Tony wrote:
"Although unless the bottle is introduced early it is less
satisfying to give
EBM via bottle as the baby will be less keen on an artificial
nipple.
Introduce early and problems are eliminated. I would advocate EBM
feeds as
being a good way for dads to bond too...."

First of all, in my experience, and I've heard others report it
also, early introduction of the bottle is no guarantee that baby
will continue to take it happily.  Oftentimes, they will "go on
strike" against it a few weeks later and need to be taught to take
it again just like the first time-perhaps even more resistive
because they can now "compare" the two based on past experience.  On
the other hand, how many times does one bottle today lead to two
tomorrow and three the next day, etc. until breastfeeding has gone
by the wayside.

I tell dads who think they have to feed baby to bond with it that
it's no guarantee.  Babies seem to know where their food comes from
and sometimes seem to bond with the bottle rather that the person
holding it.  Just as Dad isn't expected to carry the baby for 4 1/2
months of the pregnancy (although I'm sure there are those who would
wish it), so also is feeding a "gender specific"  part of parenting
when done naturally.  I have observed many "well bonded" dads and
babies at LLLI Conferences where one can be reasonably certain the
bonding didn't occur by giving bottles.  I like to encourage dads to
be the bath-giver.  Just like nursing, it can feel a little awkward
at the start until they get the hang of it.  However, once past the
"learning period" it's a great way to interact with the baby.  Even
more so as baby begins to have fun with the bath and play/interact
with the bath-giver.  Combine this with infant massage and dad has a
great time with baby.  Feeding can be mom's private hands-on time
with baby and the bath is dad's private hands-on time.
Women and men, dads and moms can be of equal value and importance
without having to adopt the same roles!

Winnie Mading

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