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Bottlefeeding with heart
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"Bottlefeeding with heart"
Perhaps your child was born with a birth defect which does not allow them to nurse. Maybe you have flat or inverted nipples. Maybe you have cancer and require radiation. Or perhaps you adopted. Or maybe you have a condition which keeps you from producing enough milk. Perhaps you are struggling with depression and need to bottlefeed in order to recover. And maybe you are just not comfortable with the idea of a little creature using your breasts as a food source. Whatever the reason for bottlefeeding your infant, you are still a good mother because despite the many benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby, ensuring the survival of your newborn is more important than anything else.
Equipment Choice & Care
While bottlefeeding it is also important to remember to use clean fresh water and to keep bottles and equipment sterilized. Write a use by date on cans of powdered formula when you open them to be sure they are used within the timeline allowed. You can do the same with the liquid cans in the fridge. Keeping bottles sterilized can be as easy as using a Medela Quick Sterilizing bag. This bag is designed for your microwave and can get things sterilized as quickly as 90 seconds in an 1100w microwave.
Choosing a bottle may prove to be tricky as well. Do not register for one particular type of bottle if you know you will be bottlefeeding. Some bottles are better for breastfeeding babies while others are better designed specifically for formula intake. It is better to register for one of a few different types of bottles so you can try them out before getting too invested in one type.
The Heart of the Matter
You can still bond with your new baby even while bottlefeeding by taking some cues from breastfeeding moms. Be sure to hold your baby close to you and maintain eye contact while giving baby his bottle. Do not prop the bottle and walk away. Keeping baby close to you during feedings will help instill a strong sense of security and bonding between the two of you.
Bottlefeeding does not mean you are a bad mom, less attached to your infant, lazy or ignorant. It simply means you are choosing to parent and provide for your child in a manner that best fits with your lifestyle. It is important to be aware of all the facts involved in making your decision. Once you have decided to bottlefeed do so confidently and compassionately. If bottlefeeding has been an unexpected decision due to illness, birth defect or other reasons give yourself permission to mourn the loss of the breastfeeding relationship with your child. You can still have a similar physical bond by holding and snuggling with your baby while giving formula. The most important aspect of feeding your child formula is to focus on continuing to bond instead of what is in the bottle because above all our responsibility is to keep them fed, changed, and thriving.
For more supportive bottlefeeding information please check out these resources:
