When can you start feeding your baby expressed breast milk? What's the best way to do it? And should you be concerned about 'nipple confusion'? We answer your questions about expressed milk feeding.
If breastfeeding is going well and you've decided it's the right time to give your baby a bottle of expressed milk, follow these tips:
- Take your time.Don't wait until your big night out or first day back at work to introduce your baby to the bottle. Start trying with a small amount of expressed milk, in a relaxed and unhurried way, a couple of weeks beforehand. Gradually build up to giving a full feed of expressed breast milk from a bottle.
- Pick your moment.Ideally your breastfed baby should be alert, but not too hungry, the first time she has a bottle of expressed milk, so that she is as relaxed as possible.
- Delegate feeding duties.Your baby may be confused or frustrated when you offer a bottle, as she's used to your breast. It might be easier if someone else gives the first bottle, and you stay out of the room so your baby can't see or smell you.
- Not too hot, not too cold.Your baby may be more likely to take the expressed milk if it's around body temperature, 37 °C (98.6 °F).
- Dip and sip.Try dipping the bottle teat into some expressed milk before offering it, so it tastes and smells of your breast milk. Then gently stimulate your baby's top lip with the teat to encourage her to open her mouth.
- Positioning for bottle-feeding.Feed your baby on demand and cuddle her in a semi-upright position. Never bottle-feed her while she's lying flat or prop her up with the bottle, in case of choking. Go at her pace, with as many pauses as she needs – you can even try switching sides during the feed.
- Be patient.Don't worry if she doesn't take to the bottle straight away – it may take several tries. If she pushes the bottle away or becomes upset, comfort her and wait a few minutes before trying again. If she still won't drink from the bottle, wait a few more minutes and then breastfeed her as normal. Try again with the bottle at a different time of day.
