How did you get breast fed baby to take a bottle? | ExpatWoman.com
 

How did you get breast fed baby to take a bottle?

38
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 21:05

My DD is 8 weeks old and so far exclusively breast fed. I have been trying for 2 weeks now to get her to take a bottle of expressed breast milk, but she refuses. I am using a Tommee Tippee closure to nature bottle, and DH and I have both tried at different times of the day.
I never managed to get my DS to take a bottle, and ended up exclusively breastfeeding for 12 months.
I would really like my DD to be happy to take a bottle of expressed breast milk once a day - just to let me go to bed early or go out occasionally.
Anybody got any advice?
I feel like giving up as she just crys, then eventually falls asleep hungry, which makes me feel really bad. I then end up breastfeeding her, then try again the next day.

651
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 April 2011 - 01:51
I wish it was that easy GQ - but not always the case with all babies :( Have tried everything you listed below, have tried what Meals has suggested, DH has tried different times of the day, have tried with me in the house, have tried with me out of the house - she just never ever accepted anything other than my teet! DD is 16 weeks and we also tried from the very beginning!
330
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 23:18
I can't tell you from personal experience as DD took to the bottle on the first try (DH gave it to her and I stood far away. She is still exclusively BF and will take the bottle happily although she still wants the breast after sometimes, probably just for comfort) but I have read that sometimes trying different bottles/teats can do the trick. It may be possible that DD may take to another brand (the more experienced moms can correct me if I am wrong). I use Dr. Browns glass bottles and like I said, she took to it right away without any trouble. Then a few weeks ago I tried Avent and she's been fine with that too so maybe try some other brands before you give up?
429
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 22:08
In Babyshop, there is this bottle that u can squeeze.. and it comes with a teat.. i think its by nuby.. http://nuby.com/en/natural-touch/bottle-feeding/softflex-silicone-nurser I havent used it but plan to use it when i want to move to bottle.
225
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 21:42
Thats a tough one. I have left bottle introduction too late and we did struggle. My MIL was in Dubai for a flying visit and she sorted it out. She offered a bottle before DD was hungry, so she could play with a teat a bit and have a feel (we used Pigeon wide teat), DD eventually would scream the house down. MIL was patting her back, soothing her, calming her down and as soon as DD was calm she would try again. And again, and again - i think it took us about 3 days, but we had a success at the end. At the time I was not near DD I would leave the house/be at work for two reasons - babies can smell you if you are around and obviously I couldnt cope with DD crying when I knew that could offer her a boob. Love and patience. We did not have a problem at the end - she was bottle fed when I was at work/away and breast fed when I was at home (before / after work) and through the night. Good luck xo
522
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 21:20
Try doing it for a dreamfeed at night - while they're sleepy they're much more likely to take the bottle. Unfortunately, if she won't and you're absolutely determined she must then you're going to have to let her get hungry and refused to bf and only offer the bottle - while she thinks she can get around it by crying and that you're eventually give in, then you're never going to get her onto it.
308
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 21:13
If you figure it out, please pass on the secret! DD is 16 weeks and refuses also. Going back to work in 4 weeks, no idea what we re going to do. She will have to drink from a bottle or starve! Its such a frustrating time, hope you have more luck than me :(
 
 

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