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Subject:
From:
Jerry Coryell <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Fri, 11 Sep 1998 09:53:54 -0600
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I work with many, many working moms, even in the corporate setting.  If the
mom is going back to work before six weeks, we start about 2 weeks before
she returns to work, otherwise, I suggest that when baby is six-eight weeks
old to start introducing bottles.  We do it very simply, mom pumps first
thing in the morning, she pours off one ounce and freezes the rest.  If she
is returning to work within 2-3 weeks, then she'll have about 14-21 bottles
in the freezer, depending on if she pumps daily, most do as they like to
know there is a stash available.  Then dad (or grandma or whoever) feeds the
baby the one ounce by bottle during dad's special time with baby, usually in
the evening.  It's pretty hard for the baby not to take one ounce.  I
explain that if we ask dad to feed baby a 8 ounce bottle (or a 4 ounce),
that he would try his hardest and both he and the baby would be frustrated.
If dad feeds the baby when the baby ISN'T HUNGARY, after 5-7 days the baby
accepts the bottle, we know he'll accept the bottle, dad feels important (as
well he should!), and everyone is assured that there's no cause to panic.  I
explain that a hungry baby isn't very cooperative, so it should be during a
playful time, mom shouldn't be around (take a walk or a bubble bath), and
don't keep changing nipples on the bottle.  Usually, if the baby takes a
pacifier, that would be the nipple of choice, otherwise, choose one nipple
and stick with it for the whole week, unless it obviously is the wrong fit
for the baby.
    Very rarely do I have a baby to rejects the bottle with this gentle
introduction.  I assure mom that babies are so very flexible, that they
adjust to just about everything.  Worst case scenario, baby can be started
on an infant cup, not the spill-proof kind, or a spoon, or medicine spoon.
We laugh when we talk about these options, but then mom knows the bottle
isn't her only option.  I think only one young baby needed to go to the cup
in the last few years.  If the baby is closer to 5-6 months, I encourage the
mom to even think about the cup as the first choice.
    Jacie in the Great Southwest!

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