Guest Author - Jessica Gunsch

Giving your baby a bottle of expressed breast milk from time to time can be beneficial for both you and your child. It offers you a break from the demands of motherhood, a chance to go out to dinner or just relax and also allows your baby to bond with other caregivers. In addition, if you are experiencing sore or cracked nipples, pumping your breasts occasionally may be less painful than having your baby directly nurse, giving you a chance to heal.

Despite the would-be convenience of giving your breasts a break, it is not uncommon for breastfed babies to refuse this alternative method of nourishment. Some babies that are not used to taking a bottle on a regular basis find it insulting and repulsive because they are so enamored with the familiarity, smell, and feel of their mother’s bosom. However every mother deserves a break from time to time and certainly before their baby is weaned. If your baby is the type to refuse the occasional bottle, give the following techniques a try before retiring your breast pump.

-If you are a new mom and you feel that you will want to give your baby a bottle down the road start getting him or her accustomed to it early on. Most experts recommend that a breastfed baby not be given pacifiers or bottles until your milk supply is thoroughly established at around 12 weeks. However if you feel that your milk supply is abundant and your baby has no problems nursing, offer a bottle between two and three weeks (but first get the OK from your pediatrician or lactation consultant). Your baby will be more receptive to the bottle if he or she is introduced to it at a younger age.

-Offer your baby a bottle even when you aren’t going anywhere so he or she doesn’t “forget” what it is. The key is familiarization. For example if you only anticipate going out for dinner once a month, try giving your baby a bottle once a week. A baby that is offered a bottle only once a month and is breastfed the rest of the time is very likely to protest; becoming cranky and unpleasant for her caregiver.

-Have someone else feed your baby. Many babies that refuse a bottle from their mother will have absolutely no objection to taking one from dad or grandma.

-If your baby refuses the bottle try a different type. Not all bottles are created equal and babies will have their own individual preferences. There are lots of different types of bottles on the market many of which are supposed to mimic the breast such as Avent or Adiri. Your baby may prefer these or simply like a basic or traditional nipple. Just keep experimenting until you find one that you and your baby both find acceptable.

A note on Adiri bottles: I intended this article to be a review on the Adiri bottle that is supposed to closely mimic the breast in the way it feels and how the milk is released. I heard about this product from my sister-in-law and thought that it sounded great. However she recently tried this bottle with her 6 month old daughter and found that, although its look and feel was great, it was actually a “leaky mess”. Still if you would like more information about this bottle their website is: http://www.adiri.com. What works for one may not work for another