I want to resume my work . my daughter is 4 month old and on exclusive breastfeeding. I am trying bottle feeding but she is now accepting. what should I do?

Question

Accepted Answer

Resuming work while ensuring your four-month-old daughter continues to receive the nutrition she needs can be challenging, especially if she is reluctant to take a bottle. Here are some strategies you can try to help her accept bottle feeding:

### Gradual Transition

1. **Introduce the Bottle Slowly:** Start by offering the bottle when your baby is calm and not very hungry. Allow her to get used to the feel of the bottle nipple in her mouth without the pressure to feed.

2. **Consistent Attempts:** Offer the bottle at the same time each day to build a routine. Consistency can help your baby become more comfortable with the bottle.

### Bottle and Nipple Selection

3. **Different Nipples:** Experiment with different bottle nipples to find one that your baby prefers. Some babies have specific preferences for nipple shapes, sizes, and flow rates.

4. **Warm the Milk:** Try warming the breast milk to body temperature. Some babies prefer milk that is the same temperature as breast milk straight from the breast.

### Comfort and Familiarity

5. **Mother’s Scent:** Use a piece of clothing or a small cloth that smells like you (the mother) around the bottle. Your scent may comfort your baby and make the bottle more acceptable.

6. **Different Positions:** Try feeding your baby in different positions. Some babies prefer to be held in a position similar to breastfeeding, while others may prefer to be more upright or even in a different room.

### Involving Others

7. **Different Feeder:** Have someone else offer the bottle. Sometimes babies associate their mother with breastfeeding and may be more likely to accept a bottle from another caregiver.

8. **Stay Out of Sight:** When someone else is feeding your baby, try to stay out of sight. If your baby sees you, she may insist on breastfeeding instead of taking the bottle.

### Patience and Persistence

9. **Be Patient:** It can take time for a baby to adjust to bottle feeding. Keep trying and stay calm and patient.

10. **Don’t Force It:** Forcing the bottle can create negative associations. Instead, try to make bottle feeding a pleasant and stress-free experience.

### Feeding Schedule

11. **Pump and Store Milk:** Start pumping and storing breast milk to have a supply ready when you return to work. This also allows other caregivers to feed your baby when you’re not available.

12. **Offer Bottles Regularly:** Make bottle feeding a regular part of your baby’s feeding routine, even if you are home, to reinforce the habit.

### Consult Professionals

13. **Lactation Consultant:** Consider consulting a lactation consultant for personalized advice and support. They can offer techniques specific to your situation and help address any challenges.

14. **Pediatrician’s Advice:** Discuss your baby’s feeding habits with her pediatrician to ensure she is getting enough nutrition and to rule out any underlying issues.

Transitioning to bottle feeding can take time, but with patience and consistency, your baby will likely adapt.

Answer

hello since the child is used to the breastfeeding session it can refused to take the bottles of you should frequently try to give the bottle and this way the child will be able to accept which would be better and absolutely nothing to worry about