A few days ago we celebrated the World Breastfeeding Week, and we assured that you can Breastfeed and Work. Surely more than one thought: "OK, I can express milk so that the person who takes care of the baby can give it", but how to do it? And I have realized that it is a very dense subject that deserves extensions, that is why today I will explain to you that there are several ways for your daughter or son to receive your milk.; and more taking into account that in the worst case it is only 16 weeks that you will have paid leave.
If you are one of those mothers who wants to continue exclusive breastfeeding for as long as possible, and at least for those 6 months of recommended exclusive breastfeeding; if you also work outside the home, you will need support, determination and organizationThere's also a lot to talk about regarding extraction and conservation, but everything in its own time. As much as the benefits of breastfeeding are remembered, it will never be enough; That is why it is about facilitating, not putting up obstacles. Not necessarily a breastfed baby should go from the most perfect container (the breast) to a bottle with artificial milk, that is only one option; But it is that, in case you express milk, the bottle is not the only receptacle with which to administer it.
Before detailing the possible means to use to 'supplement' / feed with breast milk, I tell you that the reasons for doing so may be various (in addition to return to work or conciliation), we have found the information in Alba Breastfeeding:
- Inability to latch on or reject the breast.
- Lactation induction.
- Weak or ineffective suction.
- Mother-baby separation due to hospitalization of the first.
- Relactation: it is when you want to return to exclusive breastfeeding after having abandoned it or having introduced supplements.
- The baby has little interest in feeding.
- Personal reasons that keep the mother away from the baby for a matter of hours.
And now yes
Glasses
The milk can be offered in a glass of 30 or 60 milliliters of milk; If you cannot find it in your childcare establishment, you can ask the hospital where you had the baby. One of the advantages of the glass over the bottle is that it does not cause nipple/teat confusion.You shouldn't be afraid of the cup, even for premature babies. The only condition is that they must be in a sitting position. Of course, it's recommended. patience and respect the pace and understand how they drink from a cup (by sucking, or licking if they were born prematurely or weigh little). And by the way, fill it only halfway to start; you'll still have time to refill it.
For children over 6 months, you can use the starter cups, which enhance the motor skills being able to grasp them. For young babies, remember: don't pour the milk into your mouth; bring the glass to the upper lip so that the baby paralytic milk and regulate the quantity.
Spoon
The little one will also be seated, and as with the glass, he approaches his upper lip to collect the milk by sucking; the liquid must not be poured into the mouth and the child's rhythm will always be respected. It is a useful method for colostrum in the first few days or for occasional feedings when you want to avoid teats during the establishment of breastfeeding.
Syringe
It is better for the baby to be looking at the person offering the milk, and to stay upright. It is a method that sometimes generates a bit of insecurity, but you will do well if you do not insert the syringe in the mouth, but keep it glued to it while (depending on the baby's need) you gently push the plunger. The syringe can be combined with the finger, especially in small babies, and not continuously. To do this, the caregiver's hands will be very clean: first, with the tip of a finger pointing upwards, the palate is touched to stimulate suction before bringing the syringe closer. As in the previous ways of administering milk, the rhythms are respected.
Quick guide to the finger-syringe method: clean finger and trimmed nail (pinky), tip facing upwards stimulates the palate, the syringe is placed in the corner and squeezed only when the baby sucks; when the baby rests, the flow stops. Imitates sucking at the breast and can help babies who refuse the breast to keep their tongue in the proper position.
The one below is one of the youtube circulating on the internet to show how to feed a child with a 'finger syringe'.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRSQOt4BUxY
Bottle
It is the most used, but you have already seen that it is not the only one. We recommend you try a physiological way of administering breast milk With this container: if your little one is sitting and you try to keep the bottle horizontal, you'll prevent them from becoming overwhelmed. It's also a good idea to stop and check if they've had enough or will demand more. This way, they'll quickly regulate their intake and be able to continue using the bottle for as long as they want, although they'll likely naturally transition to the starter cup after six months.
To further refine, you can apply the kassing-method: baby sitting and close, bottle almost horizontal so that it does not flow by gravity, frequent breaks (e.g., every 15-20 sucks you can withdraw for a moment), alternate arms mid-feed and allow the baby to set the pace. This technique reduces Overfeeding and the risk of bottle preference.
Other methods and age adaptations
- Starter cup: Easily accessible in stores. Without a spill valve, it allows drinking without creating a vacuum and is ideal from 6 months. With a valve, from around 4 months if the baby is able to generate vacuum (similar to drinking with a straw).
- Sports water bottle: In older babies (over 8 months), it can be a practical solution for night shots when the mother is not around. They control the amount and are usually economical. Always use it in the upright position.
- Supplemental Nutrition System (SNS or relactator): A thin tube is attached to the nipple so that the baby receives milk while sucking on the breast. Promotes breastfeeding time, stimulates production and is very useful in relactation, induced lactation or when it is necessary supplement without a nipple.
- Special feeders: for babies with special needs or that do not generate a vacuum, there are bottles that deliver milk through gentle compression, maintaining safety and flow control.
Safe storage and handling of expressed milk
To keep your food safe and convenient when you're away, it's key extract, store and heat correctly your milk:
- HygieneWash your hands thoroughly before pumping/handling. Clean and sterilize breast pump parts and containers according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Containers: Use bottles or bags specifically for breast milk, label with date and quantity.
- Conservation: cold according to usual guidelines; if you need to heat, place the container at warm bain-marie or under the tap with warm water (up to about 37 °C). Do not use microwaves nor direct heat to avoid hot spots and loss of quality.
- Thawing: preferably slow in the refrigerator. If the phases separate, mix gently without shaking vigorously. Discard any leftovers that have been at room temperature too long.
When and how to introduce a bottle if you need to?
If breastfeeding is going well, you can wait until it is stable before introducing a bottle of expressed milk. do it calmly, without rushing or on the same day you return. Offer small feeds first and work up to a full feed. Choose a time when the baby is alert but not very hungry. It may help to have someone else offer the bottle if you are nearby, to reduce frustration over the bottle feeding. breast expectation.
Useful tips: moisten the nipple with your milk so that smells and tastes familiar; place the baby almost vertically, not face up, and allow frequent breaks. Warm temperatures usually improve acceptance.
How much milk to offer?
The amounts vary greatly. For babies between one and six months, some feedings may be 50 ml and others 230 ml. As a practical guide, start with about 60ml and watch for signs of satiety or a demand for more. Avoid forcing the baby to finish the bottle; the important thing is keep up with the baby.
Mixed breastfeeding: combining formula and breast milk
Mixed breastfeeding can be a useful tool when there are prolonged separations, needs for flexibility or as a transition. Keep in mind that reducing breastfeeding reduces production. Discuss this with your pediatrician and determine the plan that best suits you:
- Alternate shots: one breastfeeding, then the next with a bottle. Useful if you're away for part of the day.
- Supplement behind the breast: You offer the breast and supplement with a bottle if he or she is still hungry. Useful when you have to ensure intake or regain weight.
- Replace specific sockets: replaces one or more feedings a day with a bottle, increasing progressively if a transition to formula is planned.
If you use teats, prioritize those that favor wide mouth opening and controlled flowKeep the bottle as horizontal as possible and avoid rapid flows to reduce nipple preference.
Inducing lactation and relactation: yes, it can be done with support
Induced lactation (without recent pregnancy) and relactation (resuming breastfeeding that was interrupted) are possible with frequent stimulation and professional supportIn some cases, the use of galactagogues is considered under medical supervision; always consult with your healthcare team to assess the risks and benefits.
- Stimulate production: Frequent sucking and/or regular pumping (ideally every 2-3 hours, including at night). powerful extraction alternating bouts and breaks can speed up the response.
- Facilitate grip: skin-to-skin contact, offering breast in a calm state, using relactator (SNS) to associate satiety with the breast. If he doesn't latch, continue stimulating with a double breast pump.
- Strategic supplementation: When necessary, prioritize cup, spoon, finger syringe or SNS for protect breastfeedingIf you use a bottle, use the Kassing method.
- Aids and drugsSome mothers use plants like fenugreek or drugs that can increase prolactin; it is essential. medical supervision due to possible side effects.
Nipple-teat confusion? What experience says
The evidence is not conclusive, but it is known that Sucking on a conventional teat usually requires less effort than breastfeeding, so some babies may prefer it. Others combine without problem. Using techniques such as Kassing, slow flows and respecting pauses help reduce risks. In maternal and child programs, alternatives such as cup or SNS are prioritized for maintain sucking skills typical of breastfeeding.
We hope this information has helped you, another day we will influence a little more in the breast milk supplementation with a bottle.
Picture -Healthy Families BC.
Every family will find the combination of method and management that best suits their needs: cup, spoon, syringe-finger, bottle with Kassing, NHS, or mixed feeding. With organization, respect for your baby's rhythms, and an informed caregiver, it's entirely possible for your little one to continue receiving your milk even when you're not present.