[AngelaMarie]

I had decided at the beginning I would not be breastfeeding Owen, however I'm starting to have second thoughts. I breastfed Max for 18 months. It was really tough on me. He refused every bottle we tried. He also was a comfort nurser so it was pretty much around the clock nursing. I can't go through that this time. I have to go back to work if Owen is born. Is it possible to get a breastfed baby on a schedule? I know so many women pump. I think I started off wrong with Max always snuggling him in bed nursing until we both fell asleep. Is there a away to get baby started on a schedule right away? Just thought I'd look for advice!

[Jacob&RylansMomma]

I don't think it's recommended to breast feed on a schedule.. especially in the beginning before your supply is in and fully adjusted. I don't know for sure, but maybe you could just start pumping from the very beginning and use bottles if you want to have a schedule..

[Kansascity kitty]

Almost everyone I know including myself bf on demand but ask your lactation consultant about thati am sure something can be done.

[luvmy3kidz]

yea at first you should be doing it on demand to get your supply up and solid... BUT then after all that.. it is fine to feed baby on schedule... in fact once your boobs get used to a schedule they will actually get on schedule too.. meaning your breasts will know when your going to pump or feed and youll get let downs then...

now, i will say that continuing breastfeeding while working is hard. doable but hard because a pump will not work as good as your baby at emptying your breasts and that can result in supply issues.

[AngelaMarie]

I don't mean a schedule per se. I'm having pregnancy amnesia so I can't figure out how to word it. It's just that Max always nursed and never took one bottle. I'd just like to avoid that if possible. I'm only going to work 8 to 12 or so which is why I started thinking it might be doable to breastfeed again.

[.H.e.a.t.h.e.r.]

I'd just introduce a bottle from early on.
If you really wanted breastfeeding to work you'd avoid the bottle until breastfeeding was established. Since you don't mind formula feeding then you can just get him used to bottle/paci from the get go.

[bright future]

Originally Posted by H.e.a.t.h.e.r

I'd just introduce a bottle from early on.
If you really wanted breastfeeding to work you'd avoid the bottle until breastfeeding was established. Since you don't mind formula feeding then you can just get him used to bottle/paci from the get go.

Ditto. I hear the best time to introduce a bottle is about 3 weeks old because they're most receptive. If you wait too long they won't take one; if you start too early it can mess up your milk supply.

[AngelaMarie]

Originally Posted by bright future

Ditto. I hear the best time to introduce a bottle is about 3 weeks old because they're most receptive. If you wait too long they won't take one; if you start too early it can mess up your milk supply.

Thank you both. I think that was the major problem with Max. I didn't try until he was 8 or 9 weeks. He'd never take it. So dh and I couldn't even get a night out every once in a while. I had to have surgery and no matter what position I nursed in his little feet had the knack for finding the incision right away. It was just miserable. I think I'd really miss not breastfeeding but I want to make sure I can get a break from it now and then too.

[MominNOVA]

I agree with Heather and Michelle. In the beginning you pretty much feed on demand to establish the supply. By about three weeks, introduce a bottle once in awhile. I learned this from a friend who BF four children. There's a "window" of opportunity where they'll learn to take a bottle. You can't do it too soon. If you wait too long, like I did, baby won't accept one. DS nursed for sixteen months and NEVER would take a bottle. I became his pacifier too. Then one day he looked at a red sippy cup and would not nurse anymore !!!

[karenwalter]

I was worried about my baby not taking a bottle because this has happened to a few other poeple I know. I too, have to go back to work. And, it would be really nice to be able to leave him with a sitter sometimes too. So I really need him to take a bottle.

I did alot of research and finally found these bottles. The reviews on consumersearch.com say that even babies that won't take any other bottle, will take this one. It is designed like a breast and babies have to actually suck to get out milk.

Here is the link:
Amazon.com: The First Years Breastflow BPA Free Bottle 3-Pack, 5 Oz: Baby

Also, ladies, thanks for the tip about introducing the bottle at 3 weeks. I will definently be doing that.

[AngelaMarie]

Thanks for the link Karen. I'm going to get some of those and give it a try!