[sarah090906]

Hi Andrea,

My husband and I are in agreement that breastfeeding/breastmilk is the best we can offer our little one once she's here. We are also eager to share feeding responsibilities right from the start (with my husband using expressed breast milk in a bottle).

We've yet to take our "Breastfeeding Class" and won't for another month or so, and from what I've read about "bottlefeeding breastfed babies", it is not ideal to introduce a bottle to them too early (e.g. not before 4 weeks or before a good breastfeeding routine has been established). Is this true? We'd like to share feedings as early as possible (i.e. week 1). Will a baby not adapt to breast AND bottle right from the start? We certainly don't want to confuse her/hinder her feeding habits. Are we being unrealistic to think that we can do both from the very beginning?

Many Thanks,
Sarah

[Deb]

Dear Sarah,

Congratulations! It is clear that you and Daddy-to-be are greatly excited about your baby daughter's debut, and it sure sounds like he's willing to be hands-on which is very commendable!

The information you've read is true.

Basically, the oral techniques employed by babies to remove milk from breasts are not the same as removing milk from a bottle.

Babies must raise their tongues in an attempt to slow down the flow of milk and swallow very rapidly to protect their airway, in spite of all this the milk keeps flowing and it can be very overwhelming and stressful.
For breastfeeding the tongue is used to encourage milk flow during suckling. Once babies stop suckling the milk stops flowing. So the control of flow and intake is entirely up to the baby.

Consequently, presenting a bottle to babies before their third week can lead to problems, like sore nipples for you due to a different type of sucking. This explains the recommendation of a three week delay, it gives babies a chance to master the breastfeeding technique prior to learning a whole new one.
No worries Dad! There are several other ways that you can be involved right from the start!

Dads, I've found, are excellent at diapering, burping, (men are goal oriented!) swaddling, (not too tightly!), bathing, infant massage and snuggling after feedings. All of this will promote bonding and enjoyable yet meaningful interactions between them both until breastfeeding is well established.

I wish you and you family a safe and healthy birthing, and a smooth transition into parenthood!

Warmest Regards,

Andrea