Breastfeeding is great and we are absolute supporters of it.
If everything goes well and you feel comfortable with it,
there is a lot to be said for your baby to keep feeding the breast until he or she no longer needs milk.
On the other hand, many mothers have good reasons to switch to formula at some point.
This switch is quite an adjustment for your child, but also for you. So take your time.
Working after or during breastfeeding?
If you have to go back to work after your maternity leave, that is a big adjustment for you and your baby. In addition, you will no longer be able to breastfeed your baby when he asks for it. Are you able to express breast milk for your baby during working hours? Fantastic, this way you can give your child the benefits of breast milk for even longer.
1) Take your time to switch from breastfeeding to bottle feeding Switching to bottle feeding can be difficult, we are not going to bother about that.
Your baby will have to learn to drink from a bottle and switching because you can't be together all the time is something to get used to too. You also say goodbye to a special period and you may find this difficult. Drinking from a bottle requires a completely different sucking technique than drinking at the breast. A nipple feels warm and enters the mouth much deeper than a pacifier. A teat is more likely to stay in the front of the mouth and feel completely different. There are children who drink from a bottle from one day to the next without any problems, but often it takes a bit more effort.
2) Week 4 - 8: Offer one bottle weekly If your baby is between 4 and 8 weeks old, it is a good idea to offer a weekly bottle from now on.
At this age, babies usually accept the bottle easily. If you offer expressed breastmilk in that bottle, your baby will only have to get used to the different way of drinking for the time being. If you switch immediately to bottle feeding, the taste will of course also change. So first offering bottles with breast milk is preferred.
3) Switch step by step Take your time and start well before you want to finally stop gradually decreasing.
Reduce breastfeeding step by step. For example, start by replacing 1 or 2 breastfeeds per day a bottle. Allow a number of days for each step: after a day or 3, 4 you can replace an extra diet. If you taper off gradually, your breasts will get used to the new situation on their own. You will see, you will have less problems with tight breasts. The rule is that you can only go to the next step when you no longer suffer from engorgement.
4) Use compresses If you suffer from milk loss, use breastfeeding pads to protect your clothes.
You can choose from single-use or washable compresses. If you taper off too quickly, you have more chance of engorgement or even a breast infection. If you suffer, a thermo compress can provide relief. In case of engorgement and swelling, use the compresses cold, in case of breast infection warm.
5) Combine powder and breast milk?
It is perfectly possible! For example, breastfeed your baby in the morning and evening, and during the day he or she drinks expressed milk. If you taper off slowly, you can easily maintain this mixed schedule for a while, even when you are back at work. If you would like to combine breastfeeding and bottles (with powdered milk or expressed breastmilk), you can opt for the bottle with Natural Wave teat from Lansinoh. This has been specially developed to facilitate the transition from breast to bottle feeding and back. The unique shape of the teat ensures that the drinking technique corresponds to a baby who is breastfeeding. Your baby also keeps control of the milk supply. The Calma from Medela is also especially for children who switch between breastfeeds and breast milk from a bottle.
6) Still pumping?
Looking for a breast pump that suits you? Be sure to take a look at our range of breast pumps or make an appointment for a breast pump consultation with a lactation consultant, who can let you try out all the pumps.
7) Does your baby refuse the bottle?
That is normal. Your child has to get used to it. I know, it's easier said than done, but try to stay calm. Your child should not associate the bottle with stress.
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