you have your baby, you choose to either breast or bottle feed. Although breastfeeding has many nutritional benefits, it is not the way every mother wants to feed her baby, or is able to feed her baby. If you have chosen to bottle feed your baby, you can still mimic the bonding experience of breastfeeding and make it enjoyable for both you and your baby. You can bottle feed with love. Here are some basic ways.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. When bottle feeding your baby, it is important to make eye-to-eye contact. Not only is this beneficial for the bonding experience, but it is associated with optimal brain development. This simple technique can foster immense attachment to your newborn.

2. Hold your baby skin to skin, if possible. Simply unbuttoning your shirt and holding your baby belly to belly will encourage closeness. If you are out in public and feel uncomfortable, you can use a shawl or blanket to cover up with. Your partner can also do this technique with baby and encourage bonding.

3. Always remain in contact with your baby and be aware of when he is done feeding. Watch his cues, such as pulling away or fussing, as if you were breastfeeding.

4. Take your time and enjoy feeding your baby; don't rush your baby through any of his feedings. Instead, talk to him, stroke his face and hold him close as you feed him. Make it an enjoyable time together.

5. Feel confident about your decision to bottle feed. Breastfeeding is not always the best decision for every parent. Medical circumstances, religious beliefs or work schedules can inhibit breastfeeding. Bottle fed babies can thrive well with the appropriate care from their mothers. Stay loving and continue to pass on those loving emotions to your baby through feeding her.

Tips & Warnings

• Never prop up your baby's bottle. Propping the bottle up is not only dangerous and can cause choking, but it also detaches you from the experience.