14 Tips To Start Breastfeeding After Bottle Feeding
If you've been using the bottle and want to switch to breastfeeding, go for it!
Lactation experts say baby’s bodies are naturally wired for breastfeeding, so your little one might just hop on board if you give it a shot.
There are plenty of tricks you can try to get your milk flowing and kickstart breastfeeding after giving bottle feeding a go.
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How To Start Breastfeeding After Bottle Feeding
Make sure baby gets enough to eat during transition.
Remember, it might take a bit for both you and your baby to get the hang of breastfeeding, so be patient. And don’t stress whether it’s formula or breast milk in the short term. You can gradually transition from formula to breast milk and from bottle to breast. The important thing is your baby has enough to eat. Also, check in with the pediatrician about your game plan—and about intake, output (wet and dirty diaper wise) and weight gain expectations for baby.
Start the gradual shift from supplementing
Keep track of how much formula or pumped milk your baby is having, and over the course of time, you should notice longer breastfeeding sessions with less supplemental milk needed. This gradual shift is completely normal as you both get more comfortable with breastfeeding.
Support + Build Your Milk Production
Make sure you breastfeed or pump every time your baby has a meal. This way, when those perfect latching moments finally happen (and they will!), your milk supply will be all set to meet your little one's needs. It's like a milk-prep strategy for your baby's mealtime! 😉
If needed, try using a Supplemental Nursing System (SNS)
Consider using a nursing supplementer like the Supplementary Nursing System (SNS) if your milk supply is low. It delivers milk through a tiny tube along with your nipple, which can reduce any frustration your baby might have at the breast and stimulate your breasts to produce more milk. Give the SNS a try, and it might help your little one become more self-sufficient at the breast over time.
Get A Good Latch
Getting a good latch while breastfeeding is like the key to a smooth feeding session. You want to make sure your baby's mouth covers as much of your areola (the dark part around your nipple) as possible. Think of it like taking a big, juicy bite of a sandwich rather than just the crust! A wide latch ensures your baby gets a good mouthful of milk and minimizes discomfort for you. So, when you're getting ready to nurse, bring your baby close, tickle their lips with your nipple, and wait for them to open up wide. It might take a little practice, but once you've got that latch down, you'll be feeding like a pro!
Try the laid back breastfeeding position
Getting that perfect latch while breastfeeding can be a game-changer! One cozy way to help with this is by trying the laid-back position. Picture yourself reclining comfortably, almost like you're in a recliner chair. This position allows your baby to use their natural instincts to root and latch onto your breast with minimal effort. Plus, it's super comfy for you too! Just lean back, let your little one find their way, and watch that beautiful latch happen.
Skin-to-skin for the win!
Not only does being skin-to-skin with baby work wonders for your baby's blood sugar levels and keeps them cozy, but it also triggers this incredible hormone called oxytocin. And let me tell you, oxytocin is a rockstar! It's the ultimate multitasker—boosts bonding, keeps stress at bay for both you and the little one, and even signals your milk to let down, ready for action. Plus, let's talk real talk: swaddled babies might be a bit like trying to wrangle a tiny burrito when you're aiming for a latch. They can get too snug and snoozy to stay focused on the feeding mission. So, unleash that skin-to-skin magic and let the oxytocin flow! 🌟
Take a Nursing vacation
If your baby's still having a tough time around your breast, it's a good idea to clear your calendar for a few super chill days together. I'm talking about 2-4 days of just you and your little one, no distractions. Forget about chores, hide those dishes and laundry, and focus on bonding. Stock up on snacks and water, and hey, feel free to watch some TV or do whatever floats your boat – just as long as it doesn't get in the way of your quality time with your baby. It's all about creating a cozy cocoon for both of you to snuggle up and reconnect. 🏡❤️
Enlist the experts
Remember, every baby is one of a kind, so having a pro lactation guru check things out and give you personalized tips is like the golden ticket. And if going private isn't in the cards right now, many places have drop-in breastfeeding clinics that are a fantastic freebie. They're not just about troubleshooting; you can also hang out with fellow moms and make some new pals. 🤱💬
Use Breast Compression
Try this gentle technique to boost milk flow and keep your baby nursing happily. While your baby feeds, cup your breast and gently squeeze it using your thumb on top and fingers below, just behind the areola. Be gentle to avoid discomfort, and avoid sliding your fingers. Keep squeezing while your baby sucks, and release during breaks in their sucking. Repeat until there's no more active swallowing.
Express Milk Onto the End of Your Nipple
This can tempt your baby to latch on and begin that all-important sucking action. Just keep in mind, in the beginning, even a tiny lick or a gentle suck is a big win. Those little moments of progress are your stepping stones to success. So, don't underestimate the power of those small steps. Before you know it, your baby will be nursing for longer stretches, and you'll be back in the breastfeeding groove. It's all about taking those baby steps towards a full feeding session! 🍼👶🚶♀️
Offer breast when baby is sleepy
Sleepy babies can be more patient when it comes to nursing. Try offering the breast when your little one is dozing off or during those nighttime and naptime moments. Babies can actually nurse without waking up entirely or opening their eyes. Sometimes they do even better in that half-asleep state. Make it cozy by dimming the lights and picking a quiet, distraction-free spot. Plus, when you're back home, you can go topless together while snoozing. It can lead to some "accidental" nighttime nursing sessions when everything is relaxed and the breast is right there, ready to go. 😉🌙
Take your time
Breastfeeding after introducing a bottle may not be an instant win, but staying persistent and determined is key, especially if your baby's got a taste for the bottle. Remember, babies are wired to breastfeed, and your perseverance can really pay off. Take it one day at a time, and don't put too much pressure on yourself, Mama. It's all about doing your best.
Some babies might be used to the bottle and not take to the nipple right away – that's totally normal, so don't get disheartened. It might take a few attempts to get them latching. Keep in mind, breastfeeding can be a bit more effort for them compared to bottle feeding, so be patient, and you'll get there together. 🍼🤱💪
Every Drop Counts!
Keep in mind, even if your baby latches but your milk supply doesn't fully bounce back, it's still a meaningful journey for both of you. On the flip side, if you're putting in the effort to up your supply but your baby isn't quite ready to latch, don't fret – they can still get all that goodness from your expressed milk. Every single drop is a win-win! 🍼💕
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