P.S. asks from Wilmington, DE on April 23, 2008
9 Week Old Will Not Take a Bottle
Hello. I am returning to work in a few weeks and my 9 week old refuses to take a bottle. My husband and I have been trying since 3 weeks. There was a 2 week period that she took the bottle from my husband but then all of a sudden it's like she forgot how to take a bottle. She refuses it from me (which I expected). I am getting so stressed with anxiety that I do not know what to do. My daughter will be going to my mom's but I do not want her screaming for hours and missing feedings and having to leave work to go and feed her (not to mention that I work an hour away). Any advice is greatly appreciated. I am desperate!
More Answers
D.P. answers from Pittsburgh on April 23, 2008
Yes--maybe try different bottles/nipples until you find one she likes. My son was exclusively formula fed and I tried TONS of different bottles--all the bells & whistles. Guess which he liked best? The basic Gerber bottles/nipples. Don't get too stressed out. She will pick up on your anxiety. Good luck!
L.F. answers from Philadelphia on April 24, 2008
Hey P., I went through this with my twins when I returned to work. and again with my 15 month old too. Unfortunately they never really got it together with a bottle. Are you trying at least one bottle a day. does it have formula or breastmilk in it? supposedly, if they are hungry enough, they will take it. My boys would eventually take a few ounces at each feeding but my mom would have to fight with them to take it. I tried a whole bunch of different nipples too and found one that they would "tolerate" its true that babies won't starve themselves...but they can sure stress out a whole lot of people in the process of trying to give them a bottle. I suggest that you keep trying different bottles at least once a day and definitely get someone else to give it to her if possible. good luck!
F.V. answers from Lancaster on April 23, 2008
Has she been tested for acid reflux? Also, after having a similar issue, I tried VentAire bottles by playtex to work wonders (as well as gas drops).
Good luck
Chris
S.P. answers from Buffalo on April 24, 2008
My guy never took a bottle well, but the few times we got him to take one he took Playtex nipples w/the drop-ins. They do seem closer to real nipples so that may be why. Just experiment! I have over a dozen bottles my ds wouldn't take!
S.P. answers from Philadelphia on April 24, 2008
Hi P.
Maybe you could do a trial by leaving her with your Mom for a few hours to see how she does when you aren't anywhere near her. I know several Mom's who swear their babies know if they are anywhere nearby and won't take the bottle. Maybe if it's just her, Grand Mom and the bottle it'll go a little better for her.
Good Luck
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