when to introduce a bottle?

HarCoMommy

DD is 2 weeks old now and is 'cluster feeding' in the evenings and wants to nurse every 30 minutes.. She is falling asleep before she is full, so her doctor recommended that I introduce a bottle in the evening to be sure she's eating enough to fill her, which will allow her to sleep longer, plus Daddy can feed her and bond. When should I pump so that it doesn't mess up her schedule and my supply?

AmandaAllison

you can pump after you feed her (when she has more spaced out feedings during the day). it won't mess up your supply because your breasts will respond to the added demand from the pump just like it does the baby.

RLBoston

My LO is 3 weeks today, daddy is going to try the bottle tonight for the 1st time.  She usually feeds on just one breast so once per day this week I have been pumping the other breast after feeding.  So excited to see how it goes.

SugarhillHnA

Our pedi recommended yesterday (at her 2 week appt) that we start introducing a bottle for one of her evening feedings as he's had mothers wait too long to start and had huge issues with their LOs not taking a bottle when they went back to work.  It will also give DH a chance to be involved.  I actually feel a little sad she won't be at the breast every feeding, but DH is excited he gets a chance to feed her and I need to start building up my stash anyway.

USCgirl

I introduced one at 3 weeks. Up until this time, I was exclusively BF even when he was cluster feeding (I think that really helped with my supply). At 3 weeks I would give maybe 1 bottle a day, this allowed me to get out of the house without LO (DH would take care of him). I would either pump before I left, or pump as soon as I came home. 

brittbritt9621

wow glad i checked this! great advice!