***Questions answered by our amazing lactation consultant, Ashley Treadwell, IBCLC.
To connect with Ashley further-- check out our Infant Feeding class that’s offered monthly. Or schedule an appointment directly through her website!
When is the best time to introduce a bottle?
If baby is gaining weight well and the feeding parent isn’t having pain with breast/chest feeding, the best time to offer a bottle is between three and five weeks. Sometimes waiting longer than that can create a situation where a baby won’t take a bottle.
What should I do if my baby won’t take a bottle?
The best thing to do is offer the bottle frequently and keep attempts short. Even if the baby just takes a small amount, it’s a success! It can also help to change up a lot of the feeding variables:
have another person offer the bottle
try just as the baby is waking up, or just as they’re going to sleep
try different positions, or with the baby sitting in a bouncer or car seat.
You can also try a “reverse nipple slip” — if your baby falls asleep at the breast, wait for them to *almost* be asleep, and then quickly replace your nipple with the bottle. If after frequent attempts, baby still isn’t taking the bottle successfully, reach out for professional support!
Will introducing a bottle cause “nipple confusion”?
Nipple confusion isn’t much of a concern with bottles—especially if baby has been doing well with breast/chest feeding. What can sometimes cause issues is flow preference—often supplemental feedings are an easier flow and babies may get used to that if offered too often or too early.
What are your favorite bottles?
Initially, I recommend parents choose a bottle with a verified slow flow - those are Dr. Brown’s, Lansinoh Momma and Philips Avent. For all of these you will want to choose the level 1 or ‘newborn’ nipple. Once a baby is taking a bottle well and going between bottle and chest/breast with no problem, you can change up the type of bottle
Can I skip a feeding session and have my partner give the baby a bottle? When is the soonest I can do that?
Yes and no. You want to pump somewhere close to the time that partner offers the bottle. It doesn’t have to be at the exact moment, but within a few hours. So if a support person is going to offer a middle of the night bottle, the feeding parent can pump just before they go to sleep to count for that bottle-feeding. As for when— that all depends on a families’ feeding goals. If exclusive breast/chest feeding is your goal, it is suggested that you wait until week three. There are situations when a bottle may be necessary before then, or a parent may need the break. Getting help from an IBCLC can help you best navigate this!
When should I introduce a bottle if I am returning to work?
Regardless of whether the parent is returning to work or not, a bottle should be introduced between weeks three and five.
What will pumping look like when I return to work? Is there anything I should be mindful of?
While separated from your baby, you want to pump every three hours, or as close to that interval as possible. Going back to work can create a lot of anxiety around feeding - this is why I offer a Going Back to Work Consult specifically to cover all involved - how much baby will need, pumping schedules, what to do if you’re not able to pump enough.
What are your favorite types of pumps?
If pumping just here and there, a hand pump is a great option. For anyone who will be returning to work or school, a double electric pump is best. There are many out there to choose from — I cannot speak to which are my favorites, but I can say that many of my clients really like the Spectra 1 and 2 and the Medela Pump in Style.
