ARTICLE SUMMARY:
- Definition: What is mixed feeding?
- Why choose a special breastfeeding bottle?
- The consequences of choosing the wrong baby bottle
- How to successfully achieve mixed breastfeeding?
- Expressing breast milk
- Storing your milk under good conditions
- Giving your breastfed baby their first bottle
- Conclusion: Choosing the right breastfeeding bottle
Definition: What is mixed feeding?
Mixed feeding is a method of feeding that involves alternating between breastfeeding and preparing a bottle for your baby . Partial breastfeeding is also referred to as this. It can be started from birth. You may also wish to wean your baby gently and consider purchasing a... bottle-feeding as a supplement to breastfeeding .
Whether you're using expressed breast milk or powdered formula available in pharmacies and supermarkets, you have every reason to practice mixed feeding. This excellent compromise often allows mothers to return to work. It also includes partners who can give their babies the milk they need through bottle-feeding.
These moments of sharing are often greatly appreciated and allow them to get to know each other. Furthermore, the mother can take advantage of this time to relax and have some time for herself. Whatever your main motivation, let's explore together which would be the best bottle specifically designed for breastfeeding .
Why choose a special breastfeeding bottle?
When you choose a special breastfeeding bottle, you allow your child to to rediscover the same sensations during breastfeeding as those he experiences at the breast .
This important aspect prevents your baby from rejecting the pacifier, which may seem less appealing. The textures and shapes of pacifiers are studied and designed to closely mimic the conditions of breastfeeding.
The consequences of choosing the wrong baby bottle
First and foremost, you must ensure that your baby is not too disoriented by this change in feeding method. As we mentioned earlier, An unsuitable bottle can cause your baby to refuse food . There is also a high risk of nipple confusion.
This last point can jeopardize your breastfeeding, which you have proudly established. Therefore, you must choose a bottle whose shape and texture will reassure your baby . Furthermore, a poor choice of bottle can lead to an increase in... reflux in your child.
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How to successfully achieve mixed breastfeeding?
Expressing breast milk
To successfully combine breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, You can express your milk using an electric or manual breast pump . Before handling anything, wash your hands thoroughly and use clean equipment. Disinfecting is no longer necessary. Always clean your breast pump after each use.
All breast pumps are designed to mimic a baby's sucking motion . The electric models will have different modes available (simulation mode and expression mode). You can also adjust the expression speed according to your personal comfort.
There are bottles that can be attached directly to breast pumps. This eliminates the need to transfer the milk to another container. The less you handle the product, the lower the risk of infection.
Below you will find the link to access a free practical guide to help you succeed with pumping and breastfeeding: Succeeding at pumping and breastfeeding: a practical guide for mothers - Élhée .
By expressing your breast milk and offering it to your child using a special breastfeeding bottle, You preserve this unique bond that unites you with your baby while maintaining the benefits of breastfeeding.
Storing your milk under good conditions
If you choose to store your milk, you can safely keep it in the refrigerator for up to about three days. Beyond that, it's still advisable not to give the milk to your baby. Never store milk in the refrigerator door.
Freshly expressed milk can be kept at room temperature for about four hours without any problem . For example, if you plan to express milk before leaving for work and someone else will be feeding your little one when they wake up, you can leave it to sit in your kitchen without refrigerating it! This will prevent the milk from undergoing an additional temperature change, which can sometimes slightly alter the taste and make it take longer to warm up in a bain-marie.
You can also Freeze your milk for up to four months . Never refreeze a thawed product. Discard any leftover thawed milk that your child hasn't consumed. The savings aren't worth the risk.
Giving your breastfed baby their first bottle
The first time you give your baby a bottle can be a stressful moment. Don't panic! Your child might not drink right away. They might also turn their head away or refuse to open their mouth. This isn't a tantrum. Keep in mind that this is a new experience for both of you.
Here's the best way to start the process:
- Once you have prepared a small amount of milk (60 ml is enough for the first time), don't forget to test the temperature of the warmed milk. Warm milk is more likely to be accepted by your child . When you are breastfeeding, your milk is at body temperature, approximately 36 degrees Celsius. Place a few drops on your forearm just above your wrist. The skin is thin and sensitive there, making it the best place to test the milk's temperature.
- Position yourself with the baby comfortably on a sofa or any place where you are comfortable. Your baby does not need to be in a horizontal position but Slightly tilted . This way, there's no risk of choking. A well-known trick is to put a few drops of your expressed breast milk on the nipple just before feeding to encourage your baby to drink. Babies are indeed very receptive to the smell of breast milk.
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Let your child decide. Never force them to drink ! You risk breaking the bond of trust you have with them. Things may not work out the first time. Repeat the operation later in the day or the next day if it is not successful .
If no conclusive results appear in the first few weeks, consult a healthcare or early childhood professional. There are also specialists who support mothers and their babies. These include doulas, midwives, pediatricians, and others. Some are also lactation consultants. First and foremost, Trust yourself, and trust your baby .
Conclusion: Choosing the right breastfeeding bottle
As you will have understood, to choose your special breastfeeding bottle correctly and to succeed in your mixed feeding, you need to reproduce the conditions of breastfeeding as closely as possible by favoring the choice of a soft teat with soft textures, as close as possible to what breastfeeding offers.
Élhée offers baby bottles perfectly suited to your mixed feeding plan . These bottles, guaranteed free of toxic materials and made of medical-grade silicone, are ideal for a smooth transition. Patience and confidence are the key words for successful mixed breastfeeding !
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