According to Breastfeeding Basics, mothers may need to switch feeding their babies from breastfeeding to bottle feeding when they return to work. Although the change can be difficult, there are simple ways to ease the transition for mother and baby.
Pump Breastmilk
Try pumping your breastmilk. This way your baby will only have to adjust to drinking from the bottle, because the flavor of the milk will be the same. To keep your milk supply from drying up you will need to pump at least once during the day when you are at work. If you don't plan to breastfeed when you are home use your pump to collect milk. Store your milk in milk storage bags in a cool pack or refrigerator. Freeze it when you get home if you won't be using it within the next 24 hours.
Start Early
When you want to introduce a bottle nipple to your baby it is bet to start her feeding early. If you wait until she is hungry she will likely get frustrated. According to Babycenter.com, the nipple of a bottle requires different tongue movement than when breastfeeding, so it may take a little work for your baby to master the technique. In addition, your baby may not like that the nipple is cold and feels different from your nipple.
Have Dad Feed Baby
If you won't be feeding your baby breastmilk in her bottle have someone else do the feedings while she adjusts to the formula. If you are close by, your baby will smell your milk and may be less willing to tolerate the formula or work at learning how to drink from her bottle. According to Babycenter.com, a baby can smell breastmilk up to 20 feet away.
Choose Bottle Nipple Carefully
When you are looking for a bottle nipple, choose one that is similar to your baby's pacifier. You can also look for a nipple designed for breastfed babies. Let your baby play with the nipple ahead of time so she can chew it and familiarize herself with it before she has to drink from it.
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