Transitioning from Breastfeeding to Bottled Milk
Often, new mothers wonder when is the right time to start giving their babies expressed or bottled milk?
If your baby is healthy and the breastfeeding process is natural as it should be, it is advisable for you to introduce expressed milk or bottled milk when your baby is at least 3 to 4 months old. According to the doctors, the mother’s milk is very crucial for the baby in the first six months, also, breastfeeding creates a lasting bond between a mother and child.
To begin with, it is best not to rush into switching hastily to expressed or bottled milk. The transition from breastfeeding to bottled milk should be smooth for your baby. Here’s how to gently introduce expressed or bottled milk…
Take Your Time
You ideally shouldn’t wait until you have to join back at work or you plan your big night out, post having your baby. Begin trying with a small portion of expressed milk in a gentle and unhurried manner. Your baby is accustomed to feeling the warmth, hence, the entire process should be gradual and relaxed.
The Right Moment
It is ideal to try with bottled milk when the baby is not too hungry. Try it once or twice in the middle of the day and gradually increase the process.
Switching Duties
It is important for your baby to get comfortable with human contact other than you at the time of feeding. You will face frustration and/or rejection from the baby. The ideal way is to delegate the duty to the father or anyone else who will take care of the baby in your absence. It is best also because a baby relates their mother with breastfeeding and might reject bottled milk immediately.
Packaged Milk
It is not rare, if not common for an infant to be fed with packaged milk or expressed milk post-birth. There are incidences when a baby has issues latching to their mother’s breast or if there is a medical condition with the mother. In such cases a baby is either introduced to expressed milk right from the beginning or in case of a medical situation, packaged infant milk for babies is recommended by the doctors. Most mothers and doctors trust BritSuperstore for best quality infant milk available online.
Pro Tip: Always consult with your doctor before you buy any product for your newborn. Not only will you get to know the right brand for your baby but will also understand what is best for your baby.
The Right Temperature
Before introducing your baby to expressed or bottled milk, it is important to know the right temperature. It should neither be too hot, nor too cold. The ideal temperature is 37-degree Celsius (or 98.6-degree Fahrenheit).
The Right Method
Before introducing your baby to bottled milk, it is very important for you to understand a baby’s psychology, especially if they are habitual to breastfeeding. It will be tough for them to accept the bottle in the first go, however, you can try dipping the teat in expressed milk so it has a familiar smell. Gently introduce the dipped teat to your infant’s lip until they accept and begin with the suction process.
Positioning it Right
It is very important for you to position your baby a little upright while feeding from a bottle and make sure they are not lying flat. In the case of choking, keep taking small breaks and go at their pace. In fact, you can also try switching the sides for your baby to feel comfortable and adapt to feeding from the bottle.
Patience is the Key
There is a good reason why it is recommended to breastfeed your baby for the first six months, not only it is healthy for the baby, it also creates a bond between the mother and the child. Mother’s bosom for a newborn is a safe place and ultimate source of warmth and comfort. This being said, it will take several tries before your baby finally accepts bottled milk—you must keep your patience and keep trying for your baby to gradually accept expressed or packaged milk.
Final Thoughts
There is no right or wrong in introducing your baby to expressed or bottled milk. Most mothers feel they will lose the bond with their baby post introducing them to bottled milk. However, it is not the truth. The ideal way of doing it is to balance between breastfeeding and expressed or packaged milk in the first six months, at least. It is true, breastfeeding creates an irrevocable bond between a mother and the child however, doing it all right with a lot of patience will lead to a smooth transition from breastfeeding to bottled milk.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
