How to Start Weaning from Breast to Bottle
Weaning from breast to bottle can be a difficult time for both the mother and the baby. The breast produces the milk according to the requirements of the baby. The switch from the breast to the bottle should be a gradual process for both the mother and the baby. If it is done suddenly, the baby may become sick and you can also get a breast inflammation.
As the baby stops demanding for the milk gradually, the production of milk in the breasts will also become less. This will prevent the breasts from become lumpy, hard or inflamed. A little planning will help you with this ongoing procedure.
For mothers that need to return to work, they should plan accordingly. As working mothers, you may still wish to feed your baby in the night and in the morning or do so during the weekends. Plan accordingly. Before you return to work gradually stop giving your baby the breast feed for afternoon, evening and in between feeds. You will have to either give the bottle or the cup. The baby may like formula milk or may prefer some other milk such as goat’s milk (that has been watered down). A baby is also an individual and has likes and dislikes.
When weaning from breast to bottle, the baby also needs to be comfortable with the bottle or the cup. Let the baby feel comfortable with the teat and cup. You should also warm the milk to your body temperature or the temperature at which the baby is comfortable before giving them the milk. The bottle or the cup feed should be given, when the baby is very hungry or wants to go off to sleep. This will make the baby more receptive towards the bottle.
When feeding the baby through the bottle, hold the baby in the normal manner and ensure that the teat has enough supply from the bottle. This will ensure that the baby doesn’t take in gulps of air as this can be painful for the baby.
Some babies can be more difficult that the others. Try giving half breastfeed and then the bottle or the other way round. You can also change the teat or the nipple of the bottle. Change the formula milk as the taste can make the baby more amenable towards the bottle. The hole of the bottle teat should be just right and enable the baby to suck the milk. If it’s too small, then the baby will remain hungry, if the hole is very big, then the baby can easily choke.
Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding Dilemma
Deciding over breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding is one of the first and most important decisions you have to make for your baby.
Many mothers are aware of the feeding method they want to use. However, even if you are 100% sure that you want to bottle feed your baby we advise you to make a little research and see what others have to say about it.
Breastfeeding benefits
- When breastfed, the baby drinks high quality milk. That milk which is easily digested and has the right ingredients that are necessary for the baby’s development.
- The milk is always handy, warm at the ideal temperature and sterilized.
- Breastfeeding is the best way to calm your baby when it’s crying.
- It is easier to travel if you are breastfeeding, you don’t have to carry any bottles and worry if the milk is good enough.
- The baby that is breastfed is more protected against various microorganisms that can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- There is no substitute for colostrum that is produced in the first weeks of breastfeeding. It helps the baby to stay safe from different infections that may occur.
Bottle feeding benefits
- Your husband can help feeding the baby, which can be a great advantage for the working mother.
- You have insight on the quantity your baby has eaten. This can be really important since there are lots of mothers who worry if their baby has eaten enough.
- No night feeding and therefore more sleep time for you.
The final thought would be whichever feeding method you chose it will be much better if you add love and care to make it perfect. Do not think of breastfeeding or bottle feeding as of an obligation because your baby can feel that. It is something that you should do with joy and happiness, and you will be rewarded with healthy and happy baby.
Info on Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding
One of the questions every nursing mother asks herself is if there are some foods that should be avoided during breastfeeding?
The main thing here is that there is not a rule about it since different babies react differently. So when you notice that some foods cause problems to your baby, you should avoid eating it.
Maybe the main trouble makers are dairy products, peanuts, citrus fruits and eggs since these are foods that can cause allergies. Also while the baby is very young you should avoid onions and garlic, spicy food, cabbage, beans, peas and all the food that is heavy to digest. Also anything that can cause allergic reactions should be avoided, like strawberries etc.
I will try to make a list that may help you determine which foods to avoid.
- Spicy food - it can cause some problems to the baby like, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting.
- Chocolate – it can cause gasses. If you have to then it is better to eat a little white chocolate.
- Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit.
- Fresh vegetables like Broccoli, garlic, cabbage, onion, cucumber are the vegetables that can lead to colics and make your baby uncomfortable.
- Soda pops and colas – these cause gasses to your baby.
- Coffee – too much coffee can cause your baby to stay awake for a long time.
- Alcohol – I guess you don’t need any specific reasons why you should avoid it
It is advisable for the nursing mother to eat all kind of foods in order to have more quality milk for her baby. What is of most importance is that the mother should eat at least three times a day, taking care of the food quality, vitamins, minerals etc.. You shouldn’t think about your weight and diets. During breastfeeding it is very hard to get back to your old weight, but when you stop breastfeeding you lose weight much easier.
It is not that hard to be aware of the foods to avoid while breastfeeding. Just think about your baby and what’s best for her because this way both of you will be healthy and happy.