Mom's .... Question about Breast AND Bottle feeding

christine1221 Posted: Jul 30, 2003 11:16 AM

Mom's .... Question about Breast AND Bottle feeding

For those who did both ... which I would like to do, when did you introduce the bottle? Right away or later on? And if so, how long did you wait?

I've heard mixed/conflicting reports about immediate bottle feeding hindering breast feeding. Some have said that you should introduce the bottle right away so they will take it, other reports have said that if you introduce it too soon (before 1 month) then baby will not latch properly b/c breast feeding is more difficult.

Would you mind sharing what your experiences have been? Much appreciated!!

dkga1026 Posted: Jul 30, 2003 11:27 AM

Re: Mom's .... Question about Breast AND Bottle feeding

Great questions Christine!! I'm also interested to know this!!!

kptoys Posted: Jul 30, 2003 11:49 AM

Re: Mom's .... Question about Breast AND Bottle feeding

I havent bottle fed only because I waited the recommended month-6 weeks to introduce a bottle and no matter how many times I would try to give it to her (or FH or my mom) with breast milk in it she would spit it back out and scream for me. I gave in... being a first time mom with a newborn I couldnt let her cry. So my experience was bottle free and i was the sole sorce of liquid till she was 5 months and learned how to drink from a sippy.

Lee Posted: Jul 30, 2003 12:10 PM

Re: Mom's .... Question about Breast AND Bottle feeding

I breast fed a total of 8 weeks. Introduced a bottle of breast milk once a day around the 6 week mark. No issues with nipple confusion. Switched over to formula at the 7 week mark and added one bottle a day until he was completely weaned to formula. No issues there either.

Also, even though I insisted on bf'ing in the hospital, I know they supplemented him 3 small bottles in the nursery and there was no problem. Ryan took to nursing immediately and did very very well. I personally, just wanted to be done with it - pumping didn't work well for me. I'm happy to answer more questions if you like!!

christine1221 Posted: Aug 01, 2003 09:19 AM

Re: Mom's .... Question about Breast AND Bottle feeding

bump for more responses/ experiences.

Lee & Karen .... thanks for sharing your stories!

NIHA Posted: Aug 01, 2003 09:54 AM

Re: Mom's .... Question about Breast AND Bottle feeding

I actually used a bottle from the 2nd day in the hospital. We came home and I went days without giving a bottle, to sometimes giving one or 2 per week and then 1 per day. Now I am giving her about 5 a day.

I don't think Lyla had any nipple confusion, but then again I have no idea what nipple confusion really is or what the symptoms are. At 7 weeks, she's been nursing and using the bottle well. She does fuss sometimes, which is often just from being gassy. There are days where she doesn't want the bottle and only wants to nurse (usually when she's tired and not really hungry b ut wants to nurse for comfort) and sometimes she still doesn't latch on really well and is so hungry that she loves the bottle.

I think if you're nursing well from the beginning and you can handle it, wait the recommended 4-6 weeks to introduce a bottle. THat is what I would have done if I was successful at bfding from day 1.

applesfla Posted: Aug 01, 2003 10:06 AM

Re: Mom's .... Question about Breast AND Bottle feeding

On a related note is there a certain type of bottle/nipple you would recommend when you are first introducing bottle feedings?

christine1221 Posted: Aug 01, 2003 10:44 AM

Re: Mom's .... Question about Breast AND Bottle feeding

Good question Michelle!

Niha ... someone told me that it is easier for a baby to bottle feed b/c the hole in the nipple is larger & they do not have to work as hard. This makes it difficult for baby to breast feed b/c they have to open up wider AND work harder to get milk from mom.

Is this nipple confusion? I also wasn't sure, but thought it was something else.

Maybe we should call it Mommy confusion .. b/c that's how I feel right now!!!

michele31 Posted: Aug 01, 2003 10:57 AM

Re: Mom's .... Question about Breast AND Bottle feeding

Some people recommend using the advent stuff, some the evenflo wide nipple bottles. I think the evenflo helped Niha- right?

I am going to try my best to bf for 4-6 weeks without bottles, then use the playtex nursers for breast milk and combo w/nursing. I think that you squeeze the air out of the bottles which I think does help a lot with gas.
I have also read not to give a pacifer to a newly nursing baby.
but i also think this will be a trial and error period for all of us.
i am taking a free bfing class at stonybrook in sept. let me know if you want the info.

christine1221 Posted: Aug 01, 2003 11:17 AM

Re: Mom's .... Question about Breast AND Bottle feeding

Michele .... I'm going to a class as well but would love to share info w/you!!
Thanks for offering!

Lee Posted: Aug 01, 2003 12:00 PM

Re: Mom's .... Question about Breast AND Bottle feeding

BTW - I used a pacifier almost from week 1 and it didn't cause any problems with the BF'ing - I just couldn't keep up with the newborn insatiable need to just **** - even if they are not eating. He uses it now mostly to comfort himself to sleep - he doesn't really use it during the day, except if he's having trouble getting down for a nap.

I used the Avent bottles at first, because I could pump directly into them with the Avent Isis pump. When I stopped pumping/nursing I switched to Playtex nurser bottles. Avent bottles are great except I had to clean and sterilize constantly. Playtex are great because the drop in liners, and type of nipples do not require sterilization.

I now use a combination of both - Avent through the night (to use in the bottle warmer) and Playtex nursers during the day (both silicone and latex nipples)...so you can see the poor child is on 3 different nipples and doesn't appear to have any problems...I think it's because he LOVES to eat!!

NIHA Posted: Aug 01, 2003 12:14 PM

Re: Mom's .... Question about Breast AND Bottle feeding

Definitely take a bfding class, that's one of my regrets

I started with the avent, then tried 2 t ypes of gerber w/ wide nipples, both didnt work out well. I just bought Dr. Brown's for preventing gas, but haven't tried it yet. Now, we're back to the Avent. I have the disposable platex nursers but will try them when we travel.

I guess unless you're lucky you might have to try a few different kinds.

melissa27 Posted: Aug 01, 2003 02:16 PM

Re: Mom's .... Question about Breast AND Bottle feeding

Just wanted to add my experiences...

I am exclusively BFing (for almost 4 months now). Lyndsey occasionally gets a bottle of EBM (expressed breast milk) when we are going some place where it is difficult for me to BF.
When she was only 6 days old, I had to go to grad school for three hours and my parents were up visiting, so they were able to take care of her. My mom gave her a bottle of EBM and she took it fine. She had a couple of bottles those first few weeks, and never had any problem with nipple confusion. She was also offered a pacifier, but only recently began to use it. I guess every baby is different. What helps is if your husband or someone else offers your baby the bottle, since baby will always associate YOU with feeding. HTH!!

FYI: I use Playtex bottles with the drop-in liners. I love 'em!