[friendlymamma]

DD is 6 weeks old and EBF. I've pumped some when she won't nurse on one side, etc, so I have a small stash built up. I don't work much, but I will be going back weekends so she needs to be able to take a bottle. My worry is my history with my boys. Neither of my boys ever nursed well and I ended up exclusively pumping for both of them by about 4 months and then finally gave up by 6 months (supply issues, etc). So my question is, when is the right time to try a bottle? I know it's a fine line. I really want to continue to mostly BF, but want her to take a bottle for when I work or if she is ever with my mom. Oh, btw, I won't be going back to work until Memorial Day so we still have a month. I also don't want to get to the point where she refuses a bottle. Anybody have suggestions/experiences?

 

[JamieCatheryn]

My opinion and experience is that when you need to be apart is the right time to first introduce it. I don't think there's a consistent age window where it's then or never. You shouldn't try to feed a bottle or have someone feed it while you are there, babies are too smart for that they know when the best source is there. So, if you need to go out, have dad, grandma, or babysitter feed a bottle during that time, or if nothing comes up before work starts, I'd say do it when you first go to work. It may help to have a backup plan in case the bottle won't do - syringe, cup, or coming to you for break time maybe.

 

[Rivka5]

I am also nursing successfully after being unable to nurse my previous child, so I totally understand why you're worried.

If you feel like your baby is nursing very well and you're not still struggling to get a good latch, etc., I'd go ahead and try to introduce a bottle in the next couple of weeks. But just give an ounce or so - enough to give her some practice, but not a full feeding's worth. You want her to know that it's possible to get milk somewhere other than the breast, but you don't want to actually replace any breast feedings with bottle feedings until you have no choice.

We're giving my son an ounce by bottle every week or so. Just enough that he doesn't forget how to do it.

 

[foreverinbluejeans]

There is no one right answer. I would wait until I went back to work and never give her bottles myself. Only have others give bottles and only when necessary. That way you are minimizing the number of bottles she gets and she doesn't associate bottles with you. One theory is that babies will adjust better when in a real situation of actually needing a bottle rather than practice getting used to it.

 

[friendlymamma]

Thanks for the advice ladies. I think maybe a couple more weeks and I'll schedule an outing and DH can give it a try. Fingers crossed it goes well!