Breastfeeding Tips & Breast Pump Guide | Lactation Connection

Recently a question came in from an expectant mama as to whether the Avent bottles were best for breastfeeding.       In years past, I recommended Avent bottles more often than not.  Today, with design changes to Avent and other great choices on the market, I thought I would help this mother and others with information on choosing the right bottle for your baby with today's blog. Nipple Confusion and Flow Preference First, let me say that introducing a bottle before six weeks can be problematic.  It is essential that your baby learn to latch well and nurse from the breast frequently during not only the learning period but also during the three week and six week growth spurt phase so that mom's milk supply can be stimulated by the increased suckling during those time periods.  Infant's nurse differently from a bottle which is why the term nipple confusion is prevalent.  When nursing from the breast, the baby uses a wave motion to draw the nipple i...

When should I introduce a bottle to my breastfed baby?       Waiting to offer a bottle is essential for initiation of lactation.  Experts tell us that we should wait at least 3-4 weeks.  I believe it should be at least four weeks because even a bottle of breastmilk can interfere with stimulation during the three week growth spurt period. It can undermine moms confidence when baby gulps a bottle down during the hunger games of growth spurts.  When you offer a bottle of expressed milk, it is essential to pump to replace that feeding or it can interfere with milk supply or cause plugged milk ducts.       Most moms begin a bottle because they want the freedom of allowing someone else to feed or out of necessity because they are going back to work.  If you choose to nap and let Dad feed make sure to fully empty the breasts by nursing first.  If a bottle has been given while you were asleep or running e...