Breast and expressing

[Beth09]

I really want to breastfeed but i also want to express so my OH can also feed and if we have lots of people round i would prefer to use a bottle. But i have heard that you are not meant to introduce a bottle for the first few weeks, i'm just after a bit of advise really on how everyone else has done it? Thanks x

 

[XKatX]

This is correct - 6 weeks I believe. It is to prevent nipple confusion and ensure that you build your supply correctly for baby.

 

[Mervs Mum]

Kat said it in a nut shell

 

[mama2b]

In an ideal world 6 weeks, but it is possible to introduce a bottle before then if you really need to.

I introduced a bottle of ebm when Lucas was 6 days old and that was only because id been in quite a bit of pain and had mastitis, i was so nervous that we'd have problems after but luckily we didn't.

 

[flutterbylge]

I think it depends on your baby. I expressed and gave him bottle at 2 weeks first, no confusions.. Every baby is different, i would say trust your instincts..

 

[gigi's_ma]

I expressed a few times in the first weeks to relieve engorgement, but didn't feed a bottle until 1 month.