Paced responsive bottle feeding
As lactation consultants, we know that many families struggle to access information on bottle feeding. The reasons for this are varied. For many, bottle feeding may not have been the original plan and parents are now desperately scrabbling around for information on bottles whilst looking after a newborn baby. Some parents feel judged for asking for information on bottle feeding so keep quiet about their feeding plans when speaking to midwives. This is heartbreaking as all parents should have access to timely and correct information needed without judgement. Others may have seen loads of babies bottle feeding and assumed it is as simple as just putting a bottle in a baby’s mouth and tipping it up,
A really important aspect to be aware of with bottle feeding is the risk of over feeding. It is impossible to overfeed a breastfed baby as they will self-regulate whereas a baby with a bottle in their mouth is unable to do this. Another crucial aspect of baby feeding is that it is about more than nutrition. However a parent feeds their baby, it should be an opportunity for bonding and an enjoyable experience for both parent and baby.
When bottle feeding some parents believe there is a set amount to give at intervals during the day. Remember your baby is a human being and we don’t sit down at regular intervals and eat the same number of calories each time. It would therefore be unrealistic to expect this of your baby. Ensure you are feeding in response to feeding cues from your baby, such as bringing their hands to their mouth, turning their head or smacking their lips.
In the early days it is helpful to limit bottle feeds to a baby’s immediate caregivers to help a baby with bonding and feeling safe and secure during feeds. Feeds can be given in skin to skin contact to maximise oxytocin (the love hormone) which helps to build a strong bone and supports healthy brain development. Hold your baby in a semi-upright position, look into their eyes and chat to them whilst feeding. Try to avoid pushing the teat into your baby’s mouth and instead gently rub the teat on their top lip until they open their mouth. The bottle should be held fairly horizontally. This means that your baby is able to draw milk out and the flow doesn’t become too fast. If you notice your baby spilling milk from their mouth, splaying their fingers and toes or trying to turn away, this can indicate the flow is a little too much so give them a break.
It can be tricky to work out how much to feed your baby so, every now and then, give them a break and look for feeding cues. If your baby is showing they’re still hungry, give them the bottle back and allow them to continue. However, if they are relaxed and happy, pause there. A bottle feed doesn’t need to be fast!
UNICEF has great information for parents on bottle feeding if you’re looking to know more: https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Infant-formula-and-responsive-bottle-feeding.pdf
