🍼When to introduce a Bottle🍼 If you’re breastfeeding and your baby will ever need to take a bottle consistently, when you introduce one does matter. So often, breastfeeding moms are told to wait. But unfortunately, waiting too long can cause bottle “refusal.” And that is NOT FUN. To avoid this, it is important to offer a bottle early enough to take advantage of baby’s suck reflex to help them learn the skill of bottle feeding. ✨My recommendation is: ✨ As long as breastfeeding is going well, meaning it feels comfortable for you and your baby, then it’s best to introduce a bottle by 2-3 weeks of age. Can you introduce earlier? Yes! If breastfeeding isn’t going well, can you introduce a bit later? Yes! Typically by 6 weeks is best. How often should I give one? At least 1X every other day! Now, there are some things to keep in mind to help avoid a bottle preference! 1. Keep the bottle slower than your flow: not all slow flow bottles are the same. It is important to find one that is nice and slow for your baby. 2. Pace feed to keep it active: this does not have to be super intense, but be responsive to your baby’s feeding. Don’t tip the bottle too much, as it increases the flow and give your baby breaks as needed. 3. Pump in place of bottles: If you want to stick with breastmilk for bottles, too, be sure to pump in place of bottle feedings! You should be removing milk for every time baby is feeding! With these tips in mind, going between the bottle and Breast is more than possible! #combofeeding #bottlefeeding #breastfeeding #newmom #babyfeeding #babytips #pregnant