hi myself dr.noorul ,my baby boy is 45 days old now I m feeding him expressed breast milk by feeding bottle is it OK??? due yo breast issues I m feeding expressed breast milk via bottle .is it advisable

Question

hi myself  dr.noorul ,my baby boy is 45 days old now  I m feeding him expressed  breast milk by feeding bottle is it OK??? due yo breast issues I m feeding expressed  breast milk via bottle .is it advisable

Accepted Answer

Yes, feeding your baby expressed breast milk by bottle is perfectly fine and can be a great option, especially if you are experiencing breast issues that make direct breastfeeding difficult. Here are some important points to consider when feeding your 45-day-old baby expressed breast milk via a bottle:

### **Advantages of Bottle Feeding Expressed Breast Milk:**

1. **Provides Essential Nutrients:**  
   Expressed breast milk contains all the essential nutrients, antibodies, and immune-boosting components that are beneficial for your baby's growth and development, just like direct breastfeeding.

2. **Allows for Monitoring Intake:**  
   Bottle feeding allows you to know exactly how much milk your baby is consuming, which can be reassuring, especially if you are concerned about your baby's intake.

3. **Flexibility and Convenience:**  
   Bottle feeding with expressed breast milk can provide flexibility, allowing other caregivers, such as your partner or family members, to participate in feeding, giving you some rest and support.

4. **Helps Manage Breast Issues:**  
   If you are experiencing issues such as sore nipples, mastitis, or other breast discomforts, expressing milk and feeding via a bottle can help you continue providing breast milk to your baby while managing these issues.

### **Considerations for Bottle Feeding Expressed Breast Milk:**

1. **Nipple Confusion:**  
   - Some babies may experience "nipple confusion," where they might prefer the bottle over the breast because it's easier to get milk from a bottle. To minimize this risk, you can try using a slow-flow bottle nipple that mimics the flow of breastfeeding.

2. **Maintain Milk Supply:**  
   - Regularly expressing milk is crucial to maintain your milk supply. Try to pump as frequently as your baby would normally feed, usually every 2-3 hours. This helps to mimic your baby’s feeding patterns and signals your body to continue producing milk.

3. **Proper Bottle Feeding Technique:**  
   - Practice **paced bottle feeding**: Hold the bottle horizontally, allowing the baby to suck and swallow in a rhythm similar to breastfeeding. This method helps prevent overfeeding and mimics breastfeeding more closely.
   - Hold your baby upright and ensure the bottle's nipple is always filled with milk to reduce the amount of air your baby swallows, which can cause gas and discomfort.

4. **Hygiene and Sterilization:**  
   - Ensure that all bottles, nipples, and breast pump parts are properly cleaned and sterilized to prevent any infections.

5. **Bonding:**  
   - While bottle feeding, hold your baby close, make eye contact, and provide a comforting environment to foster bonding, similar to the bonding experience during breastfeeding.

### **When to Consult a Healthcare Professional:**

- If you have concerns about your baby’s feeding, weight gain, or if you’re experiencing ongoing breast issues, consult with a lactation consultant or your pediatrician. They can provide specific advice and support based on your situation.

Overall, feeding expressed breast milk by bottle is a good alternative if direct breastfeeding isn't feasible. The most important thing is that your baby is getting the nutrition he needs to grow and thrive.