she will NOT take a bottle...what to do?

Melissa - posted on 12/09/2009

I breast fed all three of my boys, but when I needed them on the bottle the playtex nurser with the changeable liners were the ones I used. They represent more accurately the feel and shape of a mothers nipple. Have you tried those Cait?

Becky - posted on 12/08/2009

My daughter was the same way. We just made sure that mom was not around when we introduced a bottle. SHe fussed for a good month, but now She takes anything. We started off using the breastflow from The First Years. I also expresed milk to put in the bottle. My advice is have someone else try and feed her the bottle. If you feel bad about giving it to her she can feel your emotions and know that this is not right. Second make sure you are pumping to keep your supply up. Third DONT GIVE UP. it took my daughter almost 6 months before she knew that is was ok.

Carol - posted on 12/08/2009

I have experienced something similar when an emergency came up and I knew I would not be able to nurse Bennett for atleast 24 hours. He refused to take the bottle of pumped milk from me; however, we found that he would (after several minutes of refusal) take it if my husband fed him (in a quiet room where he couldn't see or hear me). The only thing I have heard (for you to keep in mind) is to make sure the babe has established nurseing concrete with you, because they may not want to nurse after being introduced to the bottle. Some babes find it easier from the bottle. But to be honest you need to do what is comfortable for you - of course ensuring that babe is getting everything that they require.

I am definately pro breastfeeding - but sometimes I think some other mommies forget that not every mommy is comfortable nurseing, covered up or not in public. Myself....I just did it (even though deep inside I was nervous that others were watching, uncomfortable etc). One thing to keep in mind as well is, Breastfeeding is not as common a thing to see anymore (a lot of woman are choosing to formula feed - for whatever their reason may be). I was nurseing at a local zoo where I live and two (70+ yr old) woman sat beside me on the bench - looking right at me and said "I didn't think woman did that anymore". To be honest - it made me feel pretty proud that day!!!

Take Care :)

Andrea - posted on 12/07/2009

well my opinion is that, the only way she could of took a boddle if you introduced it to her when she was born, you could pump once in a while and try to give it to her and then just try to give her a boddle every now and then with your pumped milk!!!, but i would say its going to be pretty hard to give it to her now cause she is so used to breastfeeding...but keep on trieing

Caitlin - posted on 12/07/2009

thank you all for your advise, just like chreyl i am just not comfortable feeding in public even with a cover on. I have tried almost every type of nipple there is and it is as soon as the fake nipple touches her lips even she starts to push it out, she wont even let me get it in her mouth, there is just no tricking her, she wants the real thing and i dont know how to make her happy with a bottle.

Cheryl - posted on 12/06/2009

Hi Caitlin



I have found that the Medela slow flow teats/bottles are the best. They are a similar size to the nipple. My little one is only 26days old and I combine both breastfeeding and bottle (expressed milk) if I am out in busy places etc. I find that breastfeeding in public places is not my cup of tea, and I don't continually want to excuse myself from friends or places to hide away and breastfeed for 20-40 mins each time.

Kelly - posted on 12/05/2009

ok first are you going to start pumping and putting it into her bottles or are you taking her totally of breastmilk?? second and i breastfed my youngest 4 children you might have to spend some money but it will be worth it i spent 250 dollars on my oldest son finding out which bottle he would take and binkies first i would try the playtex nursers with drop ins now there are two diff nipples you want the laytex it is more like the breast and get the round nipple not the big flat one each of my youngest four children perfered a diff bottle and nipple type i would suggest the laytex firstcuz it is soft like your nipple the silicone nipples are harder and not as flexable as the laytex

Nicole - posted on 12/05/2009

I noticed that you live in Iowa. Here is their breastfeeding legislation:



Iowa Code § 135.30A (2002) a woman may breastfeed the woman's own child in any public place where the woman's presence is otherwise authorized.



Iowa Code § 607A.5 (1994) allows a woman to be excused from jury service if she submits written documentation verifying, to the court's satisfaction, that she is the mother of a breastfed child and is responsible for the daily care of the child.

Nicole - posted on 12/05/2009

I agree with Christine. You shouldn't have to sit on the toilet to feed your child, nor should she have to miss out on the bond with her wonderful mother by having to take a bottle while out in publilc.



If you live in the US, most states have laws that allow you to breastfeed in public and protect you from discrimination.



If you are too shy/embarrassed to breastfeed without covering, then by all means breastfeed discreetly. You can be discreet by using a cover of some sort (sling, shawl, hooter hider, blanket, etc) and/or you can look for more private locations to nurse if they are available (sitting in a place that is away from main public traffic, changing rooms, etc.). But, in all honesty, you shouldn't have to hide away to give your baby such good nutrition. Especially not by sitting on a public toilet! Gross!



A bottle of expressed milk may seem like a good solution, but why go through so much trouble? That's one of the great benefits to breastfeeding: no cleaning bottles, preparing bottles, packing bottles, etc. All of your baby's food is right under your shirt.



Look up the laws in your area if it would make you feel better and don't let anyone bother you about breastfeeding. You are a wonderful mother for giving your baby the nutrition she was intended to get and good for you!

Christine - posted on 12/05/2009

Are you wanting her to take the bottle so you don't have to feed her in public? Cause if that's the case, I think you should just forget the bottle and feed her. I know it can be intimidating. I don't feed in public without covering myself just because I'm to shy but I will use my hooter hider and feed her. I try to find a more discreet place like if I'm in a restaurant I try to get seated in a booth that's out of the main stream of people if I know I'm going to have to nurse. But I refuse to go sit in a bathroom and I think you should to. There's no reason that you should have to sit on a dirty toilet to feed your baby! You deserve better than that!