Transitioning from Breastfeeding to Pumping
by Katrina Oliver
Every mother’s journey through breastfeeding is different, with unique challenges and obstacles. A common struggle that mothers have is transitioning from exclusively breastfeeding to introducing bottles, whether that be out of a need to go back to work or just to have the chance to get out of the house every once in a while. However, this transition can be rough, both logistically and emotionally for mom and baby. Try following these tips to smooth out the transition and get your baby used to bottle feeding.
- Start pumping in advance
Well before you start trying to get your baby used to a bottle, it’s a good idea to start getting yourself used to pumping. Pumping regularly will increase your supply to the point that you will need to support bottle feeding, and having a sizable supply will make bottle feeding much smoother. Start off by pumping for a few minutes after every nursing feed, and soon you’ll have plenty of breastmilk to work with!
- Make a good feeding experience
For getting your baby used to bottle feeding, it’s important to make it a good experience for them. Start by making sure that the milk they are drinking is warmed to the appropriate temperature so that they aren’t shocked by the change. Using an electric bottle warmer will help make it simple to make refrigerated breast milk the temperature your baby is used to. Make the experience a calm, soothing experience by snuggling close with a caregiver, using a pacifier, or playing calming music or sound effects.
- Leave the house
For the first time that your baby uses a bottle, it’s important for mom to be out of the room. A first bottle feeding can be confusing, and being given the bottle by their mother or while their mother’s in the room can make it even more distressing. It’s a good time to run out to the store or take a walk around the block and let dad or another caregiver get the bottle feeding going.
- Take some time to adjust
Moving from exclusively breastfeeding to pumping and bottle feeding can take some time. It will often be a struggle, from pumping frequently to build up a supply to getting a baby used to a new method of feeding. It’s important to have patience and grace for yourself and your child. Getting used to using a breast pump, baby bottles, and a new feeding schedule is a big adjustment for everyone in the family. Just remember that with time, this will become the new normal and it won’t feel quite so overwhelming. And once you’ve adjusted, the added freedom of pumping and bottle feeding will feel incredible!