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Subject:
From:
"Amy Peterson, BS, IBCLC" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 7 Jan 2012 19:14:26 -0500
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Jessica,

A baby's suck will change from reflexive sucking to voluntary sucking, often between 4-6 weeks of age.  This subject is pretty common in SLP/OT literature.  Of course all babies are different, so we can't say for sure at what age a specific baby will develop an opinion about taking a bottle.  For moms who wish to introduce a bottle before the baby's suck shifts to voluntary, I suggest 3-4 weeks.
 
The potential problem is when a blanket statement is made for all mothers to delay bottle introduction until 1-2 weeks before returning to work.  A mom who returns to work at 6 weeks will probably have a baby who is more willing to accept a bottle than a mom returning to work at 4 months who follows the same advice.   Mothers deserve to know the potential risk in waiting (and ways to overcome refusal if she chooses to wait), and then it is the mom's decision of when to introduce.  

The conversation would also include shape of nipple, flow, etc.  But for age of introduction, think "reflexive to voluntary" and communicate this normal progression of child development so a mom can make an educated decision.  For a mom returning to work at 6 weeks, introduction at 4 weeks would be okay...assuming the nipple chosen worked well for that baby.

Hope this helps.  :)
Amy Peterson
co-author Balancing Breast and Bottle: Reaching Your Breastfeeding Goals

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