If you’re introducing a bottle to your breastfed baby, first of all—take a deep breath! There are so many reasons why moms choose to bottle feed their little ones, whether it’s to share the joy with other caregivers, have some much-needed time away, or make overnight feeds a little easier. Regardless of the “why,” this guide will help you introduce a bottle in a way that feels natural, honoring your baby’s cues and rhythm.
What Is Paced Bottle Feeding?
Paced bottle feeding is a method that mimics the experience of breastfeeding, where the milk flow isn’t constant and the baby controls the pace. With breastfeeding, babies naturally pause, swallow, and take breaks, giving them time to decide when they’ve had enough. Paced bottle feeding gives them this same experience with a bottle, helping them feel more in control, fuller, and content.
With paced feeding, we slow things down and give your baby the chance to say “Hey, I’m good!” It’s especially important when introducing bottles to a breastfed baby, as it keeps the experience more aligned with the natural rhythm they know.
How to Bottle Feed the Breastfed Way
1. Hold Your Baby in an Upright Position
Start with a semi-upright position, supporting your baby’s head and neck. This way, gravity isn’t doing all the work and your baby has to “work” a little more to pull the milk, just like they would when breastfeeding. It’s also easier on their tummies to be in a more upright position and can prevent choking or overfeeding.
2. Use a Slow-Flow Nipple
When it comes to bottle-feeding a breastfed baby, a slow-flow nipple is your best friend. It gives the milk flow a more natural feel, so your baby doesn’t get overwhelmed. They can control the flow better, which also reduces the chance of overfeeding and allows them to stick to their natural eating rhythm.
3. Practice Paced Feeding
Hold the bottle horizontally and encourage your baby to latch onto it. Let them draw the nipple in at their own pace instead of pushing it into their mouth. You can tip the bottle slightly, giving them time to draw the milk and take breaks. This encourages the baby to mimic breastfeeding behaviors like swallowing, pausing, and breathing. Pausing every few sucks allows your baby to catch their breath and check in with their hunger and fullness cues.
How Much Milk Should You Offer?
On average, breastfed babies consume 1–1.5 ounces per hour between feeds, but every baby is different. Try to keep portions small, around 2-3 ounces, and wait to see if they’re still hungry. Babies have different feeding rhythms; what’s most important is staying attentive to your baby’s cues and letting them guide the amount.
Tips for Reading Your Baby’s Cues
Your baby’s cues are their way of communicating with you, so take it as a conversation! Watch for the little signals:
- Hunger Cues: Turning toward the bottle, opening their mouth, and rooting (searching for the nipple).
-
Fullness Cues: Turning away, slowing down, and closing their mouth are all good signs they’ve had enough.
Letting your baby guide the amount they drink helps to keep their natural appetite control intact and prevents overfeeding. Trusting your baby’s cues is key here—they know what they need!
Other Tips to Help You and Your Baby
-
Switch Sides: Just as you would switch breasts, try switching arms during bottle feeds. This helps balance their neck muscles and gives them a fuller experience.
-
Make It a Connection Moment: Maintain eye contact, speak softly, or sing to your baby. This can turn bottle feeding into a comforting bonding time for both of you.
-
Don’t Rush: Babies aren’t meant to chug down a bottle quickly. It’s okay if a feeding takes around 10–20 minutes—that’s their time to bond and relax.
Trusting Yourself and Your Baby
Remember, bottle feeding doesn’t mean abandoning the natural connection you and your baby share. Bottle-feeding a breastfed baby can be just as special and attuned. Trust in your instincts, your baby’s cues, and the beautiful relationship you’re building each time you sit down together for a feeding.
For All the Moms Out There—You’re Doing Great
Whether you’re giving expressed milk, donor milk, or formula, what matters most is that you and your baby feel comfortable and connected. If you’re taking a few hours to yourself, getting some sleep, or sharing these sweet moments with a partner, paced bottle feeding will help ensure that bottle time is calm, natural, and nurturing. You’ve got this, mama, and both you and your baby are right on track.
BeHerVillage is helping parents like you get the funds they need for the support they deserve! Are you having a baby and are looking for support? Create a registry for support today and get gifted funds directly into your bank account to pay for your support team. You deserve this.
Are you a birthworker who supports new moms? Use BeHerVillage to help your clients pay for your support. Create your free profile here and you can be the best baby shower gift a mom will ever get!
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
