It can be difficult to transition a baby to exclusive breastfeeding once they have received milk in a bottle, but it is certainly not impossible! Some women, while they may not transition to breastfeeding exclusively, do breastfeed occasionally and some babies will willingly comfort nurse. This alone can provide some of the closeness of breastfeeding and lessen the sense of loss that some feel when they have not been able to breastfeed. The effort to return a baby to breast is always worth it.
The following are some valuable internet sites when seeking information about breastfeeding:
The following link is an article which discusses how to bottlefeed in order to limit nipple preference and protect, as much as possible, breastfeeding. You will require Adobe Acrobat to view this article:
Bottle-feeding as a Tool to Reinforce Breastfeeding
Information from Kellymom.com on Alternative Feeding Methods, Weaning from Formula Supplements, and Getting a Baby Back to Breast.
The following are handouts by Dr. Jack Newman that may be of help when trying to transition a baby to the breast:
When the Baby Refuses to Latch
The Importance of Skin to Skin Contact
When the Baby Will Not Take the Breast
An excellent PowerPoint presentation on Breastfeeding a Premature or Sick Baby by Dr. Jack Newman can be found here:
www.thebirthden.com/Newman.html
