https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 09 May 2026 14:53:44 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles/page/2#post-505899 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:33:22 +0000 2PeasinaPod 505899@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: What's funny is that I actually preferred to pump. That was over in 15 minutes while LO could have fed off of me for 45 minutes or more! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles/page/2#post-505891 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:31:59 +0000 sarac 505891@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was not able to switch back and forth at that age. She'd refuse to latch and wouldn't suck and it just failed. I gave up on the bottles at that point. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles/page/2#post-505859 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:25:37 +0000 X0X0X0 505859@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If i could do it again i would do both. The first 2 months I did both, breastfeeding and gave her pumped milk. Then for a week I EBF. It has been the biggest mistake ever because she refuses all bottles with breastmilk or formula </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles/page/2#post-505787 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:07:07 +0000 littlek 505787@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another thing to think about is pumping is hard work! I find it easier to breastfeed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles/page/2#post-505774 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:04:04 +0000 2PeasinaPod 505774@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm also one who thinks it depends on the baby. Our LO didn't have any nipple confusion and we did pumped bottles from day one. I would breastfeed until my milk came in within the first week. I also found that once my milk did come in, I was full even after he fed. So I would pump right after while DH rocked him to sleep to build up a supply. Once we did that, we took turns with who fed him. Anytime DH fed him, I would also pump as to not miss a feeding. It will also help you build up a freezer supply too! </p> <p>Some mamas won't have as much milk as I did though...so I would try to find something that works best for you. If you can get enough where your DH can do a feeding here or there, go for it! But I also do think nipple confusion is a real thing, and if you're having trouble...head to a lactation consultant! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles/page/2#post-505757 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:59:59 +0000 Kemma 505757@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just wanted to add another perspective here but just remember that babies don't just breastfeed for nutrition, it also provides them with comfort and safety too! Your baby will want to be close to you in the first few weeks :-)</p> <p>For me personally, introducing a bottle would have been disastrous for bf'ing due to latch issues, if I was you I'd see how you go in the first couple of weeks, if bf'ing is going well then go for the bottle! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles/page/2#post-505749 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:57:52 +0000 Jenn23 505749@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: Nipple confusion is not a myth. It happened with my son. I breastfed, and after introducing bottles (so my husband could help) after a few weeks, then I had a terrible time trying to nurse him. He got lazy, didn't want to latch properly after we had had it down pat. It was horrible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles/page/2#post-505698 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:42:27 +0000 littlek 505698@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MarieJ: I posted exactly the same thing :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles/page/2#post-505685 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:39:27 +0000 littlek 505685@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I bottle fed my LO in the beginning because he was a NICU baby and wasn't strong enough to nurse. We gradually started adding nursing sessions as well as bottles and he was fine. I think nipple confusion is a myth. If anything, if you wait to long to add bottles your LO will refuse bottles. I'd get your husband involved as soon as you want. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles/page/2#post-505665 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:32:26 +0000 purrpletulips 505665@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jojogirl: ah, I didn't realize that. with DS we did a bottle a night because my boobs were so sore that it gave me a chance for a break. Go for it </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-505662 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:31:10 +0000 JoJoGirl 505662@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@purrpletulips: Oh no, we WANT to give a bottle. I just don't really understand the whole concept of nipple confusion and if there's some reason we shouldn't. It's beyond being open-minded, I'm just completely clueless :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-505631 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:21:36 +0000 purrpletulips 505631@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think you need to be open minded to the whole situation. I would have preferred not to introduce a bottle to either of my LOs for at least the suggested 4weeks. However both times it took my milk some time to come in so giving formula was a must for us. While there are ways to feed without using a bottle, such as syringe cup or finger, bottles worked best for us. We didn't experience any nipple confusion and I successfully BF DD for 14m and am going strong at 4.5m with DS. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-505608 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:11:44 +0000 plantains 505608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hmm, well I gave my baby a bottle from day 1 and when she turned 6 weeks old she flat out rejected it. She wanted nothing but the breast. Now at 6.5 months old she will drink pumped breastmilk from a sippy cup only, but no bottles and no formula. When she was still accepting bottles and DH was giving her a bottle for a night feeding, I didn't pump and my supply was just fine so everyone is different and there really is no telling what your body will do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-505416 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:48:15 +0000 MamaMoose 505416@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have switched between bottle and breast since about day five. Babies are much more likely to refuse the bottle than to refuse the breast and we couldn't risk having a baby that wouldn't take a bottle since I'm going back to work. I also pumped right from the start to build a freezer stash (extremely frustrating because M has food intolerances so I'm now going to have to throw out everything I pumped and froze!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-505318 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:12:48 +0000 maybebaby 505318@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoJoGirl: Great question and great answers--DH and I were wondering the same thing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-505224 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:42:30 +0000 LuLu Mom 505224@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it is possible, and some women produce more milk than others, so I really think it just depends on your baby, your body, and you will adjsut from there. I learned you can plan all you want but the baby will just laugh at you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-505211 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:38:17 +0000 LemonLong 505211@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My lactation consultant told me to introduce the bottle/start pumping between 3-6 weeks and to pump after the first nursing session of the day, since this is when your milk is the most plentiful. I pump and then store the milk for use later. We've done a few bottles, but I mostly feed her from the breast. </p> <p>During the first week my LO was here, my husband got up with me to change the diapers, burp, reswaddle, etc. After he went back to work, I did all the night wakings myself so he could be rested for work. On weekends, he would help with the nights though. I'm going back to work next week, luckily my LO sleeps through the night, but if there were a night wakening we would take turns getting up. We weaned her off night feedings at 5 weeks so either one of us can put her back down now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-505164 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:19:05 +0000 cascademom 505164@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My breastmilk didn't come in until day 5. Baby was hungry and losing weight, so we supplemented with formula according to our doctor's orders. I worked on nursing and pumping during that time to get my supply going. Once my supply came in, we slowly eased off of the bottles. It really took a discussion and decision to say that we were going to trust my breastmilk for him. My husband feared that I couldn't produce enough for him. Some of that fear was correct because we were using the bottle, so less suck, less demand, less supply. </p> <p>Once we went for it, my supply blossomed and I've been breastfeeding him since. When he started daycare, it took some time to adjust to the bottled breastmilk. Every morning and night, he gets an eager smile when he's about to feed with me. He loves the boobs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-505151 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:11:57 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 505151@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our LC told us to introduce the bottle no earlier than 3 weeks, but no later than 4 weeks so that she could get used to it. She never had a problem with nipple confusion. </p> <p>As far as switching off... In the first couple of weeks, DH got up with me for every feeding. But after he went back to work, I just got up and did everything myself (which I am kicking myself for!) because it's just easier to whip out the boob and close my eyes while nursing than to get up and pump while he feeds her a bottle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-505142 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:08:20 +0000 Mrsbells 505142@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>we were able to use bottles and breastfeed seamlessly right from day 1. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-505117 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:59:49 +0000 Bluebonnet 505117@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Like others have said, if you don't want to give your baby formula, every time LO gets a bottle, you need to pump (in order to maintain/build your supply). So you can't really switch off at night. </p> <p>I started pumping around 3 weeks and LO started to get the occasional bottle once a day and at some point (8 weeks ish), LO would get one bottle a day. I knew I was going back to work, so it was important for LO to be comfortable taking bottles when I wasn't around. We've had no problems.</p> <p>If you are concerned about sleep, talk to DH about other ways he can help at night so you get a tad more sleep. For example - he can get LO out of the crib, change the diaper, then bring LO to you to nurse. Then he can put LO back to bed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-505098 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:55:27 +0000 mrsjyw 505098@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>During the first few days at home, we had to give DS formula because my supply hadn't come in...then it took a few days to fully come in. We also introduced a paci that week (unknowingly taking the risk).</p> <p>Once my milk was fully in, it did take a day or two of frustrating nursing sessions to get him to latch back onto my boob. But, since then it's been wonderful. I even had to use a nipple shield for my left flat one and after a week, he hasn't needed it!</p> <p>As far as pumping and having bottles ready, we started that right away at week 2/2.5 when my supply allowed it! Slowly started building a freezer stash (5 oz a day) and for bottles at nighttime when my mom would come stay with us to give me a night of sleep.</p> <p>Dh doesn't do nighttime feedings right now, DS only wakes once or twice and it's easier for me to nurse him esp since I'm still on leave and dh is back at work. Sometimes when my mom is over she'll do the nighttime feeding. I wake up with engorged boobs, but I also don't pump any more than my am sessions on the days that I do nurse at nighttime...</p> <p>So it's totally do-able to do a mix of nursing/bottle feeding. FYI, DS is 8 weeks tomorrow, so it's never TOO soon, I think it's a case by case scenario. DS does well with paci, bottle, and boob. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-504973 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:03:39 +0000 Mrs.B 504973@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A is 3.5 months old and I am still the main caregiver. DH still hasn't changed a diaper! To be fair to him I have never asked him to change a diaper and usually just do it. As far as feeding goes A will not take a bottle. It's not so much bottle rejection, she just has no idea what she is supposed to do with it. So with A a bottle is simply not an option. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-504963 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:59:47 +0000 immabeetoo 504963@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Even at my most sleep deprived I woke when baby cried- and it's way easier to nurse than pump. My husband helps on weekends by bringing baby in, he dozes while I nurse him, then takes baby and re swaddles diapers if needed and then puts down and deals with any wakeup a before next feeding. I get more rest if not more sleep. We introduced a bottle at 2 weeks without issue and give one a week or so. He takes them and nurses fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-504917 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:45:38 +0000 MarieJ 504917@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My baby was in the NICU for ten days and over those days, she was fed breastmilk and formula from bottles. I didn't get a chance to physically breastfeed her until day 9. It did not affect her. She is exclusively breastfed now, but has no problem going back and forth from breast to bottle if need be. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-504874 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:26:14 +0000 JoJoGirl 504874@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>:) Yeah it's not so much that we want a strict 'plan', more of a 'strategy', if that makes sense. Or basically anything other than winging it. :) </p> <p>Either way - thanks to everyone for the feedback. I think we have a lot to learn and then we'll have to wait and see how it goes. Biggest lesson is that i'm going to have to pump regardless so I might just be SOL in the sleep department. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-504851 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:13:22 +0000 mrs. wagon 504851@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Thehistoryofus: totally!!! I think both times for us we did a great job researching and planning, but our big mistake the first time around was not wanting to deviate from our "plan" and freaking out when things wouldn't go according to our "plan". This time around, things go awry daily and we just don't care. This is why I say going from 1-2 is a lot more complex but a lot less stressful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-504846 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:11:49 +0000 T.H.O.U. 504846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: I agree, you just need to decide what is your "Ideal Situation" and plan for that but be aware that there are lots of curve balls in parenting that take you away from your "plan". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-504843 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:11:16 +0000 autumnlove 504843@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We started with a bottle as soon as she got home and we alternated between nursing and bottles for 9 months. I don't think nipple confusion was an issue for my LO. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/question-about-newborns-and-bottles#post-504841 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:10:01 +0000 hilsy85 504841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree that nipple confusion can be a real thing; however, there are ways to use a bottle that help support breastfeeding--i.e. make the feeding take as long as possible, sit the baby upright, etc. We gave LO a bottle at 1 wk old because I was having trouble breastfeeding and it didn't cause any issues with going back to the breast. Now, at 12 weeks, he isn't really a fan of the bottle because he hasn'tgotten many (but he will take it eventually). </p> <p>Regarding taking turns, I thought that we would do that--switch off for the night shift. But if you're EBF, then TBH I don't really see how it makes sense...it's soooo much easier to nurse than it is to pump, and whenever baby gets a bottle, you'll have to pump at the same time to keep your supply up, at least in the beginning. So I don't really see how it gives you any extra sleep. </p> <p>Also, re pumping in the beginning--you typically don't want to pump too much in the first 6-8 wks because that's when your supply is regulating. So if you're pumping a ton, your supply will regulate to where you have a ton of milk--aka an oversupply--not good. I wouldn't go into it thinking that you'll NEED to pump to help your supply--your milk supply will likely be just fine. </p>