Paced bottle feedings

Bottle Feedings

Breastfeeding is a much more active process than bottle feeding and requires more work on the baby's part.
Research has shown that "nipple confusion" is not a problem for breastfeeding babies, but rather the flow that bottles provide vs. breastfeeding.
- The difference in flow can sometimes cause babies to have a preference or get frustrated at the breast when they have to work harder to get the milk flowing.
This is why we pace the bottle feedings for breastfed babies.

Have your baby sitting up a bit more in your lap as opposed to laying in a cradled position in your arms.
Offer the bottle in more of a horizontal position so that not all of the milk is in the tip of the nipple of the bottle.
- Every few sucks, tip the bottle back to pull the milk out of the nipple, and allow baby to take a break.
- This helps promote more of a "suck, swallow, rest" instead of gulping down the milk quickly.
This mimics the flow and rhythm of breastfeeding.
Remember to use the slowest flow nipple as well, and take your time with feedings.
- It should take about 10-20 minutes to finish the bottle feeding.
- Video example of how to pace a feeding: Click Here