Expert: ruth kraft - 9/25/2009

Question
Hi Ruth, I have a question about breastfeeding.  I am currently feeding my 3 month old son expressed breast milk via bottle.  He's now refused to nurse as he will only take the bottle.  I am wondering how I can get him to nurse again.  I've tried skin-to-skin, spoon feeding, walking/bouncing him around, lying down, when he's tired,sleeping, or just waking up.  Nothing seems to work.  Any information you could give me would be appreciated.
Thank You
Vanessa

Answer
I would reccomend getting in touch with la leache league ( www.llli.org) and finding someone  to do in person support. I usually help people with this issue by actually watching the baby and seeing his response and then it helps me better to be able to give better advice. If the baby nursed in the beginning and then you switched to bottles, it is much more likely that he will then take them again. if not, it is harder but not impossible. the longer they go without nursing the harder it is. But keep trying! and remember that even if hes getting milk in the bottle, its better than no breastmilk at all!

good luck!