When we first decided to try giving Addy, our second baby, a bottle rather than breast, we thought it would be no problem. With our first, it was an easy transition – no fuss at all. We were sadly mistaken that this transition would be just as easy with Addy. After weeks of trying normal bottles and attempting to pass a feeding to numerous relatives, we had failed. This little girl was stubborn!
I work with my husband some weekends for his photography business, and I was dreading this upcoming wedding season. How in the world was I going to leave my five-month-old daughter for 12 hours, knowing she wouldn't eat?
As a mom who goes to numerous mommy-and-me play groups, I asked numerous moms for advice and got amazing suggestions and tips to get her to like the bottle and how to save your sanity. Here are some of my top tips for getting a baby to take the bottle:
Yes, I know some of you may be rolling your eyes. But just think about how your babe is feeling. She is so used to latching onto you that she doesn’t even think her food might be able to come from another source!
If you have struggled with getting your baby to take the bottle, it may be because the nipple is not the shape that she is used to. Every women is different, which makes every breast different.What worked for our first born mostly definitely did not work for our second.
So, change it up. Try different shapes, sizes and textures - you may be surprised. I didn’t have much success until I tried the NUK Simply Natural™ Bottles for our little one. With a fast let down like mine, its important for the bottle I use to have multiple holes and be shaped just like me. These bottles have that.
Whether its dad, grandma, or even a friend, get them to try the bottle first - preferably when your not even in the same house. Babies can smell mom a mile away, and if they know they can get the fresh stuff, they may be less likely to take the bottle.
They may start to get confused when you put them in the position they are in while they nurse. Try propping them up on a pillow or on their side with their bum against your belly.
If babies learn that milk can come from another source, they may be more inclined to take a bottle next round.
Your baby will be more likely to take a bottle of your breastmilk then of formula. I know pumping can be a pain in the butt. But I use the NUK Simply Natural™ Freemie® Collection Cups when I pump, and it makes life so much easier. I am able to cook dinner or play with my son while I pump anywhere, anytime, hands free.
Some of you may be asking why bother? Why would I transition my babes to having a bottle rather then breast. Well my answer is why not? Yes, I’m still a breastfeeding momma, but I now have some freedom. I can go and get my nails done, I can go on a date with my husband and rekindle that spark. I can take time for myself to be myself again, and not just a mom.
Having a baby that takes a bottle is also amazing for those family members that miss out on feeding time. Nursing your baby is such an amazing bond, and I love doing it, but my husband misses out. By giving Addy a bottle, he is able to bond with her that way as well.
What I think is most important for me, though, is that I can now go back to work and not worry about my daughter being hungry. I am able to go to work and relax and do my job without constantly worrying. That alone is enough of a reason to transition to bottles!
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