Most mothers who breastfeed their infants can't be with their babies all the time. That does not mean you must stop breastfeeding, however. Over time, you can create a schedule to pump milk when you can't be present, or if you are having problems breastfeeding. Transitioning a breastfed baby to a pumped bottle isn't always a simple task, though --- the bottle is significantly different from the breast and some infants have problems adjusting.
Step 1
Purchase a breast pump that works well for you. Some women prefer simple, hand-operated pumps; others use a motorized breast pump. You have many options, so do your research --- consult your doctor, for example, or ask friends who have pumped breast milk --- and purchase the best one you can afford, because quality breast pumps often cost well over $100, breastfeeding consultant Linda J. Smith writes on her Bright Future Lactation Resource Centre website. An important part of pumping milk is having a breast pump that allows you to express milk comfortably and efficiently.
Step 2
Research and purchase bottles. Breast-fed babies often reject the bottle because the nipple on the bottle flows too fast or isn't similar enough to how a breast nipple fits in their mouth. Many manufacturers create bottles with nipples that are shaped more like a human nipple and have a slower flow. Choose one that fits your needs; you may need to experiment with different kinds to find one that your baby uses efficiently.
Step 3
Practice pumping and feeding your infant with the bottle several weeks before you actually need to use it. This way you will be more efficient at pumping and your infant will not associate being bottle-fed with your absence, the BabyCenter website explains. Have your partner feed him with the bottle a few times, too, so your infant will be accustomed to being fed by others.
Step 4
Ask your partner or your baby's caregiver to feed the baby with the bottle while you are gone. Choose a time when you will only be gone for a few hours for the first feeding, in case the infant has separation anxiety and refuses the bottle. Slowly acclimate her to using the bottle and being fed while you are away.
Step 5
Assess your pumping routine and make adjustments. If you are not happy with your breast pump or your bottles, change them. Ideally, you should make these changes a week or more before you need them so that you and your infant have time to adjust.
Things You'll Need
- Breast pump
- Bottles
- Nipples
