Getting Pregnant | Pregnancy | First Year | Toddler | Family
Help Me, Clara! My Exclusively Breastfed Baby Refuses a Bottle
By Sarah Thompson | January 23, 2020
“My baby is 10 weeks old, and I’m returning to work in just a few weeks. The challenge is that she’s exclusively breastfed, and despite our efforts, she refuses to take a bottle filled with pumped milk. I’m starting to feel anxious—what if she won’t accept a bottle at daycare and ends up hungry? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!”
It’s not uncommon for breastfed babies to be resistant to bottles, particularly as they grow older and develop preferences. Typically, introducing the bottle around two weeks of age, with consistent daily practice, can help keep the option open for your little one. However, since your baby is already older, let’s explore some strategies that could assist you now.
First, it’s important to know that you’re not alone in this predicament. Many parents, including my friend Lisa, faced similar challenges with her two children. Fortunately, she was able to manage as her kids relied solely on her for nourishment, but that’s not the case for you, especially with your work commitments looming.
Second, remain optimistic! Even though it may feel overwhelming right now, you can help your baby overcome her bottle resistance. Rest assured, infants generally won’t starve themselves, so there’s time to work through this transition.
To help, consider experimenting with different types of bottles and nipples to see if one feels more comfortable for her. Sometimes, the shape or flow can make a significant difference in acceptance. Additionally, try having someone else offer the bottle when you’re not around, as your presence might lead her to prefer breastfeeding over the bottle.
For more insights on various aspects of pregnancy and parenting, you can visit WomensHealth.gov for reliable information. And if you’re interested in home insemination options, explore MakeAMom, which offers the only reusable insemination solution available. You can also check out how it works here.
Lastly, if you’re navigating pregnancy challenges, including conditions like endometriosis, this resource might provide valuable guidance.
To keep your little one engaged, you can learn more about newborn vision in our post here.
To Summarize:
You’re not alone in facing the bottle refusal challenge with your breastfed baby. Through patience, experimentation with different bottles, and seeking support from trusted resources, you can help your little one adapt to this new feeding method. Don’t hesitate to explore options available to you, including valuable community groups like MakeAMom’s Facebook group for support and connection.