BOTTLE FEEDING WITH BREASTMILK

HOW TO BOTTLE FEED A NEWBORN

It is increasingly common for mothers to have to leave their little ones very early on, even after just a few months, in order to go back to work. In addition to the understandable concern of having to leave your baby, there is also the fear of having to stop breastfeeding, given the impossibility of being present at all times. In actual fact, continuing to breastfeed is possible, even when you return to work.

MANUAL OR ELECTRIC BREAST PUIMP: A PRECIOUS ALLY

With the help of a breast pump, breastmilk can be collected in a sterile container and stored in the fridge or freezer. This enables your baby to continue to be nourished by your breastmilk even when you are at work or out of the house, using a bottle for mixed feeding. Your baby will continue to enjoy all the benefits of your milk, even when you're not there.

THE BEST FEEDING BOTTLE FOR MIXED FEEDING: WHICH TO CHOOSE?

When opting for mixed feeding, particularly in the first few months of life, it is advisable to use a type of bottle that imitates breastfeeding as far as possible, ensuring a similar latch to the natural latch so that your little one has no issues in returning to the breast. It is a good idea to choose a feeding bottle with a wide, angled teat for the first few months, to provide a broad surface for the lip to rest on (like the breast), whilst remaining full of milk.

WHAT POSITION SHOULD I CHOOSE FOR BOTTLE FEEDING?

The choice of the right place and position for bottle feeding play an important role. The surrounding environment must be calm and relaxed. For the correct position, we recommend putting your arm around baby, making sure that he or she is in a semi-seated position with the head resting inside your folded elbow and slightly raised compared to the rest of the body.

LEFTOVER BREASTMILK IN THE FEEDING BOTTLE: WHAT TO DO?

If your little one doesn't finish their bottle of breastmilk during the feed, it can't just be stored ready for the next time. Reheated leftover milk must be consumed within a maximum of 1 or 2 hours; after this period, the milk must not be offered to baby again. For this reason, it is best to store breastmilk in small quantities, and only use what you need to prevent waste.

Finally, it is important to always remember to wash and sterilise the feeding bottle after use.