EBF - ? Re Introducing a Bottle

wini77

My DD is 2 weeks old today, and as breastfeeding has gone really well, my pedi said it's best to continue as long as possible before introducing a bottle.  However, 2 weeks from today (when she's 4 weeks), I have a Dr's appointment in the city and was planning on leaving her at home with my mom.  I had previously heard that 4 weeks was the "magic number" to introduce a bottle.  When did you all introduce one?  Is it okay to introduce it before 4 weeks?  Also, how far in advance should I start pumping/try the bottle to prepare her for mom's first solo outing?  I should also mention that DD won't take a pacifier, if that has any effect on bottle feeding.  TIA!

edilo

We introduced a bottle (and pacifier) at 3 weeks. He took it no problem! We've been giving him one a day (usually in the evening) since then. I've been pumping 1-2 times a day since LO was 1.5 weeks old due to engorgement issues and building a freezer stash, but you definitely want to pump while your DH (or whomever) is giving LO the bottle.

I would pump a day or two before you're planning to give the bottle to see how much you get. (I pump right after DS's morning feeding.) It may take you a few pump sessions to get enough for a bottle, or you could get plenty the first time. (I pump anywhere from 5-9 ounces after a feeding, but I have an oversupply.)

I've also heard some babies won't take a bottle if you are in the room, because they can smell you and want your breast instead, but we never had any problem. I use the playtex drop-ins with latex slow flow nipples FWIW. Good Luck!

biohaz444

We didn't give a paci or bottle for a little over 4 weeks - don't want nipple confusion.. And the only reason we gave a bottle then was bc we were going to a wedding that we were told was no kids... He didn't like any of the paci's until the past couple of weeks, we found one with little nubbies around the gum area, and he likes that one..

I like the Born Free bottles best - less gassy even though he can still suck it down pretty quick.. 

MrsJinNH

We just introduced our first bottle last night and it went great. I was actually planning to do it closer to 3 weeks, but just didn't get around to it. DD will take the pacifier occasionally, but she's not that into it and that didn't affect bottle feeding at all.

I'd suggest starting to pump a few days before and giving the bottle around 3-3.5 weeks. I second the Playtex drop-ins recommendation. Worked great with DS and now DD too.