In this article, I share my practical experience and hope to answer some of the questions many parents have

Introduction:

With the experience of new motherhood, I always wanted to feed my baby breast milk or expressed milk. However, there was not enough milk for my baby from my breast, and the shape of my nipple was not suitable for suckling.

Day by day, my baby was losing weight, so I decided to give her bottle feeding or formula milk. For the first four months, she was fine with the bottle, but suddenly, she refused to feed from it.

Although breast milk and formula milk are not equal, formula milk can be a necessary option for many mothers.

However, try pumping your breast milk and freezing it, then give it to your baby. Consult with your pediatrician or lactation specialist for guidance.

Here are some hacks I applied with my baby when she refused the bottle:

1. Feeding Time:  

Notice when your baby is sufficiently hungry. Track feeding times; there is usually a pattern, like every 2 to 4 hours. Let them feel the hunger, then give them the bottle. There is no need to force-feed them. They will feed when they need to.

2. Bottle Size:  

Baby bottles come in specific sizes according to age. Identify the right size and try different nipples to find the one that’s most comfortable for your baby. Experiment with various aspects of the bottle.

3. Milk Temperature:  

As a mother’s breast milk is typically at room temperature, try to maintain a similar temperature for formula milk. It should not be too hot or too cold. You can dip the bottle in hot water, check the temperature, and then feed it to your baby.

4. Introduce the Bottle:  

Try to introduce the bottle in the second or third month of your baby’s life. This can help them get used to it. If you wait until the fourth or fifth month, it may be more challenging for them to accept the bottle.

5. Pump Breast Milk First:  

Don’t switch to formula milk immediately. Try pumping your breast milk and feeding it to your baby with the bottle. This can help them accept the bottle more easily.

6. Don’t Force Your Baby:  

Don’t force your baby to feed, whether it’s breast milk or formula milk. Babies will eat only when they want to. Keep them comfortable and calm; don’t make them angry or irritated. This will help maintain their desire to feed.

In conclusion:

Every child is different, so you need to understand your baby. Observe them, try to communicate, and give them gentle massages. If they still refuse to feed from the bottle, try alternative methods like using a spoon or a cup. Stay positive and keep trying.