For most breastfeeding moms, there comes a time when we want or need to introduce a bottle, but did you know that nipple shape matters to your breastfed baby? In fact, it may be the reason why your baby ultimately takes or rejects the bottle!
Let’s take a look at the ideal nipple shape for baby:
Signs of a good latch:
– open mouth
– flanged, relaxed lips
– lips resting toward the base of the nipple
Signs of a bad latch:
– lips are not flanged out like a fish
– you can hear clicking or smacking noises
– milk is leaking from the sides of mouth
So how do I introduce my breastfed baby to the bottle?
When introducing a bottle, it is important to:
– use a slow flow nipple
– practice paced bottle feeding
– have someone other than the breastfeeding mom give the bottle (this is not a must, but many moms have found that their baby prefers the breast when they perceive that the breast is still around as an option).
Lastly, we’d like to remind you that although it is sometimes more convenient for baby to be given a bottle than breastfeeding, not all babies ultimately take to the bottle, and some babies need to be accommodated by using cup or syringe feeding, or even catching up on breastfeeding during the night (after solids have been introduced and if weight gain is adequate).
It is completely normal for your baby to prefer your breast, and you might have to get creative to get them to feed in other ways!