Advice re giving just an occasional bottle so I can go out!

[Sprogstersmum]

Is it going to be possible to give DD a bottle just occasionally? Would like to be able to leave a bottle so I can go out but don't want to give her a bottle on a regular basis and am also worried that if she gets used to a bottle she might reject breast feeding. Was thinking of maybe just giving her a bottle a couple of times a week so that on the rare occasions I need to leave her she'll feed while I'm out. Have a family meal out coming up which is for a big occasion and my parents would be v upset if I don't go but not suitable to take DD. Has anyone managed this?

How old is your dd?

I'm BF my boy (he's now 17 weeks) & have been giving him bottles once in a while, on a regular basis though, since he was 5 weeks. He never seemed to have problems with them- in fact, he usually prefers BF. He's gone through phases when he doesn't want bottles, and other times when he takes them happily. If your daughter is more than 4-6 weeks old, I wouldn't leave it too much longer because the opposite may happen, she may reject the bottle altogether (or find it very difficult to get used to it). Anyway, just my opinion, I know others think bottles are the devil's work, but I simply disagree, especially since we nursing mothers need to have a life outside of feeding as well

Yes, all 3 of mine have had the occasional bottle of either ebm (usually) or formula if we go out.

They never rejected the breast or anything after; more of an issue was to get them to take a teat. Ds2 was the least happy of the three to take a teat, so we used a cup for him instead. As someone else said, if you're planning to do this don't leave it too late!

Oh and you'll need to make sure you either have a pump or know how to hand express to relieve any build up!

seems to be the norm among bfers i know - after 4-6 weeks once feeding/your supply are established.
My baby has had bottles of ebm since 3 1/2 weeks and some formula since 6 weeks, on average every day or two, partly so he doesn't forget how to drink from a bottle. One friend gave a few bottles at 5 weeks but then didn't again until 11 weeks and her baby won't take a bottle now.

After a month or so I tried to give a bottle (ebm at first but now usually formula) once a week. At first I expressed when I missed a feed so that I was still in synch with dd but now jsut miss the feed (at 7 months).

It's great to have some freedom and giving a bottle has helped me to continue bf

After a month or so I tried to give a bottle (ebm at first but now usually formula) once a week. At first I expressed when I missed a feed so that I was still in synch with dd but now jsut miss the feed (at 7 months).

It's great to have some freedom and giving a bottle has helped me to continue bf

Thanks for advice. DD2 is 6 weeks. Am planning to give formula rather than ebm as found expressing a complete faff with DD1 - took me 4 days of expressing to get enough for one feed and then she'd reject it and it would end up down the sink! DD1 never keen on a bottle but was only ever offered one v occasionally so am thinking if I offer it a bit more often it might work out better. DD2 much keener feeder than DD1 anyrate so might be less fussy!

Some people are quite precious about not giving formula but I think as long as they are getting fed then that's the most important thing.

Enjoy having a bit of freedom and good luck with bf