This will help if you’re going back to work and baby won’t take a bottle

This will help if you’re going back to work and baby won’t take a bottle

Bringing a newborn into the world comes with a multitude of joys and challenges, and one that many new parents face is ensuring their baby adapts to bottle feeding, especially if work commitments beckon. If you find yourself returning to work but your baby under six months won’t take a bottle, you’re not alone, and there are ways to navigate this temporary hurdle.

 

Understanding the Transition

It’s crucial to remember that transitioning from exclusive breastfeeding to bottle-feeding can be a process. So, what can you do in the meantime while continuing to work on this transition? Consider trying what experts refer to as “reverse cycling.”

What is Reverse Cycling?

Reverse cycling involves altering your baby’s feeding schedule to better align with your absence during the day. The idea is to feed your baby more frequently at night, thereby ensuring they receive the calories they need while you are away during the day. This short-term solution can help you manage until your baby accepts the bottle.

Steps to Implement Reverse Cycling

  1. Feeding at Night: Overnight, intentionally fill your baby’s caloric needs by feeding them more often. This ensures they require less milk during the day when separated from you.

  2. Daytime Solutions: During the day, the person caring for your baby can use a syringe to gently spray milk into the side of your baby’s cheek. This approach can sustain your baby until you’re back home.

  3. Continued Practice: Keep practicing bottle-feeding whenever possible. Encourage your baby to take to the bottle gradually, as repetition and patience are key.

Is it Sustainable?

While this method provides a temporary solution, it’s not sustainable long-term, particularly as it can be exhausting to manage nighttime feedings after a full day at work. Therefore, it’s important to continue working towards bottle acceptance, often requiring an extra set of hands and support.

Seek Support

If you’re facing difficulty or just need someone to guide you through this, reaching out for help is important. You can connect with nurses or lactation consultants who specialize in helping babies transition to bottle-feeding. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your experiences in the comments if you’re part of a supportive community.

Every challenge comes with solutions that work more effectively with a supportive network. With some persistence and creative problem-solving, your baby can adjust to bottle-feeding, helping you transition back to work more smoothly.

 

If you need more support

I lead a team of Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners around the globe, who share my programs and who I personally mentor.

If you are struggling with your baby or child, you can reach out and we can help. We do in person and virtual feeding assessments. We also offer women’s health services and can help you achieve optimal hormonal health. Our services are often covered through insurance.

You can find the nurse closest to you here. If you need more help you can reach out to [email protected].

Thank you so much for being a part of our community,

Carrie Bruno RN, IBCLC, MSCP

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The Mama Coach is a global team of Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners.

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