Breastfeeding and bottle feeding tips
How to breastfeed
Breastfeeding is a natural skill that you and your baby can learn together. It may take some time and practice, but it can also be rewarding and beneficial for both of you. Here are some tips to help you breastfeed:
- Find a comfortable position that supports your back and arms, and bring your baby close to your chest.
- Wait for your baby to open their mouth wide and then bring them to your breast, not the other way around. Make sure they take a large mouthful of breast tissue, not just the nipple.
- Let your baby suckle at their own pace and switch breasts when they seem to slow down or stop. You can also offer both breasts at each feed if you have enough milk.
- Break the suction gently by inserting your finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth before taking them off the breast.
- Burp your baby after each feed by holding them upright and gently rubbing or patting their back.
- Seek help from a lactation consultant, midwife, health visitor or peer supporter if you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding.
How to bottle feed
Bottle feeding can be a convenient and flexible way to feed your baby, especially if you need to be away from them or share the feeding duties with others. You can bottle feed with expressed breast milk or infant formula, depending on your preference and situation. Here are some tips to help you bottle feed:
- Sterilise all the bottles, teats and other equipment before each use until your baby is at least 12 months old.
- If you’re using formula, follow the instructions on the package carefully and make up one feed at a time. Do not reuse any leftover milk or water.
- Hold your baby in a semi-upright position and support their head. Do not leave them alone with a propped-up bottle as they may choke or get an ear infection.
- Brush the teat against your baby’s lips and let them draw it in. Keep the bottle horizontal so that the milk flows steadily and your baby does not swallow too much air.
- Pause every 20 to 30 seconds during the feed and switch sides as you would when breastfeeding. This can help your baby feel full and prevent overfeeding.
- Stop feeding when your baby shows signs of being full, such as turning away from the bottle or falling asleep. Do not force them to finish the bottle.
- Burp your baby after each feed by holding them upright and gently rubbing or patting their back.
- Throw away any unused milk after each feed.
Breastfeeding and bottle feeding together
Some parents may choose to combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding for various reasons, such as going back to work, expressing milk for convenience or sharing the feeding responsibilities. If you want to do this, here are some tips to help you:
- Introduce the bottle when breastfeeding is well established, usually around 4 to 6 weeks of age. This can help avoid nipple confusion or preference.
- Use a slow-flow teat that mimics the shape of your breast and nipple. This can help your baby switch between breast and bottle more easily.
- Express milk regularly to maintain your milk supply and avoid engorgement or mastitis. You can use a manual or electric pump or hand expression.
- Store expressed milk safely in sterilised containers in the fridge or freezer. Label them with the date and use them within the recommended time frame.
- Warm up expressed milk gently by placing it in a bowl of warm water or using a bottle warmer. Do not microwave it as this can destroy nutrients and create hot spots.
- Offer both breast and bottle at each feed if possible, or alternate between them throughout the day. This can help your baby accept both methods of feeding.
Breastfeeding and bottle feeding are both valid choices that can meet your baby’s nutritional needs and support their growth and development. The most important thing is to find what works best for you and your baby, and enjoy this special time together.
Summary:
This blog article provides tips on how to breastfeed, bottle feed or combine both methods of feeding for parents who want to nourish their babies safely and comfortably.
