If you are nursing your baby, you need to be careful and not introduce a bottle too soon. You do not want to cause nipple confusion. While modern science has made bottles as close to the real thing, there is still no substitute for the breast. Bottle-feedings are easier for your baby and can affect your baby’s latch, which is the most important aspect of breastfeeding. One way to help reduce the risk of nipple confusion is by pace feeding.
Traditional bottle feeding involves giving babies bottles and allowing them to drink them steadily. Feeding this way will ensure your baby eats; however, it is much easier for the baby to get milk, and they will not want to nurse. If you only feed your baby this way, it may no longer want to nurse because that is more work to get what they want. Paced bottle feeding slows down the feeding to mimic breastfeeding closely.
How to Pace Feed
To pace feed, you will need pumped milk and a bottle. While you can use any bottle, a wide nipple with a slow flow is best because it feels more like a mother’s nipple. You may need to try different bottles to find one your baby likes. Put your baby in an upright position with a lot of head and neck support. Gently touch the bottle’s nipple to your baby’s mouth just like you would if breastfeeding.
When your baby opens their mouth, you want to advance the bottle’s nipple gently. You may need to stroke the baby’s cheek to encourage them to open their mouth. You want to ensure the nipple is on top of the baby’s tongue. Doing this will help minimize air intake.
Allow your baby to pull the nipple back in, just like when you are nursing. Another option is to tilt the bottle, so the baby must suck harder. You want to ensure that the position of the bottle is at a leveled work over an upright position like you would if you are normally bottle-fed.
Remember to burp your baby frequently during feeding. You can switch sides that your baby is held on, which more closely mimics breastfeeding. Paced feedings require closely watching your baby and the feeding cues that can indicate when more or less milk is needed and when your baby is finished.
Here are Family Futures; we want to support you. As always, reach out to a Family Support Navigator with any questions or concerns at navigation@familyfutures.org or contact us on our website.
