How to get a breast fed baby to take a bottle?

[Tiggly]

Hi,
I have been exclusively breast feeding for 8 weeks but as dd has severe colic it would be good if my dh could participate in feeding but dd will not take to the bottle. We have had a number of attempts but dd will only chew the teat. We have tried changing the teat size and I have left the room so she cannot smell my milk but what else can we try? Dd is also only occasionally successful with a soother at times. Any help or advice would be appreciated!
many thanks

[kimberlina]

Which bottle/teats have you tried? My DD will take a Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature, but I have heard that 'Breastflow' teats are good. The problem is it can get pricey if you keep trying new bottles with no success.

Would she take a sippy cup rather than a bottle to get her used to taking milk from someone other than you?

My DH had to kind of squirt the milk into her mouth from the teat the first time until she figured that milk would come out of it. You could try dipping the teat in milk as well.

Or how about you leaving the house for 20 mins or so whilst your husband tries. Not long enough for her to get really upset, but you might be less likely to 'cave in' too early. I assume he's warming the milk to body temp.

Ooh and its worth checking that your DH is pushing the teat right into her mouth so she can latch on a bit like on the breast. My DH thought that just the very tip of the teat should be between her lips - I got him to have a close look of how wide her mouth is when latched onto the boob and he was surprised.

Having said all that DD was pretty good so hopefully someone else who has struggled will be along soon.

[crazybutterflylady]

My DD is 5 weeks old and I have similar issues. I tried a bottle on Tuesday this week which she took but that night completely refused the breast. I was a wreck. I have only just got her back happily onto breast and am nervous about trying a bottle again. I have ordered a breastflow from amazon and will try it in a week or so when I am feeling brave.

I am considering just not bothering again as it was really upsetting when she wouldn't feed from me, like I had wasted the last 5 weeks' work...but now I know I can get her back to the breast ok, I am hoping I won't panic so much if it happens again. I thought I would warn you in case you have a similar problem...! I've heard a lot of praise for the Bf bottles so maybe give them a go? Good luck!

[crazybutterflylady]

...oh and meant to say I agree with kimberlina - have read a few times that you shouldn't be near when DH is feeding since LO will be able to sense/smell you and will want the breast. Tough I know but the walk and peace might do you good!

[watto1]

I found that breastfeeding for just a couple of minutes and then slipping him the bottle worked.