Feeding- why does my daughter prefer breastfeeding from me and not formula feed whereas if my husband or others give bottle/formula feed she takes.

Question

Accepted Answer

Your daughter’s preference for breastfeeding over formula feeding from you, while accepting formula from others, could be due to a few factors that are natural in the early stages of a baby’s development. Here are some reasons why this might be happening:

1. Comfort and Familiarity:

Breastfeeding provides not only nourishment but also comfort and emotional connection. Your daughter may associate breastfeeding with security, warmth, and bonding, which makes her prefer it when you are offering it. Babies often feel more comforted by their mother's presence and familiar scent during breastfeeding, which might explain why she prefers breastfeeding directly from you.

2. Scent and Milk Flow:

When your daughter feeds from you, she is familiar with your scent, and your milk flow is probably more easily accessible to her. If you're breastfeeding frequently, she may prefer the comfort of direct feeding, where she can control the flow and position. On the other hand, bottle-feeding with formula might seem less familiar in terms of the flow and experience, even though she takes it from others.

3. Taste and Temperature:

Breast milk has a unique taste that changes based on your diet and other factors. Some babies may develop a preference for breast milk because of the taste, or they might find it more comforting, as it’s tailored to their needs. Formula milk, though fortified with essential nutrients, can have a different taste and consistency, which might make it less preferred if directly offered by the mother.

4. Attachment and Bonding:

At a developmental stage, babies often feel more attached to their primary caregiver, especially their mother, due to the closeness, comfort, and bonding that breastfeeding provides. She may associate you with the act of nourishment and may find it soothing to feed directly from you.

5. Bottle and Nipple Confusion:

If your daughter is used to breastfeeding, she may experience some confusion when it comes to bottle-feeding, particularly with the flow or the feel of the bottle's nipple. However, if someone else is giving her the bottle, they might be able to provide it at the right angle or pace that suits her better, and she may feel more willing to accept it.

What You Can Do:

Continue Offering Both: Keep offering the bottle to your daughter and gradually try different positions or nipple types to see if she prefers one over the other.

Consistency: Offer formula or breast milk in a bottle in a relaxed setting without pressure. Over time, she may become more accustomed to it.

Involve Your Husband in Feeding: Since she takes the bottle from others, continue having your husband or family members feed her with the bottle. This will help her realize that feeding can be enjoyable even without direct breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Routine: If you're continuing to breastfeed, it's okay to maintain that connection and comfort, but try to make the bottle-feeding experience just as nurturing and calm to create positive associations.

It’s perfectly natural for babies to have preferences, and many babies go through phases of being more attached to breast or bottle. With time, your daughter may become more comfortable with both feeding methods. If you have concerns, consulting with a pediatrician or lactation consultant could also help.