When to introduce bottles
By Jo-Anne Lawless, HCA, LC

Q. How soon can you introduce a bottle for a feeding or two without messing up BF? My DH wants to help out and plus I'd love a break during the night occassionally!!

A. It is best to wait until at least 6 weeks have gone by before introducing bottles at all. There is much less chance of nipple confusion by that time. I always like to think, too, of how the baby would feel, after nursing from a good, natural-tasting breast, and then having rubber or something similar put in his mouth!

There are so many wonderful caring things a father can do to help nurture his baby while reserving feeding for mom, who is designed by nature just for this purpose.

If you do come to use a bottle, breast milk is your best choice, in order to avoid the chance of digestive upset or potential allergy.

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