From the moment our children are born, we feel that everything they need depends on us and only us. From the main basic conditions - hygiene and nutrition - to the conditions that are essential for us to live and live in society - education, values and the transmission of knowledge.
The mother and father will take this role very seriously, because we're talking about a being that was born inside its mother's tummy and has an unbreakable bond with its parents. There is great responsibility on the part of the parents, as a baby has been born who will depend on them. But we can't forget the feeling and how this phase of life will change the way you see things and everything will be centred around your little one. Family and the way we build it will always be part of who starts and sees their children grow and develop.
Well, speaking of development, as the baby grows, it will need different things, it will provide new experiences for the parents and with that comes the departure from certain actions that only mum or dad could do or provide.
Today, we wanted to explore the subject of the baby's transition from breast to bottle. For weeks and months, the mother lives in symbiosis with the baby - after all, it is the mother who provides the milk that contains all the nutrients necessary for the baby's growth and development. In addition to this change for the baby, the mum will also feel some sadness and the feeling that her baby won't depend on her in the same way as when she had to be available for feeding time. Your little one will still need to be fed, but it won't be in the same way.
In this way, we can consider that there will be yet another change, and that it should be done carefully and with time for the baby and mum to adapt. The questions associated with this topic will always be doubts about whether this process will go well and how the baby will react.
We turned to our research to understand a little more about this significant change for both baby and mother. Firstly, we had to realise that there are two ways of making the transition from breast to bottle. The transition can be made through mixed feeding - breast and bottle - or just making the transition from breast to bottle - the baby is fed 100% by bottle.
One thing to bear in mind is that it can take several weeks to prepare your baby. The little one may find it difficult to get used to and may even refuse the rubber teat of the bottle because it has a completely different texture, smell and temperature to the breast.
.jpg)
On the other hand, the mother will also have time to get used to this new stage in the maternal relationship. It will be a sensitive phase for both of them, and patience and affection are the essential ingredients for getting through it and accepting it in the best possible way.
We realise that it's very important to talk about, because this transition isn't something that happens quickly and is barely felt. There may be babies who feel little difference, while others will find it very difficult to accept. Whether the period is shorter or lasts weeks, it must be given extreme importance, so that we are always attentive and aware of the durability of this process.
The arrival of the bottle is considered the second separation between mother and child. Firstly, the umbilical cord is cut and secondly, the milk cord is cut. It really is a very important and delicate step for the baby's emotional development. The seemingly fused relationship of breastfeeding is difficult to break, as it allows you to extend the relationship of pregnancy and the feeling, for the baby, of having complete control. What's more, we mustn't forget that the baby leaves the comfort and habit of the breast for a rubber or silicone teat. These characteristics lead to a process of relearning how to suckle, feed and burp away from mum's arms.
All these changes will disrupt the little one's daily routine, which has been set since birth. For the mother, the arrival of the bottle will be a change in her daily routine and a period of adaptation in terms of her milk production, preventing her breasts from developing mastitis or becoming sore. It will be a time of great adaptation.
All this information about the transition process leaves us wondering: when is the best time to make the transition? The reality is that there isn't really a definite answer, as the ideal moment will be defined by the parents and will depend on each case. So, whether to choose a partial or total transition to the bottle, it's up to the parents to decide which is best. A very common example is the fact that the mother may be taking medication that isn't compatible with breastfeeding or is finishing her leave and has to return to work.
These decisions and even all the preparation for the transition from milk to bottle with baby milk should be made as far in advance as possible, so that the whole process is better thought out and carried out. Going back to the example of the mother returning to work, an ideal period would be a fifteen days before starting to show the bottle so that both have enough time to adapt to the new routine.
However, we're forgetting one huge detail - what is the role of the father? The father's role is essential, as he represents independence and openness to the world. He can facilitate this physical and symbolic separation between mum and child. He can take on a role as a third party between the two of them, and can balance out this mother-baby relationship that can start to feel too exclusive. The father will also play a moderating role, accompanying and supporting the whole family so that this moment is spent in the best possible way.
It's clear that this transition is something that babies may not accept or have difficulty adapting to. Therefore, the key to making this process as smooth as possible is to do it gradually and slowly. It's important to explain to your little one what's going to happen (even if it seems strange), giving small examples such as "starting to eat like grown-up children" and insisting on the idea that even though they no longer feed from the breast, mum will always be by their side - always keeping the safety and comfort factor in mind, even if they start to choose the bottle.
We can highlight three important points that we find interesting when analysing our research related to this transition from breast to bottle:
- How should we proceed? - for a few days we can start by replacing the breast with a bottle for smaller meals (the ideal would be with breast milk); then we can increase the number of meals with the bottle and we can continue breastfeeding during the night - which is beneficial as it is nutritious and keeps our baby and mum calm and relaxed for their night's sleep; then we can introduce the substitution of breast milk for infant formula in the bottle - always taking into account the recommendation of your paediatrician or health professional - alternating between breast and bottle at mealtimes; mixed feeding (breast and bottle) turns out to be a great way to make this transition smoothly and with a high probability of success;
- If the baby refuses to drink through the teat, we should look at another model and test other ways that are more comfortable and work better for the baby; if the baby continues to have difficulties and continues to cry because he wants to suckle - this is perfectly normal! - we can ask the father or someone else to feed the baby, as the smell of the mother may be a factor that is bothering and limiting this transition; in an even more difficult transition situation, we can take a step back and go back to only breastfeeding for a few days and then try to make this transition again;
- It's a difficult process for both mother and baby, so we can always turn to our doctor, nurse or a health professional who can help us through advice.
One important thing we realised is that when you start making this gradual transition to the bottle, you don't need to take medication to stop milk production.
With the information related to this topic that we have collected and analysed, we have been able to see an example of what a transition to a bottle might look like during the 15 days indicated above:
- For the first 3-4 days, we can replace the afternoon feed with a bottle of breast milk;
- In the following 3 to 4 days, after replacing the afternoon feeding, we can also add a bottle in the middle of the morning, this time using formula adapted for our baby - always on the advice of our doctor or our little one's paediatrician;
- In the next 3 to 4 days, we add lunchtime to the bottle feeds - so we're already using bottles mid-morning, lunch and mid-afternoon;
- In the next few days, we can introduce the substitution of the breast for the bottle in the first and last meals of the day, being included in the meals already with the bottle - mid-morning, lunch and mid-afternoon; this phase will depend on whether or not we want to continue with any meals that are made by the breast, even if you have already returned to work.
One thing we want to emphasise is that this situation is just an example. We know that every baby is different and this means that we always have to adapt according to their needs and how they react to this transition.
When we choose a particular model, we have to bear in mind that there can always be a change of plan, a step backwards or a step forwards. It's all a question of seeing how the process goes, whether the baby feels comfortable and begins to accept the small changes, and whether the mother feels good about the process she's going through. Try to create a balance between all these aspects.
A fundamental point to emphasise is that it is advisable to plan this transition in advance. It's essential to have this plan, even if it may be changed in some way, so that we have our adaptation period and greater peace of mind in making any necessary changes. What's more, in emotional terms it can be extremely challenging for both of us, as the relationship between baby and mum undergoes yet another change, in this case yet another break in their bond. It's strange and there's a sense of insecurity for the little one and a mixture of emotions for the mum who was used to her baby depending on her for food.
Today we bring you another topic of great importance. The relationship between mum and baby is very strong and is subject to the little one's development and growing independence. In addition, these changes bring the possibility of other people, besides the mother, to develop a deeper relationship with the baby - the example of the father, who allows there to be another form and figure of security, addressing this case of a change in feeding. It's another phase in the baby's growth and development, so there needs to be peace of mind and planning so that it goes as smoothly as possible. In a less positive scenario and with greater difficulties, we should always turn to our paediatrician or doctor, who will be able to give us more appropriate and specific advice.
Above all, we want this phase to go well and convey the idea that there will always be an alternative to get to the point we want, a successful transition in which baby and mum are comfortable.
We know it's not an easy process. So, with the aim of providing some help, we wanted to share this information so that we can learn more about this phase. However, it's always best to consult your paediatrician or health professional if you have any doubts.
What about you? How did this transition go? What were the main difficulties? Did your baby react well to the bottle? Mums out there, how did you react to this new stage in your little one's growth and development? We want to know your opinion.
