Am I the only one.....baby won't take bottle, so i have to take her everywhere with me.

Marie - posted on 10/07/2009

I'm also dealing w/ this my 3.5 month old is refusing a bottle. I went back to work part time a month ago and she was fine w/ the bottles at first. But the last week she's been taking less and less while I'm gone and now not at all. It's hard to know she is not eating but I also know it will be okay eventually. We currently have 10 differnt types of bottles we have tried. I will continue to bf but my schedule is changing and I will be working 4 days a week now (more days away). My ped said it's okay she won't starve and may reverse cyle. If you feel like you need some time away please do take it, happy mommy= happy baby. I did think breast is best but I'm appalled that some women think it's never okay to leave your baby. Good luck w/ bottles or just trying to find some time to revitalize yourself.

Kat - posted on 10/03/2009

Hiya im in the same boat with my 9 mth old and i thought it was just me

x

Diana - posted on 09/21/2009

i'm going through the same thing but i started getting her on a schedule so that i can plan out my day. now she is 4 1/2 and she is eating cereal so its much better. i couldn't do the "starve her" method to get her to drink.

Amanda - posted on 09/21/2009

I use the avent bottles and my daughter still won't take them. I was gone for 8 hours and she would not take the bottle. And as soon as I got home she had her head burried in my chest wanting to nurse. When she was first born she took a bottle from her dad while I was in class and she even took one from me when we were out and about. But now she has nothing to do with a bottle!!

Kasasanda - posted on 09/21/2009

first is the father giving her the bottle because she will not take it from you my baby is 8 months and she to did not like the bottle with my milk in it just keep on trying and you can go out it is okay for them to cry some time when you feed her when she goes to sleep then go out and your run around

Tracy - posted on 09/21/2009

my kids are older now...however i did bf them. you said your baby will not take a bottle...i could be the type of nipple u are using. try using a nipple that is shaped like a breast nipple...the bottles with the exchangeable baggies are really good. try feeding your baby with the bottle while you are holding her first. you would be surprised to know that babies are smarter than you think...she already knows how to get her way with you. try it a few times. let her cry a little. it won't hurt her to cry a little. prepare the bottles, live her home with daddy...she will be ok. besides you need a little time for yourself. trust me...your daughter and daddy will be just fine. if he has any questions, he has your cell number.

Katie - posted on 09/20/2009

Are you the only one that has tried feeding the baby? My son wouldn't take one for me but I had someone else try and he took it just fine! After other people feeding him about 10 times he started to take a bottle for me without any problems. Good luck!

Traci - posted on 09/20/2009

my baby would not take a bottle from me...she did however take a bottle from her father, but I could not be in the room...maybe try having your hubby feed her while you take a nice relaxing bath.

Erika - posted on 09/20/2009

Hi, Brandie!
I understand you, totally! and I don't think any mother who needs one hour to refresh and do something for herself is asking too much. It's not asking to have a life of partying and having the single lifestyle back. It's a matter of being able to relax, and in the end, going back to our babies happier. Also, I wouldn't want to take my baby to a salon, with all the fumes there.
I have a 17 month old who used to be like that, no bottle, unpredictable feedings. I, too, fed him in public, anywhere. Now, he's eating solids, and has a more predictable feeding schedule. Hang in there and it will happen, eventually!

Kylie - posted on 09/20/2009

Try the tommee tippee close to nature brand of bottle, they have a very large, soft silicone teat which is just like the breat. My bub is not 6 months but he was exactly like your wee one and I was told about these bottles. Can get them from Pak n save and they are just great. If she wont take that then there is no hope. Your not alone!!! :)

Shauna - posted on 09/20/2009

My 2nd daughter was like this too, she never took a bottle. I bf her for 21 months. It is so worth it because in the long run this is such a short time in both of your lives. You will look back and miss it when it is over!

Cheyne - posted on 09/20/2009

Quoting Lisa:

I've never even offered a bottle or pacifier to either one of my daughters. My 11 month old has never gone an hour without nursing, and at 12 weeks, was nursing 3-4 times an hour. So, I've never never been away from her more than 1/2 an hour.

But, I don't have a problem with that. The nature of infant feeding gives you an idea of how long an infant is comfortable being away from mom.

Consider the great apes. We are very similar to them, share over 98% of our DNA with them. They carry their infants on their bodies 24/7. So do mothers in traditional societies.

I can't help you- because I strongly believe that a baby's place is in mother's arms and at her breast. I've managed to go get my hair cut, visit friends, etc. She tags along, and I nurse her in public whenever she wants. But you're certainly not alone. I guess we just don't have the same view of the situation.

Have you thought about breastfeeding in public?? My son is like that and I demand feed him also. Why leave your groceries and leave, when you can feed your baby at the same time??? If it embarrassed you, you could always cover the baby and your shoulder etc with a blanket- no body will ever know! I agree with Lisa- that a baby's place is in mother's arms etc!!

Adriana - posted on 09/20/2009

You are NOT alone, my daughter just will be 1 year old tomorrow and I am still breastfeeding. I still have not had any "free" time to myself so I make my hubby change her diaper & bathe her most of the time. I took her with me for the first time to get my hair highlighted/cut, she did good the 1st hour but by the 2nd she was ready to go so I had to sit her in my lap so the hairstylist could cut my hair. keep trying though or try the Nuby bottle, I heard the Nuby nipple is almost like a breast so it makes easier transition! He's still young so it might work! Good luck!

Sarah - posted on 09/20/2009

My son also is like that but if he is hungry enough he will take a bottle.

Eugenia - posted on 09/20/2009

When I was bf my son, I had to try several different nipples until I found one that was apparently complimentary to the feel of my breast, that my son would take. Once you find that you should be fine. It's not the bottle but the feel of the nipple in the babies mouth that determines whether or not they are going to take it. Wishing you much success.

Chrysani - posted on 09/20/2009

It's quite common for babies who are breastfed to refuse bottles or anything plastic for that matter. My son is the same way, and I feed on demand as well. It has gotten easier as he has gotten older. But that said I don't see it as frustrating instead I enjoy our bonding time together. It is a wonderful joy, for me, to be able to breastfeed.

Amanda - posted on 09/20/2009

Quoting Vanessa:

Quoting Charlotte:

Quoting Vanessa:

Quoting Lisa:

I've never even offered a bottle or pacifier to either one of my daughters. My 11 month old has never gone an hour without nursing, and at 12 weeks, was nursing 3-4 times an hour. So, I've never never been away from her more than 1/2 an hour.

But, I don't have a problem with that. The nature of infant feeding gives you an idea of how long an infant is comfortable being away from mom.

Consider the great apes. We are very similar to them, share over 98% of our DNA with them. They carry their infants on their bodies 24/7. So do mothers in traditional societies.

I can't help you- because I strongly believe that a baby's place is in mother's arms and at her breast. I've managed to go get my hair cut, visit friends, etc. She tags along, and I nurse her in public whenever she wants. But you're certainly not alone. I guess we just don't have the same view of the situation.

i couldn't agree more!

i believe in the "mother-baby unit" and embrace my mothering responsibilities and baby comes everywhere. i have recently breastfed my 9 month old in the bank managers office while talking over our finances.

unfortunately our culture has let us (mothers and babies) down and sadly too many women feel "tied down" while breastfeeding.....it really doesn't have to be that way.

Oh dear. Poor bank manager. I'll breast feed most places but PLEASE in the bank?!!! Time without the baby is extemely important for a lot of women. Postnatal depression is serious and if a woman needs a little 'me' time without baby; find a way for your own peace of mind. We're not apes, we are highly evolved beings with greater needs than just primal instinct. It's not a terrible thing to need time away from your baby- it makes you appreciate him/her 100 fold when you see them after a well spent hour away from them!

oh dear, obviously your "highly evolved" lifestyle has lead you to be a little uptight......

you really should try breastfeeding more often, it really does relax you.

Breastfeeding in a bank, NICE!! God the strange places I have breastfeed poor Charlotte would die of embarasment.

Bank

Car dealership while buying a Van

Hairdressers

Weddings

City Bus

DMV line 

Dana - posted on 09/20/2009

Feed her so she is not starving. Then give her to your husband with a bottle (your milk in it) and let him feed it to her. If she she is use to nursing and only nursing with you, she will not take a bottle from you. I have always let my husband do the first several bottles... just until she gets use to them.



My daughter has been drinking out of a cup since she was 7 months old and to this day (10 months) if she is with me and has a choice... she will go after my and ditch the cup..



Good luck.

Sarah - posted on 09/20/2009

with my 9 mnth old son had the same problem, what i found worked was that i had to trick him...I would start him off on the boob and then quickly change to the bottle and also hold him as if I had him on the boob and after awhile he would take the bottle as long as I held him like I was breastfeeding and after a few days daddy was able to feed him.

Ashley - posted on 09/20/2009

When my daughter was younger, i breast fed her... She hated the bottle she refused to take it.... I learned that she liked her sippy cup, even tho she was only a year old, she loved it. So dont fret, just try the sippy cup =)

T - posted on 09/20/2009

My son never took a bottle. I tried, my husband tried, all his grandparents tried. He flat out refused. So we skipped right to a soft spouted sippy cup. At first we used the "Born Free" with the sippy nipple, but he liked the Nuby cups better. We also discovered that he didn't like expressed milk warmed up, it had to be right out of the fridge cold for him to drink it.

Danaë - posted on 09/20/2009

hey girl!! I'm the same way!! but just know that you're doing the best for baby!! try to get her to use a binky a lot of the time babies just want to feel that comfort they get when they are sucking I know my son only used one for about two months while I was working!! My mom would bring him to my office when ever he got hungry!! So no bottles for him!! I know it seems like you have no time for you right now but what you can start doing is try to get her in to a schedule babies usually have one you just have to figure it out!! also take your boy toy with you when you need to get your pedi! let him hold the baby. I know that now that I'm at home full time I use the time that my son is not hungry to the best of my abilities as yes some times is not enought. I'm a single mom so once in a while when I get lucky my mom will help. It's frustrating but you're a super mom!! you can do it!!GOOD LUCK!! and remember breathe!!

Talia - posted on 09/20/2009

Hi all! I'm a new mum to a 4month old boy who also refuses the bottle!!! I wish that I had the advise that Lisa gave alot earlier...if I had known that, I would have kept up with the bottle...Dylan was a big boy, and unfortunately, I couldn't keep up with him in regards to bf. We have since bought a new bottle to try out...He seemed to take to it...until I put formula in it!!! So frustrating, but I feel for all the mums, specially the one's who are thinking of returning to work, about bubs not taking the bottle...
Is it weird that I think my darlin' son looks adorable when he refuses the bottle?? He makes a little screwed up face and pushes the bottle out with his tounge...hehehe

Alishia - posted on 09/19/2009

i have found out its easier for somebody else to give the baby a bottle. they wont take them from mommy cuz they smell the milk and want it straight from the source. Also, if they are hungry enough they will take a bottle. Also i use a pacifier to supplement when i am out just to get thru that trip until i can feed her. My pediatrician suggested i give a bottle 1-3x a wk to get her used to it for when she goes to day care.

Amanda - posted on 09/19/2009

I had the exact same problem and my husband is stationed in the Army in another state and I never got a break! I tried every bottle they sold at Babies r Us I tried every trick in the book and nothing worked. Then at 4 months I started giving her juice in just a regular bottle and she realized she really liked juice and started takeing the bottle with juice then I slowly added bottles of formula in during that time and now at 10 months she drinks anything you give her out of a bottle. I cried, I researched everything I could do, I talked to my doctor and nothing worked until she was ready. To be honest though your baby does not physically "Need" to eat more than every couple hours, it may "want" to because of comfort and to be close but he/she will not starve or be deprived if you don't have it attached to you at all times. My opinion and not talking badly about anyone elses choices is you should have time for yourself and maybe at this young age your baby needs you more but once u start introducing foods ur baby will be able to go without nursing for 2-4 hrs. I think its silly to feel like you "have" to tote your child around 24/7 they need space to develop and grow and become independent beings when the time comes.

Jade - posted on 09/19/2009

I had the same problem with my daughter because i fed on demand, but then i got a sling carrier for her so that if i was in the middle of something when she got hungry i could just feed her from the sling while i finished whatever i was doing. She would fall asleep in it and it was really convinient to carry her too.

Bambi - posted on 09/19/2009

oh yeah- one more thing
Try using a baby wrap or sling- practice at home with it.
When wearing the proper outfits I can latch my baby on and have both hands free if I have him in a sling. I am covered, he eats, I shop, and no one really notices.

Bambi - posted on 09/19/2009

I am exclusively breastfeeding my 3 month old and I also breastfed my 3 year old for about a year and am a doula. I have a few notes that may help you.
1.Make sure you use breastmilk in the bottle (babies can even smell the difference)
2. Let someone else give the baby the bottle - someone who is very patient of course because it will take time- while you leave the room for a few minutes
3. Try giving the bottle after the baby has nursed a little from the breast
4. While giving the bottle have the baby be skin to skin-----even if it is with daddy
5. It may seem a little messy but babies can drink out of cups (kind of how a cat would) get a medicine or shot glass and give it a try.... at least it might sooth your little one enough to give you some away time

Breastfeeding is the most wonderful thing. Good job for doing it! Time goes bt quickly, hang on to these precious moments :) Good luck

Siobhan - posted on 09/19/2009

Really people...why can't both sides be right. The right way= happy baby and happy mom. For some that means constant attachment and for some it means an hour or two of quiet no baby allowed time. I don't see why either can't be right..if both end up with the same result...happy babies and happy mummies!

Vanessa - posted on 09/19/2009

Quoting Charlotte:

Quoting Vanessa:

Quoting Lisa:

I've never even offered a bottle or pacifier to either one of my daughters. My 11 month old has never gone an hour without nursing, and at 12 weeks, was nursing 3-4 times an hour. So, I've never never been away from her more than 1/2 an hour.

But, I don't have a problem with that. The nature of infant feeding gives you an idea of how long an infant is comfortable being away from mom.

Consider the great apes. We are very similar to them, share over 98% of our DNA with them. They carry their infants on their bodies 24/7. So do mothers in traditional societies.

I can't help you- because I strongly believe that a baby's place is in mother's arms and at her breast. I've managed to go get my hair cut, visit friends, etc. She tags along, and I nurse her in public whenever she wants. But you're certainly not alone. I guess we just don't have the same view of the situation.

i couldn't agree more!

i believe in the "mother-baby unit" and embrace my mothering responsibilities and baby comes everywhere. i have recently breastfed my 9 month old in the bank managers office while talking over our finances.

unfortunately our culture has let us (mothers and babies) down and sadly too many women feel "tied down" while breastfeeding.....it really doesn't have to be that way.

Oh dear. Poor bank manager. I'll breast feed most places but PLEASE in the bank?!!! Time without the baby is extemely important for a lot of women. Postnatal depression is serious and if a woman needs a little 'me' time without baby; find a way for your own peace of mind. We're not apes, we are highly evolved beings with greater needs than just primal instinct. It's not a terrible thing to need time away from your baby- it makes you appreciate him/her 100 fold when you see them after a well spent hour away from them!

oh dear, obviously your "highly evolved" lifestyle has lead you to be a little uptight......

you really should try breastfeeding more often, it really does relax you.

Siobhan - posted on 09/19/2009

No your not..!!! My son is 11.5 months now and he wouldn't take a bottle until he was 8 months old. I just had to learn to adjust to what I really needed to do...or could my husband do. He started doing the groceries so that it wouldn't take me 2 hours to do them..and get frustrated. One thing he would do, was drink out of a cup...since birth. so, i could be gone a max of 2 hours. If he fussed, my mom or hubby would give him a little expressed milk from a cup and play music or something to distract him til I got home. Hope that helps!

Rekia - posted on 09/19/2009

OK MY SON WAS LIKE THAT AS WELL..BUT I STILL CANT GIVE HIM A BOTTLE HE IS 2.5 MONTHS NOW...BUT EVERYONE ELSE CAN...IF IM NOT IN THE ROOM...SOOO TRY THAT..BUT PUMP SO SHE STILL GETS THE BREASTMILK

Brandie - posted on 09/19/2009

Quoting Sylvia:

Honestly? I'm sorry to say this, but that's what having a new baby is like :) They eat a lot, they're unpredictable, they don't cooperate with your idea of how the day should go, and they need Mommy all. the. time.

They're only this little and needy and demanding for a small portion of their lives (in the grand scheme of things), but while it lasts it certainly is intense. I don't know if I ever went to the washroom by myself for the first year of my daughter's life, and I used to eat a bite at a time on my way through the kitchen as I walked around and around and around our apartment with her. (She had colic. And congenital inguinal hernias.) And she never, ever, ever took a bottle. When she was older (5+ months) and I had to go out to choir rehearsals, my husband used to feed her by squirting pumped milk into her mouth with a syringe. (Or else just not feed her because she wasn't interested unless it was straight from the source.)

The trick with the breastfed baby is not to try to time feedings around your schedule, or your schedule around feedings, but instead learn to feed the baby while other stuff is going on. That takes practice, but it's totally worth it, because then you can go wherever you want (within reason...) and take the baby with you without inconvenience.

I remember nursing DD at the zoo, while walking up and down the aisles at Wal-Mart and the grocery store, in restaurants, on the bus and subway, at the park, at the dinner table, in coffee shops, in department stores, on aeroplanes ... most of the time nobody knew what I was doing. The first time we took her on a plane, the people around us complimented us at the end of the flight because they hadn't heard a peep from her the whole 4-hour flight. She had her mouth full ;)

It does get easier. It really does, I promise!

Thanks for your reply Sylvia.  And your so right!  I know what being a new mommy is all about; this is my 2nd child.  I too have breastfed her walking around the house, trying to feed & play with my 2 yr old daughter, in public, etc.  I've even continued breastfeeding her while I was on the toilet once.  LOL!  We gotta do what we gotta do.  I just wish that she would take a bottle here and there so that I can have some "me" time.  She is kinda getting better with the time between feedings, so I am able to drop her off at my in laws for an hour or so to do some errands.  I am just hoping things get better once I return to work.  I wouldn't mind so much if I was off work longer. 

Mandy - posted on 09/19/2009

i would feed in the bank...in the supermarket....in the restaurant....in fact i have done. and few turn their eyes to you. babies dont have the ability to understand they have to wait for their milk. my time away from my baby is a shower when my hubby is home to cuddle him.

i dont need time away from my sons to appreciate them. sorry you do.

Charlotte - posted on 09/19/2009

Quoting Vanessa:

Quoting Lisa:

I've never even offered a bottle or pacifier to either one of my daughters. My 11 month old has never gone an hour without nursing, and at 12 weeks, was nursing 3-4 times an hour. So, I've never never been away from her more than 1/2 an hour.

But, I don't have a problem with that. The nature of infant feeding gives you an idea of how long an infant is comfortable being away from mom.

Consider the great apes. We are very similar to them, share over 98% of our DNA with them. They carry their infants on their bodies 24/7. So do mothers in traditional societies.

I can't help you- because I strongly believe that a baby's place is in mother's arms and at her breast. I've managed to go get my hair cut, visit friends, etc. She tags along, and I nurse her in public whenever she wants. But you're certainly not alone. I guess we just don't have the same view of the situation.

i couldn't agree more!

i believe in the "mother-baby unit" and embrace my mothering responsibilities and baby comes everywhere. i have recently breastfed my 9 month old in the bank managers office while talking over our finances.

unfortunately our culture has let us (mothers and babies) down and sadly too many women feel "tied down" while breastfeeding.....it really doesn't have to be that way.

Oh dear. Poor bank manager. I'll breast feed most places but PLEASE in the bank?!!! Time without the baby is extemely important for a lot of women. Postnatal depression is serious and if a woman needs a little 'me' time without baby; find a way for your own peace of mind. We're not apes, we are highly evolved beings with greater needs than just primal instinct. It's not a terrible thing to need time away from your baby- it makes you appreciate him/her 100 fold when you see them after a well spent hour away from them!

Charlotte - posted on 09/19/2009

I had a really hard time after 2 weeks and ignored what the health visitors said about introducing the bottle between 5-8 weeks. She took it fine up to 10 weeks then stopped one day- it was maddening!!! I did on average 2 days on boob, 2 days on bottle. Now she has made her mind up that only boob will do. I have found, however, that recently I have bonded a lot more with her (I HATED breastfeeding for first 3 months which took me by suprise) and I use my time wisely inbetween feeds. But soon I'll be going to work in evenings and then it will be 'bot bot' or nothing when im not there!!!

Jessica - posted on 09/19/2009

I am in the same boat as you. My daughter is 8 months old and is exclusively breastfed. She did take bottles from 5-12 weeks and then I left work and (my mistake) stopped giving them to her. I wouldn't change a thing about breastfeeding her but sometimes I just need to have some alone time!

Jeanette - posted on 09/19/2009

my daughter was the same way. The advise that i can give you is leave the house with the baby and go to a friend or relatives house. have that person take care of the baby with a bottle(perferably breastmilk instead of formula) and leave for a few hours. baby wont smell you around and night be likely to take the bottle. it worked for my daughter right away since she wouldnt take a bottle from me or my husband. she smelled us around and me especially knowing that i am her number one provider. good luck. let me know what hapeens!

jeanette

Shana - posted on 09/19/2009

my son did the same thing at that age... he wouldnt take a bottle at all... but if you feed her right before you leave and leave a bottle for her you would be suprized.. she will take it if she doesnt see or hear you..

Emma - posted on 09/19/2009

oh boy, i know what you mean! when i was on maternity leave, it seemed like i spent the entire day (and night!) with my son strapped to my boob. only when he went to daycare when my leave was up did he start to take to the bottle. so, if it's possible (and i know it's generally pretty impossible) start pumping some, and experiment by leaving your baby with your husband for a couple of hours. when she realizes that the bottle is the only thing going, she'll take it. i know it sounds kind of harsh and extreme, but it worked for me, and it's best to try it before she gets older and can really acknowledge your absence. right now, she is still kind of in that "out of sight, out of mind" stage. good luck!

Vanessa - posted on 09/19/2009

Quoting Lisa:

I've never even offered a bottle or pacifier to either one of my daughters. My 11 month old has never gone an hour without nursing, and at 12 weeks, was nursing 3-4 times an hour. So, I've never never been away from her more than 1/2 an hour.

But, I don't have a problem with that. The nature of infant feeding gives you an idea of how long an infant is comfortable being away from mom.

Consider the great apes. We are very similar to them, share over 98% of our DNA with them. They carry their infants on their bodies 24/7. So do mothers in traditional societies.

I can't help you- because I strongly believe that a baby's place is in mother's arms and at her breast. I've managed to go get my hair cut, visit friends, etc. She tags along, and I nurse her in public whenever she wants. But you're certainly not alone. I guess we just don't have the same view of the situation.

i couldn't agree more!

i believe in the "mother-baby unit" and embrace my mothering responsibilities and baby comes everywhere. i have recently breastfed my 9 month old in the bank managers office while talking over our finances.

unfortunately our culture has let us (mothers and babies) down and sadly too many women feel "tied down" while breastfeeding.....it really doesn't have to be that way.

Lisa - posted on 09/19/2009

I have never bothered with bottles with my three, but then I have no problem feeding them when and where they need to. I have fed half way around the supermarket, on trams, at markets, anywhere really. It does get easier to have time away if that is what you need, they will set some type of routine, even if you are demand feeding. Hang in there, she is still finding her way in the world. My 17 week old will feed anywhere from 2 hourly to 5 hourly. If I need to go out and cant take her, I feed her and leave her with my husband. There has only been one time where I have had to rush back to feed her and that was the day she decided to feed almost hourly!

Lynn - posted on 09/18/2009

I have been there, as it seems like we all have. My daughter took a bottle the first two days of her life, as she was having problems nursing. We did offer her bottles of water, as i was told that she should have some water in her. But I did nurse her soley. We tried bottles with express milk, so that my husband and I could go out for a date night. She would put the bottle in her mouth, move it around a bit, and then not do anything. She was willing to wait.



I nursed until my DD was 11 months old. I went back to work when she was 9 months old, and ended up nursing at least once a night (if not twice), which made it hard to get up for work most days. A month before I went back to work, i decided to not introduce the bottle, but introduced the Advent Sippy cup. She loved it, as she could look around and see things, and still drink. 1-1/2 months being in the day home, and she was starting to get distracted nursing. I would offer her the bottle nightly, and she would refuse it. Then on Halloween, she decided to take the bottle, as she could look around, and look at me and still eat.



It will get better, I promise.

Heather - posted on 09/18/2009

Have you tried letting someone else give her a bottle when you are out of the room? A baby's sense of smell is very keen and your daughter can actually smell you up to 20 yards away. Obviously Mommy is more comforting than a bottle and why would she want a bottle when she knows that Mommy is close by? I had a similar problem with my daughter before I went back to work. She would scream every time we tried a bottle. I just had to tell myself that a healthy baby will not starve and that my daughter, and yours, will take a bottle when she is hungry.

Andrea - posted on 09/18/2009

Going through the same exact thing! I am exclusively breastfeeding my son is 11 weeks and I've been attempting to give him the bottle for the past couple weeks and he will not take - He does chew on the nipple too. I researched and recently found "The Breastflow" sold online and it's supposed to be really good from transitioning from breast to bottle. I read many good reviews on this bottle so I ordered it and going to check it out. I've also read if mom is anywhere near sight baby can smell you - up to 20 ft of you being near baby so they say to leave the house and have your husband give him your expressed milk (not cold) so that it is warm just like from the breast. It is all frustrating though, I know exactly what your going through!

Chanel - posted on 09/18/2009

if the baby is hungry he/she will drink it lol. na i dnt no my baby was a hungist pants she took the bottle straight away as long as she gets feed lol dnt matter how!! gud luck :)

Tab - posted on 09/18/2009

Hi,

You are absolutely not the only one....I'm going through the same thing with my 10 week old son...I have to go back to work full time in 2 weeks, and was starting to stress out about it. His pediatrician told me not to stress out, that the baby will NOT starve himself...basically, that if he's hungry enough, he'll take the food that's offered to him - bottle or breast...his obvious preference is the breast. Keep offering that bottle, though!! Biting on it is much better than fighting it!! Eventually she'll take it!!



I'm also doing the "on-demand" feedings as well. He's gone for a 4 hour stretch a few times (granted, he was napping during most of that 4 hours, but still!). There have been times where I feel like I've been feeding him non-stop for HOURS.



As frustrating as it can get, it is nice to see that we're not the only ones going through this!



Keep your chin up!!! It's gotta get better, right??

:-)

Brooke - posted on 09/18/2009

Nope, you're not alone and you are doing the right thing!
It is hard at the beginning with your baby needing you all the time, but in order to have a strong attachment with your little one, it's important that you be there for them 100%.
It was about a year before my little one could predictably go for more than an hour without me. The best thing I found was a Sling. Several in fact, different styles and sizes for different occasions.
Check out Dr. Sears.com for some great info on attachment parenting and baby wearing.
My favorite slings are "star slings" and the Moby Wrap - it's great!
You can even breastfeed while shopping and often no one even notices, it just looks like you're carrying the baby with their head inside the sling.
Breastfeeding on demand is a great way to go as it ensures that the baby's needs are being met, and there are a ton of health bonuses for you too!
Once again Dr Sears can give you lots more info!

Keep up the good work, this is the most selfless service and most precious gift you can give your child - yourself!

Sarita - posted on 09/18/2009

hi Brandie, i am sure someone might have already mentioned this to you. but it might help if someone else bottle feeds ur little one atleast initially when ur trying to get her used to the bottle. if ur feeding her, she can smell u and thinks when she can feed of the breast when take the bottle. i was advised to stay away from the house atogether. select one time and stick to the same time it might take upto a week or more for her to get used to the bottle. she will get used to it. babies are very resilient and pretty smart, she will not go hungry so if u leave her with you husband as Crystal has advised, she will feed when hungry. dont worry!! hope this helps. let me know how u go. gud luck dear

Katie - posted on 09/18/2009

I breastfed my son for 12 months and I know just how you feel. Not all bottles are created equal, let your baby decide what nipple works best for her. Another thing is that if you are the one trying to give her the bottle she is more likely to give you a hard time because she knows you are her main food supply from the breast. You are going to have to get the hubby to work with her for bottle try outs...I would have him try it nightly until she gets the jist of it. Use your breast milk in the bottles though, not formula, because she can smell it and know the difference and if she has been strictly breast milk she will probably reject the formula. Get her use to the bottle thing using your milk~ Good luck! It just takes a lot of patience but you will get some freedom soon! If worse comes to worse....fill her up on your milk and hit the door ASAP to go do things for you and leave her with your hubby....she will be good to go for a couple of hours!