Hey Mom, It's OK To Use A Bottle: Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding By Dr. Jacq

Today, I’m writing about a topic I feel very passionate about – a mom’s choice to bottle-feed their newborn. We can all agree that breastmilk is best, but many times for mothers, exclusive breastfeeding is not an option, especially long-term. And that is OK! There are plenty of advantages of bottle feeding, and the best bottle feeding can be accomplished easily when moms keep a few things in mind.

There are plenty of reasons to start bottle-feeding a newborn. Some babies are born prematurely and need extra calories, and some have medical problem or allergies, like my own son, who had a severe milk protein allergy and was formula fed. Some moms might be planning on returning to work, or they had twins or triplets, or they just simply need a break. As a doctor and mother of two, I promise you – it is OK to just simply need a break. Not to mention, breastfeeding and bottle feeding can go hand-in-hand, too!

Feeding your baby breastmilk or formula in a bottle does NOT make you a bad mom. Give yourself permission to take a break, and to bottle feed your newborn from time to time! The advantages of bottle feeding include being able to introduce different feeding dynamics to your little one. Have dad or grandma give an occasional bottle or get your baby ready for when you return to work. Even with my daughter, who I was able to breastfeed, I had my husband give her a bottle in the middle of the night so I could sleep. Yes, so I could sleep, because moms need their sleep! Seriously mom, there should be NO guilt! I so desperately wanted someone to give me permission to use a bottle, I am giving you permission!

The next step is picking the right bottle and introducing it at the right time, which are both important to bottle feeding your newborn the right way. 

When it comes down to breastfeeding vs bottle feeding, rest easy and follow these tips. Introducing the bottle right after breastfeeding is established (usually in the first couple of weeks) is really important too. Don’t wait until the day before you go back to work, or have to leave the baby with grandma to go to that special event. You could end up with a baby that refuses to take the bottle and then you’re in a real crisis! Starting earlier gives your baby time to get used to going back and forth from breast to bottle and gives you more flexibility for others to feed the baby too!

I mean it. Bottle feeding. It’s OK. NO guilt!

FAQs:

What are the advantages of bottle feeding over breastfeeding?
Bottle feeding offers several advantages, including convenience and flexibility, as it allows anyone to feed the baby, providing opportunities for bonding with other family members. It also enables the mother to know exactly how much the baby is consuming at each feed, which can be reassuring for many parents. Bottle feeding with formula can be beneficial for mothers who may have difficulty breastfeeding due to medical reasons, breast surgery, or low milk supply. Additionally, it allows the mother to return to work or engage in activities without the need to breastfeed directly.

How can I ensure the best bottle-feeding experience for my baby?
To ensure the best bottle-feeding experience, start by choosing a high-quality, BPA-free bottle and a nipple designed to reduce gas and colic symptoms by minimizing air intake. Always hold your baby in a semi-upright position while supporting their head, and tilt the bottle to fill the nipple with milk, preventing air swallowing. Establish a feeding routine that mimics natural feeding cues, allowing your baby to feed at their own pace and recognizing when they're full to avoid overfeeding.