ARTICLE SUMMARY :
- Definition: What is mixed breastfeeding?
- Why opt for a special nursing bottle?
- The consequences of choosing the wrong bottle
- How can I make a success of mixed breastfeeding?
- Pumping breast milk
- Storing milk in good conditions
- Giving your breast-fed baby his first bottle
- Conclusion: Choosing the right nursing bottle
Definition: What is mixed breastfeeding?
Mixed breastfeeding is a feeding method that alternates between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding your baby. This is also known as partial breastfeeding. This can be introduced from birth. You may also want to wean your baby gently, and consider buying a bottle-feederto take over from breast-feeding.
Whether it's breast milk pumped by you or powdered solutions available in pharmacies and supermarkets, there's every reason to practice mixed breastfeeding. This good compromise means that mothers can often get back to work. It also includes partners, who can give their babies the milk they need via bottles.
These moments of sharing are often much appreciated, and allow them to get to know each other. What's more, it's a chance for mom to take a breather and have some time to herself. Whatever your main motivation, let's take a look at the best bottle for breastfeeding.
Why opt for a special nursing bottle?
When you opt for a special bottle for breastfeeding, you enable your child toexperience the same sensations when feeding as when breastfeeding.
This important aspect prevents rejection of the teat, which may appear less welcoming to your baby. The textures and shapes of our teats are designed to reproduce breastfeeding conditions as closely as possible.
The consequences of choosing the wrong bottle
First and foremost, you need to make sure that your baby doesn't feel too disoriented by this change in feeding style. As we mentioned earlier, an unsuitable bottle could lead to your baby being picky. There is also a great risk of confusion between breast and teat.
This last point can jeopardize the breastfeeding you've proudly begun. You need to choose a bottle that reassures your baby by its shape and texture in the mouth. What's more, a poor choice of bottle can lead to an increase in reflux in your child.
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How can I make a success of mixed breastfeeding?
Pumping breast milk
To combine breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, you can express your milk using an electric or manual breast pump. Before using any pump, wash your hands thoroughly and use clean equipment. Disinfection is no longer necessary. Always clean your breast pump systematically after use.
All breast pumps are designed to reproduce baby's suckling action. Electric pumps have different modes available (simulation mode and expression mode). You can also adjust the expression speed to suit your personal comfort.
There are feeding bottles that can be fitted directly onto breast pumps. So there's no need to transfer milk to another container. The less you handle the product, the lower the risk of infection.
Discover below the link to a free practical guide to making the most of your breast pump: Réussir son tire-allaitement : guide pratique pour les mamans - Élhée.
By expressing your breast milk and offering it to your baby in a special breastfeeding bottle, you preserve the unique bond between you and your baby, while maintaining the benefits of breastfeeding.
Storing milk in good conditions
If you choose to stock up on your milk, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. After that, however, we advise you not to give the milk to your little one. Never store milk in the fridge door.
Freshly drawn milk can be stored at room temperature for around four hours. If, for example, you plan to express your milk before leaving for work and someone else has to give it to your little one when he or she wakes up, you can leave it in the kitchen to rest without going to the fridge! This way, you can save the milk from a further change in temperature, which can sometimes alter the taste very slightly and 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. Throw away any leftover thawed milk that your child has not used. The savings are not worth the risk.
Giving your breast-fed baby his first bottle
The first time you give your baby a bottle can be a stressful time for you. But don't panic! Your child may not drink on the first try. He may turn his head or not deign to open his mouth. This is not a caprice. Bear in mind that this is a new situation for both you and your child.
Here's the best way to get started:
- Once you've 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 baby. When you're breastfeeding, milk is at body temperature, around 36 degrees Celsius. Put a few drops on your forearm just above your wrist. The skin is thin and sensitive here, and this is the best place to test the milk temperature.
- Position yourself and baby comfortably on a sofa or wherever you feel comfortable. Your baby should not be in a horizontal position, but slightly inclined. This way, there's no risk of a false start. A well-known trick is to place a few drops of your breast milk, which you can express by hand, on the teat tip just before giving the bottle, to encourage baby to drink. Babies are very receptive to the smell of breast milk.
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Let your child do it. Never force him to drink! You risk breaking the relationship of trust that binds you to him. Things may not work out on the first try. Repeat the operation later that day or the next day if success is not forthcoming.
If you don't see any conclusive results within the first few weeks, consult a health and childcare professional. There are also people who specialize in accompanying mothers and their babies. Some are also lactation consultants. Above all, trust yourself, and trust your baby.
Conclusion: Choosing the right nursing bottle
As you can see, to choose the right bottle for your baby, you need to reproduce breastfeeding conditions as closely as possible, by choosing a soft teat with a gentle texture that's as close as possible to breastfeeding.
Élhée offers baby bottles that are totally in line with your mixed breastfeeding project. These medical-grade silicone bottles are guaranteed to be free from toxic substances, and are ideal for a smooth transition. Patience and trust are the key words for successful mixed breastfeeding!
Les biberons Élhée accompagneront votre bébé de la naissance jusqu'à 24 mois et plus, pour lui permettre une parfaite autonomie, sans risque de casse.
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