Re: Bottles, the beginning of the end

[Guest guest]

Annemarie,

I have to respond to this. As a full-time working mom myself, I have a

five-month old exclusively breastfed baby.

How do I do it? Thanks to Wendi, I have a good schedule that seems to

work well for us. My son is kept at home and the sitter calls me when he

is hungry.

Maybe your work schedule won't allow you to nurse during the day. Don't

take the benefits of bfeeding for granted! There are days that I am

really exhausted, but I know that I am providing my son with the best

possible nutrition. My first son was bfed until he was six months old,

but because he was in daycare and I had a different position, I was only

able to feed him at lunch. As a result, my supply wasn't really great

and I ended up having to supplement with formula.

This time around, I was determined that I would bfed completely without

any pacifiers or bottles. I feel such a sense of accomplishment, even

though it is a major commitment.

Please consider your decision carefully because you can also use a cup

instead of a bottle. The benefits of bfeeding are incredible!

Amy W.

[Guest guest]

My baby too is going to have to take a bottle(s) of EBM when I begin working

part time in the fall, my lactation consultant has told me that I need to

start her on one bottle a night beginning next week. (When she is 3-4 weeks

old) She also said that Savannah may not take a bottle if I wait until I

start work. Savannah is a good nurser, but I still wonder if this is too

soon. My mom will be her sitter, and she is worried about the baby not

taking the bottle from her. Liek some of the rest of you, I have to get a

small job to help pay bills. I quit my teaching job to stay at home with my

babies the majority of the time, but until my own business brings in more

money, I am going to have to be away from them 2 days a week, but I am

determined not to let that interfere with breastfeeding.

Vickie

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

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Best friends, most artistic, class clown Find 'em here:

>http://click./1/4054/0/_/410002/_/959224063/

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

>http://www.lactivist.com

>

[Guest guest]

My baby too is going to have to take a bottle(s) of EBM when I begin working

part time in the fall, my lactation consultant has told me that I need to

start her on one bottle a night beginning next week. (When she is 3-4 weeks

old) She also said that Savannah may not take a bottle if I wait until I

start work. Savannah is a good nurser, but I still wonder if this is too

soon. My mom will be her sitter, and she is worried about the baby not

taking the bottle from her. Liek some of the rest of you, I have to get a

small job to help pay bills. I quit my teaching job to stay at home with my

babies the majority of the time, but until my own business brings in more

money, I am going to have to be away from them 2 days a week, but I am

determined not to let that interfere with breastfeeding.

Vickie

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

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Best friends, most artistic, class clown Find 'em here:

>http://click./1/4054/0/_/410002/_/959224063/

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

>http://www.lactivist.com

>

[Guest guest]

My baby too is going to have to take a bottle(s) of EBM when I begin working

part time in the fall, my lactation consultant has told me that I need to

start her on one bottle a night beginning next week. (When she is 3-4 weeks

old) She also said that Savannah may not take a bottle if I wait until I

start work. Savannah is a good nurser, but I still wonder if this is too

soon. My mom will be her sitter, and she is worried about the baby not

taking the bottle from her. Liek some of the rest of you, I have to get a

small job to help pay bills. I quit my teaching job to stay at home with my

babies the majority of the time, but until my own business brings in more

money, I am going to have to be away from them 2 days a week, but I am

determined not to let that interfere with breastfeeding.

Vickie

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

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Best friends, most artistic, class clown Find 'em here:

>http://click./1/4054/0/_/410002/_/959224063/

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

>http://www.lactivist.com

>

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

Gazley wrote:

> > In fact, I consider myself fairly

> militant and I've never said anything to a stranger chosing to formula feed,

> but I do try to fix what I consider wrong with the formula industry with

> letters and words.

>

Yes, this is important, I do this too. There is A LOT wrong with this

industry.

Margaret

[Guest guest]

Gazley wrote:

> > In fact, I consider myself fairly

> militant and I've never said anything to a stranger chosing to formula feed,

> but I do try to fix what I consider wrong with the formula industry with

> letters and words.

>

Yes, this is important, I do this too. There is A LOT wrong with this

industry.

Margaret

[Guest guest]

Gazley wrote:

> > In fact, I consider myself fairly

> militant and I've never said anything to a stranger chosing to formula feed,

> but I do try to fix what I consider wrong with the formula industry with

> letters and words.

>

Yes, this is important, I do this too. There is A LOT wrong with this

industry.

Margaret

[Guest guest]

Vickie,

I am totally amazed that your LC would tell you 3-4 weeks of age.

Everything I have read says not to introduce anything be it pacifier or

bottle until at least 6 weeks of age. Also I have read you should introduce

the bottle during the time of day baby would be getting the bottle when you

are not there. Only exception would be if maternity leave is less than 6

weeks long. I have no personal experience in this at all, but I don't think

you would have to rush it since you will not be going back until the fall.

She should be close to 6 months at that time? I would think you could sit

her in a high chair and she could take a sippy cup herself by that time. My

3yo used cups during her meals by the time she was about 5-6 mo.

JMO because I have no actual experience just basing it on what I have read.

Except the part about a 5-6mo taking a cup on her own.

Just some thoughts,

Annemarie

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

> >

> >

> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >Best friends, most artistic, class clown Find 'em here:

> >http://click./1/4054/0/_/410002/_/959224063/

> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >

> >Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

> >http://www.lactivist.com

> >

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Find long lost high school friends:

> http://click./1/4056/0/_/410002/_/959224760/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

> http://www.lactivist.com

>

[Guest guest]

Vickie,

I am totally amazed that your LC would tell you 3-4 weeks of age.

Everything I have read says not to introduce anything be it pacifier or

bottle until at least 6 weeks of age. Also I have read you should introduce

the bottle during the time of day baby would be getting the bottle when you

are not there. Only exception would be if maternity leave is less than 6

weeks long. I have no personal experience in this at all, but I don't think

you would have to rush it since you will not be going back until the fall.

She should be close to 6 months at that time? I would think you could sit

her in a high chair and she could take a sippy cup herself by that time. My

3yo used cups during her meals by the time she was about 5-6 mo.

JMO because I have no actual experience just basing it on what I have read.

Except the part about a 5-6mo taking a cup on her own.

Just some thoughts,

Annemarie

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

> >

> >

> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >Best friends, most artistic, class clown Find 'em here:

> >http://click./1/4054/0/_/410002/_/959224063/

> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >

> >Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

> >http://www.lactivist.com

> >

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Find long lost high school friends:

> http://click./1/4056/0/_/410002/_/959224760/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

> http://www.lactivist.com

>

[Guest guest]

Vickie,

I am totally amazed that your LC would tell you 3-4 weeks of age.

Everything I have read says not to introduce anything be it pacifier or

bottle until at least 6 weeks of age. Also I have read you should introduce

the bottle during the time of day baby would be getting the bottle when you

are not there. Only exception would be if maternity leave is less than 6

weeks long. I have no personal experience in this at all, but I don't think

you would have to rush it since you will not be going back until the fall.

She should be close to 6 months at that time? I would think you could sit

her in a high chair and she could take a sippy cup herself by that time. My

3yo used cups during her meals by the time she was about 5-6 mo.

JMO because I have no actual experience just basing it on what I have read.

Except the part about a 5-6mo taking a cup on her own.

Just some thoughts,

Annemarie

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

> >

> >

> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >Best friends, most artistic, class clown Find 'em here:

> >http://click./1/4054/0/_/410002/_/959224063/

> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >

> >Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

> >http://www.lactivist.com

> >

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Find long lost high school friends:

> http://click./1/4056/0/_/410002/_/959224760/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

> http://www.lactivist.com

>

[Guest guest]

Annemarie,

Good for you for thinking ahead and for being so comitted to breastfeeding.

Rest assured that you can work and breastfeed too. Many, many women pump while

at work and breastfeed while home. A caregiver can give your baby bottles of

ebm while you work. I recommend you look at the book, The Complete Book of

Breastfeeding. It has great info. on working while exclusively breastfeeding

that you might find helpful. I urge you to do everything in your power to

breastfeed even though you will be working. It can be done and your baby and

you will benefit tremendously. Do not assume that it is not worth your while

to breastfeed since you will be working -- it definetly is! I have breasfed

two babies who have received bottles of ebm and it has worked out beautifully.

Key to your success (besides your commitment) will be getting a good pump. I

recommend renting a double, electric pump like the Medela Lactina. Others have

had good experiences with buying a pump like the Purely Yours by Ameda or the

Pump in Style by Medela.

I am sad that you feel you are doomed before you start, and want you to know

that despite the current discussion on this list regarding bottles, I know many

women who were committed to breastfeeding and used bottles while they worked

and because of their committment and their understanding of how breastfeeding

works, managed to do both. You can do it. Email me with any more questions,

or post them and we will do our best to answer them.

Margaret

Annemarie J. Tanksley wrote:

> 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

[Guest guest]

I need to clarify something. I said that I would be going to work part time

in the fall, that means August, Savannah won't be three months old when she

starts her " daily bottles " . I used to be a teacher, so August IS the fall

for me. LOL

Vickie

Re: Bottles, the beginning of the end

>Vickie,

>

>I am totally amazed that your LC would tell you 3-4 weeks of age.

>Everything I have read says not to introduce anything be it pacifier or

>bottle until at least 6 weeks of age. Also I have read you should

introduce

>the bottle during the time of day baby would be getting the bottle when you

>are not there. Only exception would be if maternity leave is less than 6

>weeks long. I have no personal experience in this at all, but I don't

think

>you would have to rush it since you will not be going back until the fall.

>She should be close to 6 months at that time? I would think you could sit

>her in a high chair and she could take a sippy cup herself by that time.

My

>3yo used cups during her meals by the time she was about 5-6 mo.

>

>JMO because I have no actual experience just basing it on what I have read.

>Except the part about a 5-6mo taking a cup on her own.

>

>Just some thoughts,

>Annemarie

> 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

>> >

>> >

>> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

>> >Best friends, most artistic, class clown Find 'em here:

>> >http://click./1/4054/0/_/410002/_/959224063/

>> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

>> >

>> >Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

>> >http://www.lactivist.com

>> >

>>

>>

>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>> Find long lost high school friends:

>> http://click./1/4056/0/_/410002/_/959224760/

>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>>

>> Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

>> http://www.lactivist.com

>>

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Find long lost high school friends:

>http://click./1/4056/0/_/410002/_/959226180/

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

>http://www.lactivist.com

>

[Guest guest]

I need to clarify something. I said that I would be going to work part time

in the fall, that means August, Savannah won't be three months old when she

starts her " daily bottles " . I used to be a teacher, so August IS the fall

for me. LOL

Vickie

Re: Bottles, the beginning of the end

>Vickie,

>

>I am totally amazed that your LC would tell you 3-4 weeks of age.

>Everything I have read says not to introduce anything be it pacifier or

>bottle until at least 6 weeks of age. Also I have read you should

introduce

>the bottle during the time of day baby would be getting the bottle when you

>are not there. Only exception would be if maternity leave is less than 6

>weeks long. I have no personal experience in this at all, but I don't

think

>you would have to rush it since you will not be going back until the fall.

>She should be close to 6 months at that time? I would think you could sit

>her in a high chair and she could take a sippy cup herself by that time.

My

>3yo used cups during her meals by the time she was about 5-6 mo.

>

>JMO because I have no actual experience just basing it on what I have read.

>Except the part about a 5-6mo taking a cup on her own.

>

>Just some thoughts,

>Annemarie

> 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

>> >

>> >

>> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

>> >Best friends, most artistic, class clown Find 'em here:

>> >http://click./1/4054/0/_/410002/_/959224063/

>> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

>> >

>> >Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

>> >http://www.lactivist.com

>> >

>>

>>

>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>> Find long lost high school friends:

>> http://click./1/4056/0/_/410002/_/959224760/

>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>>

>> Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

>> http://www.lactivist.com

>>

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Find long lost high school friends:

>http://click./1/4056/0/_/410002/_/959226180/

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

>http://www.lactivist.com

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/24/00 10:20:52 PM Central Daylight Time,

jvmeans@... writes:

<< my lactation consultant has told me that I need to

start her on one bottle a night beginning next week. (When she is 3-4 weeks

old) She also said that Savannah may not take a bottle if I wait until I

start work. >>

Vickie,

My son was born in Aug. and I thought I would be returning to work in Jan

(I was a spe ed teacher) and my lac cons told me about the same thing.

Although she had us wait until about 5-6wks of age. We first started out by

letting Drake just hold and get used to the bottle nipple's shape, smell,

general difference from mommy! and slowly got him to take small amounts of

EBM from the bottle after a nursing session (she said babies get frustrated

when they're hungry and don't know how to work the bottle nipple so it's best

to do it after the nursing session). He also had to have it from his Daddy

or someone else, he wouldn't accept it from me. Another hint the lc gave us

was to try wrapping the bottle in one of my tshirts that I'd worn for my

scent. I think this actually made it worse for Drake though, making him

smell me and then having to suck differently on the bottle nipple--but it may

work for other babies. We did do the bottle (very small amount after

nursings) about every few days then one a week once he got ok at it, just to

keep him from forgetting how to do the bottle. I can tell you that was

important for us because once we got lazy about it, thinking 'oh, he's got it

down' and then would go to give him one, he had forgotten somewhat.

It wasn't easy, I'll tell you that. I hated seeing my baby eating from that

hard, plastic bottle but I, like you, thought I HAD to do it because I was

going back to work and he would absolutely need a bottle while I was away.

Luckily for me, my husband and I decided in the 11th hour that I should stay

home. It was still nice that we could leave the baby for a few hours

(between feedings) with a bottle of EBM just in case, and know that he'd be

ok.

I wish you lots of luck with this. Please feel free to ask anymore questions

if you need to. I know for us it was not the easy task that it is for some

and I had a great lc that helped with suggestions and such.

Take care,

Fawn

SAHM to Drake 8-18-98

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/24/00 10:20:52 PM Central Daylight Time,

jvmeans@... writes:

<< my lactation consultant has told me that I need to

start her on one bottle a night beginning next week. (When she is 3-4 weeks

old) She also said that Savannah may not take a bottle if I wait until I

start work. >>

Vickie,

My son was born in Aug. and I thought I would be returning to work in Jan

(I was a spe ed teacher) and my lac cons told me about the same thing.

Although she had us wait until about 5-6wks of age. We first started out by

letting Drake just hold and get used to the bottle nipple's shape, smell,

general difference from mommy! and slowly got him to take small amounts of

EBM from the bottle after a nursing session (she said babies get frustrated

when they're hungry and don't know how to work the bottle nipple so it's best

to do it after the nursing session). He also had to have it from his Daddy

or someone else, he wouldn't accept it from me. Another hint the lc gave us

was to try wrapping the bottle in one of my tshirts that I'd worn for my

scent. I think this actually made it worse for Drake though, making him

smell me and then having to suck differently on the bottle nipple--but it may

work for other babies. We did do the bottle (very small amount after

nursings) about every few days then one a week once he got ok at it, just to

keep him from forgetting how to do the bottle. I can tell you that was

important for us because once we got lazy about it, thinking 'oh, he's got it

down' and then would go to give him one, he had forgotten somewhat.

It wasn't easy, I'll tell you that. I hated seeing my baby eating from that

hard, plastic bottle but I, like you, thought I HAD to do it because I was

going back to work and he would absolutely need a bottle while I was away.

Luckily for me, my husband and I decided in the 11th hour that I should stay

home. It was still nice that we could leave the baby for a few hours

(between feedings) with a bottle of EBM just in case, and know that he'd be

ok.

I wish you lots of luck with this. Please feel free to ask anymore questions

if you need to. I know for us it was not the easy task that it is for some

and I had a great lc that helped with suggestions and such.

Take care,

Fawn

SAHM to Drake 8-18-98

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/24/00 10:20:52 PM Central Daylight Time,

jvmeans@... writes:

<< my lactation consultant has told me that I need to

start her on one bottle a night beginning next week. (When she is 3-4 weeks

old) She also said that Savannah may not take a bottle if I wait until I

start work. >>

Vickie,

My son was born in Aug. and I thought I would be returning to work in Jan

(I was a spe ed teacher) and my lac cons told me about the same thing.

Although she had us wait until about 5-6wks of age. We first started out by

letting Drake just hold and get used to the bottle nipple's shape, smell,

general difference from mommy! and slowly got him to take small amounts of

EBM from the bottle after a nursing session (she said babies get frustrated

when they're hungry and don't know how to work the bottle nipple so it's best

to do it after the nursing session). He also had to have it from his Daddy

or someone else, he wouldn't accept it from me. Another hint the lc gave us

was to try wrapping the bottle in one of my tshirts that I'd worn for my

scent. I think this actually made it worse for Drake though, making him

smell me and then having to suck differently on the bottle nipple--but it may

work for other babies. We did do the bottle (very small amount after

nursings) about every few days then one a week once he got ok at it, just to

keep him from forgetting how to do the bottle. I can tell you that was

important for us because once we got lazy about it, thinking 'oh, he's got it

down' and then would go to give him one, he had forgotten somewhat.

It wasn't easy, I'll tell you that. I hated seeing my baby eating from that

hard, plastic bottle but I, like you, thought I HAD to do it because I was

going back to work and he would absolutely need a bottle while I was away.

Luckily for me, my husband and I decided in the 11th hour that I should stay

home. It was still nice that we could leave the baby for a few hours

(between feedings) with a bottle of EBM just in case, and know that he'd be

ok.

I wish you lots of luck with this. Please feel free to ask anymore questions

if you need to. I know for us it was not the easy task that it is for some

and I had a great lc that helped with suggestions and such.

Take care,

Fawn

SAHM to Drake 8-18-98

[Guest guest]

> I am not advocating everyone go and give their baby a bottle, no flames

> please. I am just saying that used responsibly, bottles can serve a

useful

> purpose. And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

> breastfeeders turns potential breastfeeders off. I am a very committed

> breastfeeder, don't get me wrong. But I know too many women who didn't

> breastfeed because they were told it was an " all-or-nothing " proposition.

I

> believe their babies would have been better off being breastfed and

getting a

> bottle sometimes, rather than not being breastfed at all.

>

> Margaret

Yes, Margaret, I agree with you. I think the number of women who give their

babies bottles with no adverse affects in the breastfeeding relationship far

outweighs the ones that have a problem. I can't help but think if I'd had

all the resources (like this list) back then, things wouldn't have happened

as they did.

I didn't mean to suggest that no women give their babies a bottle. I just

know for myself with my past experiences, I don't want to do it because I'm

scared that it'll mean weaning. Irrational? Probably.

[Guest guest]

> I am not advocating everyone go and give their baby a bottle, no flames

> please. I am just saying that used responsibly, bottles can serve a

useful

> purpose. And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

> breastfeeders turns potential breastfeeders off. I am a very committed

> breastfeeder, don't get me wrong. But I know too many women who didn't

> breastfeed because they were told it was an " all-or-nothing " proposition.

I

> believe their babies would have been better off being breastfed and

getting a

> bottle sometimes, rather than not being breastfed at all.

>

> Margaret

Yes, Margaret, I agree with you. I think the number of women who give their

babies bottles with no adverse affects in the breastfeeding relationship far

outweighs the ones that have a problem. I can't help but think if I'd had

all the resources (like this list) back then, things wouldn't have happened

as they did.

I didn't mean to suggest that no women give their babies a bottle. I just

know for myself with my past experiences, I don't want to do it because I'm

scared that it'll mean weaning. Irrational? Probably.

[Guest guest]

My baby is not due until August and it is so hot here in VA already. I wish

August would feel like fall. LOL Even with returning in August I still

would not think about introducing a bottle until 6 weeks. Again just based

on what I have read.

Annemarie

Re: Bottles, the beginning of the end

> I need to clarify something. I said that I would be going to work part

time

> in the fall, that means August, Savannah won't be three months old when

she

> starts her " daily bottles " . I used to be a teacher, so August IS the fall

> for me. LOL

>

> Vickie

[Guest guest]

Wendi, I'm glad it's not just me. It's one of those cases of " if I knew

then... "

The funny thing this time around is that I decided not to give a

pacifier right off. The other kids all got them in the hospital and I don't

think those pacifiers were the culprits at all, but I wanted to take no

chances. Well, about 2 weeks ago, started *really* fussing while I was

trying to cook dinner. I broke down and got out the pacifiers (mini-mam, the

kind the other kids loved). No dice. She gagged when I tried to put it into

her mouth.

So, we tried the Avent. Nope.

So, we tried the Playtex with the brown nipple. Still not happening.

Our final try is with the silicone Playtex that's all one piece.

Now, sometimes she'll take one of the 3 (but not the mini mam). But it sure

doesn't last long! I think she's got " nipple confusion " in the other

direction.

> ,

>

> I too lost my breastfeeding relationship due to bottles and almost lost my

> second one as well. I got rid of the bottles and pacifiers and soon he

was

> nursing more and I had a better supply than ever. If I have another baby

I

> won't do a bottle at all. I plan on have a cup feeding system handy in

case

> of emergency but I won't do another bottle. It just isn't worth it to me.

>

>

> Wendi

> http://www.lactivist.com

> breastfeeding info & resources

[Guest guest]

Wendi, I'm glad it's not just me. It's one of those cases of " if I knew

then... "

The funny thing this time around is that I decided not to give a

pacifier right off. The other kids all got them in the hospital and I don't

think those pacifiers were the culprits at all, but I wanted to take no

chances. Well, about 2 weeks ago, started *really* fussing while I was

trying to cook dinner. I broke down and got out the pacifiers (mini-mam, the

kind the other kids loved). No dice. She gagged when I tried to put it into

her mouth.

So, we tried the Avent. Nope.

So, we tried the Playtex with the brown nipple. Still not happening.

Our final try is with the silicone Playtex that's all one piece.

Now, sometimes she'll take one of the 3 (but not the mini mam). But it sure

doesn't last long! I think she's got " nipple confusion " in the other

direction.

> ,

>

> I too lost my breastfeeding relationship due to bottles and almost lost my

> second one as well. I got rid of the bottles and pacifiers and soon he

was

> nursing more and I had a better supply than ever. If I have another baby

I

> won't do a bottle at all. I plan on have a cup feeding system handy in

case

> of emergency but I won't do another bottle. It just isn't worth it to me.

>

>

> Wendi

> http://www.lactivist.com

> breastfeeding info & resources

[Guest guest]

Wendi, I'm glad it's not just me. It's one of those cases of " if I knew

then... "

The funny thing this time around is that I decided not to give a

pacifier right off. The other kids all got them in the hospital and I don't

think those pacifiers were the culprits at all, but I wanted to take no

chances. Well, about 2 weeks ago, started *really* fussing while I was

trying to cook dinner. I broke down and got out the pacifiers (mini-mam, the

kind the other kids loved). No dice. She gagged when I tried to put it into

her mouth.

So, we tried the Avent. Nope.

So, we tried the Playtex with the brown nipple. Still not happening.

Our final try is with the silicone Playtex that's all one piece.

Now, sometimes she'll take one of the 3 (but not the mini mam). But it sure

doesn't last long! I think she's got " nipple confusion " in the other

direction.

> ,

>

> I too lost my breastfeeding relationship due to bottles and almost lost my

> second one as well. I got rid of the bottles and pacifiers and soon he

was

> nursing more and I had a better supply than ever. If I have another baby

I

> won't do a bottle at all. I plan on have a cup feeding system handy in

case

> of emergency but I won't do another bottle. It just isn't worth it to me.

>

>

> Wendi

> http://www.lactivist.com

> breastfeeding info & resources