The benefits of breastfeeding are well known, but what if you also need to bottle feed your baby expressed milk or formula alongside? Are there any problems with this? Or is it okay to breastfeed and bottle feed at the same time? Here are some answers.
Benefits Of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has unrivalled benefits compared to putting a baby on a formula-only diet. Breast milk contains the ideal balance of protein, vitamins, and fat that an infant needs along with antibodies that help ward off infection and reduce the risk of allergies. It is also easier to digest than formula. Traditionally, mothers nurse their babies at their breast to feed them. However, there are several reasons why a new mother may need to use a bottle of expressed breast milk to feed their child or use formula from time to time.
Why Bottle-Feeding May Be Necessary For Some Mothers
Bottle-feeding may not always be a matter of choice. If a mother is unable to produce adequate milk to meet her baby’s nutritional needs, a top-up feed of formula may be needed which will be given via the bottle. It may also be required if the baby has trouble with latching or nursing properly and is not getting enough milk.
Also, working mothers and even stay-at-home mums may find themselves having to be away from their babies for a few to several hours a day. It is too long for a baby to go without being fed. Bottle feeding comes to the rescue, offering mothers the flexibility to express milk ahead of time and still be able to provide their little ones with the goodness of breast milk.
Tips For Breastfeeding And Bottle Feeding At The Same Time
If you find yourself having to use a bottle alongside breastfeeding, don’t worry. Mothers around the world have been doing this for decades without a problem. It is a perfectly acceptable way for you to ensure your baby gets the nourishment he or she needs and keeps to their feeding routine even if you are otherwise occupied.
Here are some things that can help your baby manage a combination of breastfeeding and bottle feeding.
- Run the bottle’s nipple under warm water to make its temperature feel closer to your skin temperature, especially if the bottle is very cold from the fridge.
- When using a bottle for the first time, pick a time when your baby is happy, relaxed, and alert. He/she shouldn’t be too hungry as this will make it harder.
- Have someone else offer the first few bottle feeds till your baby gets used to the bottle. Else he/she may smell your skin and refuse the bottle.
- Hold your baby skin to skin even while bottle-feeding to simulate the experience of breastfeeding.
- Cuddle your baby as often as you can, skin to skin, even when not nursing, to stimulate milk production.
- Be sure to express breast milk regularly even if you are also using formula, to ensure your milk supply doesn’t start to dry up.
Make Breastfeeding More Comfortable With Mamaxpert Soothing Nipple Cream
If your breastfeeding experience is being marred by sore or painful nipples, a nipple cream can help. Mamaxpert Soothing Nipple Cream is a gentle moisturizing cream that’s specially designed for lactating mothers. Safe for use during pregnancy and after, it soothes cracked and sore nipples, eases discomfort, and gives you healthy and supple skin around the nipples.
Explore the full range of Mamaxpert products created especially for new mothers and pregnant women - they’ll make your journey of motherhood more comfortable and give you the hassle-free care a new mum needs.