Re: Bottles, the beginning of the end

May 25, 2000

Annemarie,

It is very difficult to predict which baby will show a nipple preference and

which will not. As Margaret said, bottles can be given and breastfeeding

remain intact with a very strong committment and good solid information. If

I was in a situation where I needed to go back to work I would certainly do

all I could to establish my supply with breastfeeding alone in the early

weeks and then introduce the bottle right before I returned back to work.

My problems that I had with bottles were certainly a result of lack of

information. I wasn't working with my second but he was getting bottles and

showing a preference. I do not have to go to work so my situation is vastly

different from yours. For me personally it isn't worth struggling through

potential nipple preference if I don't have to. If I needed to go back to

work I would certainly continue nursing and give bottles when I was gone,

which is what I did with my first. Some babies absolutely have no nipple

confusion and transfer from breast to bottles with no problems. Other

babies can really have difficulties transitioning from breast to bottle.

There is no way to predict which babies will have difficulties. The best

thing is to be well aware of the potential problem and deal with things as

they come up. With a strong committment you can overcome most any

breastfeeding issue. Getting breastfeeding off to a great start is your

best bet for a longterm nursing relationship, no matter whether you are

working or not.

Wendi

http://www.lactivist.com

breastfeeding info & resources

Re: Bottles, the beginning of the end

I usually lurk since I am still awaiting the arrival of my little nurser.

I am just a little confused about this whole topic. I have encountered this

topic other places online. The reason for my confusion and I might add

worry is the fact that I will have to return to work after the birth of the

baby. My working situation is a matter of need not choice. If I had my way

I would not return until after the kids are in school full time and then do

like my mother did and work PT during the hours we were in school.

I will be working 8 hours 5 days a week. My intention is to pump during

working hours and have my mother and MIL(they are my caregivers) give EBM

during the time I am gone. I know that I am not the only one in the world

that has to or has choosen to do this.

Maybe I am giving more credit to babies than are due. I feel that babies

are quite intelligent. It just seems like if bottles are given when mom is

not around that they would be more than willing to go right back to mom once

she is back. It is my understanding that BF'ing is not only a way to get

" food " into their little stomachs but also a close personal relationship. A

relationship that no matter how caring and loving a caregiver(can't get much

more loving than grandma LOL)a baby cannot get from a plastic and silicone

object.

Please understand that I am fully aware that babies can totally give up on

mom because of a bottle, I do not doubt in anyway the stories I have heard.

But my question would be if that is always the case would it even be worth

my while (or any working mother)to even start to bf if the relationship will

soon end after I have to go back to work?

I mean no disrespect in any way, it is just something that I am truly

conscerned about. Everytime I run into this topic I feel like we are doomed

before we even start.

Annemarie

12/21/96(sad to say only BF for 1 week)

Baby Lynn EDD 08/14/00

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May 25, 2000