46: 3 Ways a Bottle Can Actually Support Breastfeeding
We are all cautioned about the danger of introducing a bottle too soon for a breastfeeding baby. And, I often say that we don’t want to introduce too many things at one time or overwhelm a learning baby. But no one ever seems to talk about how bottles can sometimes support breastfeeding. So today we are going to reframe bottles for breastfeeding babies and I’m going to give you three ways a bottle may actually support breastfeeding.
First up, is when a painful or non optimal latch is present despite getting support. When a mother is feeling pain with latching, has nipple damage, or extreme anxiety at each feeding- it’s time for some help. When things are not resolved quickly, or a step by step plan is needed, sometimes offering a bottle is necessary. This scenario can have various underlying causes but the main point is that continuous painful latching is not good for you or your baby. Also, consider that painful latches can coincide with reduced milk transfer- meaning your baby is not getting the amount they need for optimal growth. So if a bottle can be used to give your nipples a break, get baby situated so they can have a wider latch, or ensure they’re getting their much needed energy in order to practice and overcome any breastfeeding barriers- then I’d say it’s a great tool to consider!
The second way a bottle can be a helpful breastfeeding tool is buying back a little sleep. Once breastfeeding is established, milk has come in and is flowing, you and your partner are long overdue for more than a couple hour sleep stretch. Unfortunately, many mothers continue to take on the entire nighttime feeding responsibilities by themselves because they are breastfeeding. But here’s the thing, it’s very possible with one carefully scheduled pumping session and one bottle to get at least a full sleep cycle in, which even though it’s not a full 8 hrs, I can promise you that 4-6 hrs of actual uninterrupted sleep feels amazing when you haven’t been able to have it due to a newborn. And just think, as your baby sleeps longer stretches you can do what you want as far as fading the bottle out or extending your sleep. Either way, over time your baby will sleep longer and longer stretches. If you ever find yourself going down a dark mental road, sleep deprived, and taking on all the night feeds alone- consider pumping for a night bottle. Just be sure you are pumping for it, and choosing a window that works best for your body’s lactating schedule.
The third way that the bottle can be a great breastfeeding support tool is that by having another feeding tool, you have the ability to get some space for yourself. You can bring your pump or hand pump with you (depending on how long you need to be away). Some moms don’t mind being physically on the baby's schedule and being around within their hunger windows, keeping outings short, or taking their baby with them. But if a mom is feeling cooped up, touched out, or just needing to go do something solo- and breastfeeding is the “cause” of stress around this. Then just know that a bottle is a great tool. It buys you some time and space to keep breastfeeding.
So there it is, three examples to illustrate how it’s not always breast versus bottle, and sometimes a bottle can be a key tool for breastfeeding success. I think this episode shows how things are just not black and white when it comes to babies.
If the bottle sounds like a tool you may want or need, even down the road. Then check out episode 40, on when to introduce the bottle. That way, barring and unexpected breastfeeding issues early on, you’ll be sure not to miss the ideal window for bottle acceptance.
If you need more support or have a personal question regarding your feeding plan, I am offering a free 15 minute phone consultations geared toward mapping out your feeding plan. This will be free for the first 5 people who reach out so shoot me an email at Barabra@FeedingbyJanuary.com if you are interested in having a free chat.