the day that is easiest to switch first of all from breast to bottle. Your Little One should be easily taking their bottle before you drop another breastfeed. When you are both ready, try replacing the mid-morning breastfeed with a bottle, and then the mid-afternoon or tea-time feed. Pick the feeds where it makes sense or feels right to give the bottle. I know mums who’ve dropped the tea-time feed first because that is when their partner gets home from work and they can give the bottle instead.
The last feeds to go are usually the early-morning feed and finally the last feed before bed.
How long you take to do this is up to you. It may be that for practical reasons such as returning to work it is something that has to be done over a few weeks. Alternatively, you may have the time to make a gradual change over months.
Dropping the breastfeeds one at a time sounds easy but it can be an emotional and challenging time for many women. You may have your own feeling of loss and even grief when switching to the bottle even if you have been expressing milk, or it might be a huge relief – there is no right or wrong way to feel. Giving up breastfeeding is a decision only you can make. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and, if you can, go with the flow (no pun intended!). Look at the positives – you may find you have more energy, less of an appetite, or just a bit more time to yourself. Trust yourself; you love your baby more than anyone, so have confidence in your own skills and intuitive feelings, and you and your baby will settle into this new method and way of feeding. (For further advice on formula feeding or when to switch to cows’ milk, take a look at the next chapter.)
Trust Yourself Checklist
Here’s a few reminders for you to check off, so you can trust that you are doing everything you can to successfully breastfeed your baby.
The Secrets for Successful Bottle-feeding
Both formula- and breastfeeding mums can use bottles to feed their baby. Whether you choose to bottle-feed from the start, after a few weeks, months or at an age when your baby can go straight onto cows’ milk, I know you’ll want to do the best for your baby. One of the most common issues mums who are bottle-feeding have told me they experience is feeling judged – that people think they are a bad mum because they aren’t breastfeeding their baby. Your decision to formula-feed is your business and no one else’s; you don’t need to explain yourself to other people (it doesn’t matter whether you are formula-feeding because you had difficulties breastfeeding or if it was something you didn’t feel was right for you – you don’t have to justify yourself to other people whether they are friends, family or even health professionals!).
Once you’ve started to bottle-feed, for whatever reason, embrace it and just look at all the positive things you are doing for your Little One every day. It may help if you let the people supporting you know if you feel guilty or that you are being judged. They will more than likely tell you what a good mum you are, and help create a shield from unwelcome comments.
Bonding with your baby during bottle-feeds
I know some mums do worry that if they aren’t breast-feeding they won’t be able to bond with their baby, but when you feed your baby with their bottle this can be a wonderful opportunity to connect and enjoy each other. Making the most of this one-on-one time will really make a difference.
Look into your baby’s eyes, hold their gaze, sing to them, talk to them and hold their tiny hand. Your baby knows your voice so well; they heard it while they were in your womb, and will get a lot of reassurance from just being close to you, hearing your heartbeat and the sound of your breathing. This will help to encourage attachment between you and your baby, and dads can get in on the act, too.
Bottle-feeding in a calm and relaxed environment where you and your baby can focus on each other will have huge benefits. Enjoy this time, and the extra cuddles you can give them while winding them as you rub their back – it is all precious time between you and your baby. You’ll find a feeding technique and a space that is right for you. There is no reason why you can’t use feeding time to put your feet up and enjoy some quality time together.
Working with your partner as a team
If your partner does want to do their share of bottle-feeds, that is great news. It’ll give you a break and help them establish a stronger connection with the baby. I have known dads who’ve held back because they are worried they’ll break the baby. OK, you do need to be gentle, and I know dropping your baby is sometimes a big fear, but as long as you are sensible all will be well. Babies are very resilient so don’t be afraid to handle your Little One – you both will be experts in no time, and they will love a bit of daddy time.
Be gentle, but hold your baby securely. Often dads have a deft touch when it comes to comforting the baby; this may be because the hold is firmer. Parenthood is a partnership; you could take it in turns to feed and then swap over to settle – just do whatever works for you.
If you are still producing a little breast milk it is often best if your partner gives the baby their formula milk and settles them. The smell of the breast milk may cause your baby to search for it and become confused, and this makes it harder for mums to feed and comfort their Little One. So working together when possible at feeding time will give your Little One more opportunity to adapt and get the milk they need.
If you’ve stopped breastfeeding it may take several days to completely stop producing milk, so stopping suddenly is not the best way. Try to replace one breastfeed at a time with a bottle, and then drop another every few days so you can have switched over in about one to two weeks.
If you feel that your breasts are hard and engorged, talk to your doctor to see if you need any medication to help.
Trust Yourself
Enjoy Feeding Time
Feeding time is the perfect time for babies to bond with their parents. Give yourself a bit of time to put your feet up, put some relaxing music on, dim the lights and take some time out with your baby.
Getting the right equipment for bottle-feeding
Whenever you choose to start giving your baby a bottle you are going to need a few things to get bottle-feeding underway.
Bottle-feeding Shopping List
The right size teats (sizes 1–3)
Bottles
Steriliser
