Breastfeeding - when should i introduce a bottle?

Question

little bit of info - my baby was born on July 24th so she is now 4 1/2 weeks old. I plan to go back to work in about 7 weeks. . .I would like to still nurse her in the mornings and at night after i return to work - do you think she will still want to nurse after getting a bottle?

Answer 1

Absolutely, my baby takes 2-3 bottles while I am at work and I nurse her mornings, nights and weekends exclusively - she does just fine and still prefers momma.  She actually eats less from the bottle and waits for me to get home to nurse her.  If your breastfeeding is established (no current issues) then you can start to introduce the bottle slowly now - it took my daughter weeks before she would take a bottle without some fussing.  Check out this link for helpful advice.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/alter...

Answer 2

Ive heard that once babies see how milks comes in faster threw a bottle they want less and less the breast.I asked around and people told me to wait at least 2 months before giving them pacifier or bottle just so they get used to the breast.If your going to pump and feed her your breastmilk.She might like it mroe threw the bottle.But i think its different from baby to baby

Answer 3

I had to return to work when my son was 6 weeks old and I started giving him a bottle, on occasion, a few days prior, just to get him used to it so that he would take it.  (Actually, my husband had to give it to him, he refused it from me.)

I'm one of the unlucky few who's baby wasn't able to nurse and take the bottle, we went through nipple confusion and I have to pump exclusively (NOT fun, btw).  Make sure you are using a very slow flow nipple (preemie if possible) if you are going to give a bottle.  Please research nipple confusion and take all measures to avoid it.  Good luck to you!

Answer 4

i was told to try to introduce a bottle within the first 3-4 weeks so that she can get used to it. she will more than likely go right back to nursing because it is such a comfort for her. my son still wants to breast feed and i havent even been giving him the breast for a month it is instinct.  

Answer 5

I am in the same dilemma as you ,what  i have been doing is replacing one feed with the bottle and then the rest of the time i just breastfeed her,will you be bottle feeding with formula or will you express