Do this if you are bottle feeding but want to breastfeed again
Do you have a baby who has gotten really used to the bottle, but you want to get back to breastfeeding? This guide is for you. There are two big things to consider to make this transition possible: maintaining a good milk supply and practicing patience with your baby. It’s generally easier to achieve this under the 12-week mark, but it can definitely be done with older infants as well.
Here’s how you can start:
1. Ensure a Good Milk Supply
One of the most critical steps in transitioning back to breastfeeding is having an ample milk supply. Babies are generally more tolerant of the learning process when there’s plenty of milk. Here are a few tips to help you boost and maintain your milk supply:
- Ensure Proper Pump Fit: Make sure the pump flanges fit your breasts correctly. Often, the default flanges are too big. If you’re struggling with finding the right fit, don’t hesitate to seek help.
- Pump Regularly: Whenever your baby has a bottle, make sure you’re pumping at the same time. This helps signal to your body to keep producing milk.
- Power Pumping Sessions: Add in two to three power pumping sessions for a week or two. Power pumping mimics cluster feeding and can help boost your milk supply.
2. Ease Your Baby Back to the Breast
Teaching your baby to latch back onto the breast involves making it an easy and pleasant experience. Here are some important strategies to consider:
- Feed First, Then Try the Breast: Don’t try to get your baby to latch when they are very hungry. They don’t learn well under stress. Start by giving them a quarter to a half of their usual bottle feed first. This helps take the edge off their hunger.
- Pace Feeding: Use pace feeding techniques to slow the flow of the bottle. Hold the bottle perpendicular to the ground to mimic the slower flow of the breast.
- Massage Your Breast: Before offering the breast, massage it to stimulate letdown. This helps ensure your baby gets milk quickly when they latch on.
- Offer the Breast: After the partial bottle feed, offer the breast. Use techniques like hand expressing or breast compressions to help your baby latch on more easily.
- Exaggerated Nipple Sandwich: Use this technique to make it easier for your baby to latch on. Gently compress your breast to bring the nipple and areola into a shape that’s easier for your baby to get a good latch.
3. Be Patient and Respectful of Your Baby’s Cues
If your baby resists or pulls away, don’t force it. This can create a negative association with breastfeeding and make the process much harder. If your baby is not interested, stop and try again at the next feeding. Patience and consistency are crucial.
Conclusion
Transitioning from bottle feeding back to breastfeeding can be done, but it requires patience, persistence, and the right techniques. Always ensure your milk supply is sufficient, make iteasy for your baby to latch, and be mindful of their needs and cues. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to leave your queries in the comments. We’re here to help you on this journey.
If you need more support
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Thank you so much for being a part of our community,
Carrie Bruno RN, IBCLC, MSCP
