Introducing a Bottle and Pump Information

Some women breastfeed their babies for a year or two, or more. If you are going back to work or you need to be away from your baby for more than 2 or 3 hours, you may want to give your baby a bottle. That does not mean you have to stop breastfeeding. Even mothers going back to work or school can continue breastfeeding by expressing milk and leaving it for the caregiver to feed the baby.

You may find that your baby will take a bottle better from someone other than you. You may need to try different types of bottle nipples. If you are not able to express breast milk, you can supplement your baby’s feedings with formula. Many women breastfeed their babies in the morning, evening and on weekends, while the caregiver feeds the baby formula when mom is away. Your body will adjust to your schedule.

By the time your baby is between 6 and 8 months old, you will probably be nursing 6 or 7 times a day. That number will decrease even further as you slowly introduce more and more solid food over the next several months. By the time the baby is a year old, he should be able to eat more of the things you do, mashed or cut into small pieces.

Pumping
 
Not all breastfeeding moms will need a pump. Many moms find hand expressing easy to learn. If you are separated from your baby or unable to nurse for more than a few hours, or if nursing is impossible, pumping is important.  There are many pumps to choose from, so keep in mind when choosing your pump that above all, a good pump should be comfortable.

Reasons You May Want to Use a Pump 

* Premature baby * Infant is ill or hospitalized for other causes * Sucking difficulties or inadequacies * Mother is ill or hospitalized * Breastfeeding is interrupted due to medication * Engorgement * Sore or tender nipples * Inverted nipples * Employed outside the home or returning to school * To provide relief bottles
What Should Breast Milk Look Like? * Breast milk does not look like formula * Pumped breast milk can take on different appearances * Breast milk may look thin and watery * It may look bluish, yellowish or brownish in color, depending on what you eat, or what vitamins and medications you are taking * Fats in breast milk will separate and rise to the top, so gently shake before offering bottled breast milk to your baby
Never share a personal use pump as certain viruses can be transmitted through the pump. The only pump that is manufactured for multiple use is the hospital grade pump.

For more information:
www.kellymom.com/bf/pumpimg/bf-links-pumps.htm
www.breastfeedingonline.com/pumps-print.html

For information on storing breast milk for healthy, full-term babies, check out KellyMom.com at www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkstorage.html

New York State Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) at www.health.state.ny.us/prevention/nutrition/cacfp/