Back To Work: Feeding Instructions

I know what you're thinking. How hard is it to feed a baby a bottle? You're right, it's not that complicated, but it does require some readjusting. Especially if you're feeding a breastfed baby. If everyone is on the same page, it makes the transition back to work a little bit easier for mom and baby.

Pace Feeding

I'm sure when you think of feeding a baby it usually involves laying the baby back at an angle and tilting the bottle up so all of the milk rushes down to the nipple. This allows the flow of the milk to come faster right?

With breastfed babies, it's recommended to pace feed them. Pace feeding is a method of bottle feeding that mimics the flow of milk from the breast. Hold the baby sitting more upright and the bottle should be held level with the ground.

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Graphic from MilkyMommas.org

As far as the bottle, you can use whatever brand is comfortable for you. The important part is the nipple. You want to use a low flow nipple and allow the baby to latch on to the nipple instead of forcing it into the baby's mouth. Why? If you hold the baby upright, the bottle level with the ground, and a low flow nipple, this requires the baby to work for the milk-just like the baby would have to do at the breast. If it's easier for the baby to get milk from a bottle then it is for him/her to get milk from the breast, the baby's going to prefer the bottle. Wouldn't you?

We have to remember, just like we're learning and adjusting to breastfeeding, our little one is as well. Nipple confusion occurs when a baby is presented with multiple artificial nipples and creates a preference to one over the mother's breast. Since we can't physically be there, the goal is to mimic the experience as much as possible.

Tip: While feeding the baby, take breaks to burp her. This can help reduce the spit up afterwards and it can help make sure that she is not being overfed!

Feeding Schedule

The best feeding schedule is driven by the baby. Most babies will want to eat every 2-3 hours, but it's important to watch your baby, not the clock. If you look for the hunger cues, you know when the baby is starting to get hungry and you can start getting ready.

Breastfeeding, pace feeding, it's all new to everyone and it will take some time to get comfortable with. If your caregiver waits until the baby is upset and crying, they may be flustered and want to resort to what's comfortable for them in order to stop the crying. It may seem like a lot at first, but once they get the hang of it, I promise it will come easier.

Graphic from KellyMom.com

Reverse Cycling

Reverse cycling can be scary to a new mom and especially the caregiver. It makes the transition to work easier if everyone is clear about how the baby is feeling and knows what to expect. Reverse cycling is when the baby waits to nurse until mom gets home. The baby may go all day without nursing, often sleeping for most of the day, and then nursing only when mom arrives.

This is normal! Your baby will not starve. I know it can be scary. When I had to leave Anaya for the first time with my parents, we nursed before I left and she wouldn't take a bottle the entire time I was gone. She slept until I walked in the door at 4:30 and then immediately woke up and nursed. Your baby will get accustomed to the idea that mom is out and will learn to take the bottle.

Were these tips helpful? Do you have anymore? Let me know in the comments!