Tips for weaning from Breast to Bottle.
Are you thinking about weaning your breastfed baby, or having the option of your baby drinking milk from a bottle? Bottle refusal is very common. Gradually reducing breastfeeding is key to your comfort and keeping baby feeling safe.
Reasons your baby could be refusing the bottle
Your baby needs to relearn as the sucking reflex differs between breastfeeding and sucking at the bottle. If they have been breastfed since birth it will be a different experience for them.
The primitive sucking reflex they have had since birth which was involuntary becomes voluntary from around 10 weeks old. This means, if your baby hasnt been introduced to a bottle before this time, which isnt a problem, it just means they may decide not to take from the bottle and it may require a little work.
The position change from breastfeeding to being offered the bottle is also different. If baby has acid reflux it may be more uncomfortable for them in certain positions so this could also cause them to not want to accept the bottle.
Oral issues such as tongue ties or oral ties could be making it difficult for your baby to feed.
A negative association could have been created when the bottle comes out and they have picked up on stress and pressure.
My tips for helping your baby to take the bottle
During Play
Offer the nipple from the bottle for your baby to suck - like a pacifier at the times they are not hungry.
You can also celotape some pasta into the bottle and make it into a toy shaker for them to get used to playing with, or use it empty for the same just in their toy basket.
Ready to Feed
Try to relax and stay calm while you offer the bottle to your baby.
Try playing some background music and making the space cosy.
Try offering the bottle after or during the later stages of a breastfeed when baby is happy, well fed and relaxed.
Be consistent with when you offer it and keep going calmly each time.
Try not to let baby be hungry when offering the bottle, this isnt the best time for you or baby, they will likely be frustrated more quickly.
Try not to force the bottle into your babys mouth. We often become upset and baby becomes upset. They can quickly associate a bottle with stress and they will likely cry causing more negative associations to build.
If it is too much, take a deep breath and try again when you are both calmer.
Bottles - Finding a bottle with a nipple which is soft like the breast.
Teats - Make sure the teats are the right age for your baby.
Positioning in the paced position could help. Holding the bottle horizontally also helps to control milk flow, lets the baby dictate the pace of the feed by pausing to breathe and swallow at their own speed.
Some babys like to be in the same position with a bottle as they are with the breast. Try both: Using close positions, rolled into you or a family member, an example, looking into eyes as you do breastfeeding. Some babies will not want to be in the same position and may want to be more upright or looking outwards with the bottle.
Ask a family member to try and offer your baby the bottle see above for timing recommendations.
To find out more about private breastfeeding support or other services such as birth debriefs, please do reach out to me on the contact page here.
Claire xx