Bottle Feeding
Bottle Feeding
To Breast or Bottle feed is a debate most new mothers are totally
unaware of until baby arrives and a decision has to be made. For
many the decision has already been made by the amount of
information received through midwives and Ante-natal classes during
pregnancy.
Breast feeding often feels like the natural and normal choice to
make - a way to bond with our newborn, to gain that connection that
only a mother and child can know! There is an enormous amount of
influence for women these days to Breastfeed - everyone from
midwives to doctors to specialists will tell you that Breast is
best. However, some women don't have the ability to breastfeed and
other mothers may simply need to start bottle feeding as they go
back to work.
A few reasons for choosing bottle:
- Some ladies just don't feel comfortable breastfeeding, it
doesn't come naturally to everyone.
- Often when you have just given birth new mother's can be over
tired and stressed and this strain on your body can put a strain on
your milk supply.
- Lifestyle changes can be difficult for most to handle and
breastfeeding causes quite an adjustment when getting your newborn
into a good routine.
- Some women have breast complications, such as inverted nipples
which make it difficult to breastfeed.
- Some Mum's choose bottle feeding due to the fact that they have
to return to the work force.
Making the transition from breast to
bottle:
- If baby has never been given a bottle before try to get
someone else to give the first bottle feed - it often helps if Mum
is not in the room as they could resist and just wait until the
breast is offered!
- You may need to try a few variations of bottle teats if baby is
being fussy - babies will normally take to those that are shaped
like your nipple. Avent and Evenflo have a good range to start
with.
- Make sure the teat is suited to your child's age - slow or fast
flowing teats are available.
- There are many different brands of formula out there - it may
pay to talk to your midwife or doctor about which brand may be best
for your baby before purchasing one.
- Make sure you have to correct utensils to help you with your
feeding choice. A good choice of bottles and sterilisers can assist
in making the transition from breast to bottle a lot easier for a
busy Mum.
- Perseverance is the key. The younger your baby is the quicker
they are likely to take to the bottle - older babies may take some
to time to get accustomed to the new teats and different taste with
formula. Take it slowly and persevere and all should work out the
way you want it to.
Whether you bottle feed or breast feed it's what you as a mother
feel is best for your baby that counts. Motherhood is a gift where
you learn to make the decisions that are best for yourself and your
baby. A happy Mum makes a happy Baby.
While OHbaby! actively supports breastfeeding and World
Breastfeeding Week. We are also here to help mums that bottle feed
too!