Is bottle-feeding the right thing to do and how do you go about it? Su Laurent, author of Your Baby Month By Month, offers her view
If you have decided you would prefer not to breastfeed your baby or, for some reason, you have been unable to establish breastfeeding, see the list below for how to get started on bottle-feeding.
If you have had breastfeeding difficulties, you might first want to seek advice from your midwife or breastfeeding counsellor, who can offer help and advice. But if breastfeeding just hasn't worked out, don't feel guilty. It is better for your baby to have relaxed, happy parents who give bottles with love and care.
The good news is that formula milk is designed to be nutritionally as close as possible to breast milk, so your baby will still have a good start in life.
Bottle-feeding has the advantage of being something you can share, so you can have a break while dad or grandma takes a turn. The downside to bottle-feeding your baby is that you will have to be that bit more organised. Make sure you have bought everything you need - bottles, teats, and formula milk - and that you are fully equipped when you are out and about with your baby.
Getting started
Bacteria can multiply once the feed is mixed so make up each bottle as you need it, rather than keeping made-up formula in the fridge. If she hasn't finished the bottle, throw away any leftover formula after half an hour, to minimise the risk of tummy upsets.
- Add the correct amount of milk powder (the container will have full instructions) by using the scoop provided. Stick strictly to the correct amount of powder, as adding extra can lead to problems such as constipation
- Put the cap on the bottle, give it a thorough shake and add a teat
- You don't need to warm the bottle but if you want to, stand it in a jug of hot water for a few minutes, then test the temperature on the inside of your wrist (it should be around body heat). Microwaves aren't ideal for warming bottles as the intense heat can create hot spots that could scald your baby. If you do warm her milk in the microwave, give it a really good shake and then test the temperature carefully
- Tip the bottle so that milk fills the teat before you feed your baby so that she doesn't take in too much air
Why does the 'breast versus bottle' debate stir up such strong opinions?
Su Laurent: 'There's no doubt breast is best for most mums and babies but it's not right for all and, for a few, may actually be ill-advised. Mums have usually decided whether to breast or bottle feed long before they are pregnant and very few who are adamant bottle-feeders change their mind after birth. 'Those who want to breastfeed often find the first few days a real struggle, so if they are at all unsure about how it should be progressing they may give up quickly. The 'breast is best' brigade feel very strongly that all babies deserve the right to have breast milk and may frown upon women who don't even try or who give up quickly.'What is good in terms of mum's health is almost always going to be breastfeeding, but some women feel very strongly that it's not for them and as long as they don't live in a developing country, where bottle-feeding results in many babies dying unnecessarily from infectious diseases, it's their choice.'
Does sharing the bottle-feeding with friends and other relatives lessen or threaten that bond between mum and baby?
Su Laurent: 'Sharing bottle-feeding with dad can be great for enhancing dad's bond with the baby. Sharing with others is fine as long as the baby has enough one-to-one time with his parents to know who they are. Bottle-fed babies should be held in a similar position to breastfed babies and not prop fed or held at distance, in order to promote bonding.'
There are a whole range of bottles and teats out there, such as those for babies with colic which restrict the milk flow. They are expensive, but are they worth the money?
Su Laurent: 'There's no doubt that certain teats suit certain babies. If you have a very windy baby it's worth changing bottles and the best advice usually comes from friends and health visitors.'
Is it true that bottle-fed babies are more likely to be overweight?
Su Laurent: 'Over-fed babies can certainly become overweight so have your baby weighed from time to time and check she is growing along the centiles on her growth chart.'
Is there a link between child obesity and bottle-feeding?
Su Laurent: 'The evidence about whether bottle feeding causes obesity in later life is conflicting as many other factors are involved, such as the introduction of solids and how long the bottle feeding continues.'
Your Baby Month by Month by Su Laurent and Peter Reader, published by Dorling Kindersley, is available from www.dk.com from 2 August 2007