Breastfeeding/Bottle Transition

Updated on June 27, 2009
R.A. asks from Chicago, IL
5 answers

My son is almost 6 months old and he has been exclusive breast milk fed since birth. At 3 weeks old my husband would start to give him an occassional bottle of breast milk, just so I could have a break overnight. At 3 months old, I had a woman come in once a week for half a day, so that I could get out to appts and have a break. She gave him a bottle of breast milk during that time. Now, however, I am trying to give him bottles before his afternoon nap - still breastmilk - and he is fighting it tooth and nail. We have had a two week lapse in giving him any bottles at all, but I didn't think that should make a difference. My husband tried yesterday, the sitter tried last Friday and I tried today - but he FIGHTS it and just cries. Today I had a thought that maybe he has started teething and is just cranky. I don't see any tooth buds in his gums yet, but it could still be the start. Anyhow, I would appreciate any suggestions that you other moms have - I need help.
BTW, today I tried freshly pumped breastmilk, so it wasn't even re-heated or anything - just pumped and tried to feed. He took maybe 2 ounces only.
EDIT-ADDITIONAL: I see the wisdom of me not trying to give him the bottle. I do need to figure this out though, since I am out of town for 2 days next month and go back to school in the fall.

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M.G.

answers from Chicago on

R.,

We've experienced a similar situation with one of my twin boys. They're eight months old and also exclusively breastfed. About two months ago one of them started fighting my husband when it came time to eat (they'd get two bottles of breastmilk a day while I was working). As hard as it sounds, my husband would have to "wrestle" (his words) with my son until he would eat enough. You may just have to fight the struggle. It did get easier for my husband, but he had to keep with it.

Also, as another person pointed out, when babies know the real thing is right in front of them, they often struggle to take the bottle from Mom.

Good luck!

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S.M.

answers from Peoria on

Some babies that age will take breastmilk from a sippy cup instead of a bottle. Is there any way you can take him with you when you go out of town? Maybe take someone to care for him and bring him to you when he needs to nurse. Some babies will just wait for mom to get home. Solids could hold him over until you get home. He may just want to nurse very frequently when you are together to make up for what he misses when you are away. There is really no reason for you go give him a bottle. Just nurse. Let your caregivers figure out a way to get him something to eat when you are not around.
Check out www.kellymom.com for more info on feeding baby while you are away.

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P.D.

answers from Chicago on

R.:

you have a very bright child... why should he take milk from a bottle with you right there?

P., RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions

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J.O.

answers from Chicago on

R.,
At 6 months they know what they want and a bottle is not it epically if you are around. If your son is sitting up on his on ok start some solids when you are away he won't starve and you can nurse him when you get back. I have BF 5 kids ( still nursing number 5 and each one is different) good luck!
J. O

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R.A.

answers from Chicago on

maybe he wasn't hungry at the time? or had gas?

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