Expert: ruth kraft - 3/3/2009

Question
I have been exclusively breastfeeding for 10 weeks now, going well. I am due back to work in few months and want to get my daughter used to taking a bottle (expressed milk) but unfortunately she refuses it. Her dad is even unable to get her to take it. Any suggestions on how to get her to take a bottle?

Answer
oh... congratulations on having a seriously intelligent child , who is strong willed and knows the difference between getting fresh milk and a plastic bottle that is cold and nurturing from her point of view.  

that being said, getting these kinds of babies to take a bottle is not always easy as you have found out. I will give you a few suggestions that have worked for some others in the past.

try different bottle nipples. sometimes its just a matter of preference in what they like. while introducing the bottle , do it when she isn't hungry so she has some time to play and figure it out. she hasn't recognized it as a source of food.  when introducing it, squeeze the nipple in your fingers so that milk will squirt into his mouth so she knows there is food there. try to have someone give the bottle to her when you are not home. go to the grocery store or something and let her try then. if she knows you are around, she may not take it more so as she knows you have the good stuff :) you can also try to cut the hole a little bigger in the nipple of the bottle so the flow is a little easier until she figures it out. she may like the instant food more that way.

if that doesn't work, try a sippy cup. take out the suction thing until she understands milk comes from it. then put it back in after shes figured it out.

I hope one of those helps! if not, ( you may have to try them a few times  as she may resist them at first as well ) then e-mail me back progress and well go from there.

Ruth Kraft
www.honoringwomen.com