It may be time to switch from breast to bottle. It does not matter if it is because you have decided, because you have returned to work or for any other reason. The point is that this process of change can generate doubts in mothers. "Will he adapt well? Will he be well fed like this?", "How should I do better?" That is why I have decided to dedicate this post to mothers who are passing their children from breast to bottle and thus answer all your questions.
First of all patience
For babies, the breast is not only a source of food, but also of comfort and security, which is why It is normal that at first I am not very satisfied With the change. Wait for it to be a good time, where there is stability and you are prepared to face the change.
It should not be a reason for trauma neither for mothers nor for babies, taking the bottle. He will have a good diet and will be well cared for. We leave you some tips so that weaning is done in the best way for both of you.
How to transfer the breast to the bottle
- Do it progressively. It is the best way there is. To start you can substitute one of the shots (the best is the last hour of the afternoon, where babies get less milk from the breast) to give the bottle. If it is because you return to work you can start a few weeks before, and thus see how your progress is without any rush or pressure. The last shots to be replaced should be the morning and the night.
- Better to have someone else give it to you. He is used to receiving breastfeeding while with you, and may be surprised to receive the bottle from you. If someone else gives it to him, he will surely accept it better.
- Change site. If you have no choice but to give it yourself, you can change your site to a totally different one.
- Watch their suction. Suckling from the breast requires more effort than with a bottle. See if this happens to adjust the nipple to a minimum. In the article "How to choose the best bottle and nipple" We leave you the keys to get your choice right. In the market there are different materials and we must inform ourselves what is used for type.
- Advance the shot a little. Whoever is desperate to eat does not usually help in these cases. If you advance the take a little, will be hungry enough to eat, and you will not be frustrated when you see that it is something different than what you are used to. You too (or whoever gives the bottle) have to be calm and calm.
- Don't force him. If it costs him, rejects or kicks him, do not force him or it will be worse. Please wait a couple of days to try again.
What formula to choose?
Formula milk is an alternative that will provide all the nutritional needs that your baby has. There are several brands on the market, but the ideal is that you discuss it with your pediatrician so that they can advise you which is the best for your baby. It will depend if you were breastfeeding, if not, your age, if you have any type of allergies ... There is already specific formula milk to replace breast milk, so that it is easier for the baby to accept it.
How I commented to you at the beginning You have to be patient during this phase. There are babies who quickly get used to the bottle and other babies who need more time. It is normal for you to suffer from colic and gas because your digestive system is still immature. Do not despair, go easy. Better to go slow and make a smooth handover for everyone than to be overwhelmed.
Because remember ... don't be in a hurry to get weaned. Try a feeding (if it is for work that you are not going to be able to give) and thus go to mixed breastfeeding and then go to artificial breastfeeding.