Expert: ruth kraft - 1/26/2010

Question
Hi,My daughter is now 10 wks old, exclusively breast fed. I want to start waenig her off and have been trying to introduce the bottle for past 1 wk, very unsuccessfully. She absolutely refuses and will not take more than 1 oz at a time, may be just once in whole day by bottle. My production is not sufficent and I am afraid that as she grows, it may not meet her requrement. Also, I have to go back to work and need more flexibility.
Am desperate for tips, what can I do to make her accept bottle. I have been expressing my milk and giving it to her in bottle, also tried formula to dissociate.
Need quick help.
Neela

Answer
You have a very smart baby :) If it will make it easier for you I would suggest that you actually build up your milk supply instead of wean. You can pump when you get back to work if possible, or pump at home and at lunch to give her milk while you are not there. You can drink mothers milk tea, and also take metamucil a few times a day. this will help you increase your milk supply . ( odd, but it works)

The academy of pediatrics reccomends exclusive nursing for 6 months, and at least a year. but prefers 2 years for the baby's best health. Without this breastmilk, esp in the world of such horrible flu's the baby can get sick much easier.  SO I strongly suggest continuing if posible.

Or at least nurse at night and give formula during the day.

Also, I would like to add, that if she is 10 weeks old, and not supplimented by bottle and gets angry when you give her one, then you have PLENTY of milk. Or she wouldn't be thriving like that. So your milk supply is fine. I am not sure why you think it is not but it has to be or she would be weak and in the hospital and quite sickly by now.

Because you will still be away, the only real suggestion I have is trying new bottles. She will adjust over time or you can try a sippy cup. Sometimes that will work as well. :)

Good luck!

We also do phone counseling!
Visit us at www.honoringwomen.com
Or find us on facebook under
Women Honoring Women LLC