Important Breastfeeding Tool for Your Newborn

Many newborn babies are what we call lazy nursers. They have a weak suck or fall asleep at the breast rather than actively nursing for a full feeding. This is especially true of preemies and babies who weigh less than 7 lbs at birth. Worried new parents often decide to give a bottle because of concern about slow weight gain or fear that baby is not getting enough. Unfortunately traditional bottles can often make the problem worse and sabotage successful breastfeeding.

Many new breastfeeding moms find themselves using a bottle for one reason or another. It can be a great way to let mom get some sleep while your partner has some bonding time with the baby. The only problem is that bottles function in an entirely different way than the breast. Baby only has to give a few small sucks and milk flows freely so that all baby has to do is swallow. The position and action of babies tongue is also completely different with the bottle than the breast. This can cause some confusion for baby and can ultimately lead to baby rejecting the breast or milk supply problems due to an improper latch and sucking technique.

I frequently recommend to my breastfeeding clients that they use Medela Haberman Feeders for the first four weeks of breastfeeding. These bottles are actually made for babies that have a cleft palate. It has a longer teat type nipple with a slit-valve in the mouthpiece that opens only when baby sucks. The flow of milk is determined by babies sucking and position of the teat in baby's mouth just like when your baby is breastfeeding. There is absolutely no back flow in these bottle so no air for baby to swallow. These are a little pricey but I believe worth it for moms who are serious about breastfeeding, have babies with a weak suck or babies with reflux. They also make a mini size one for premature babies. Feedings with the Haberman Feeder will take longer than with a traditional bottle because baby has to actively suck for milk to be released.

I have also used the Haberman Feeder bottle to transition babies who have developed nipple confusion back to successful breast feeding. The action of the nipple on this special feeder most closely mimics the action of breastfeeding. You can purchase these bottles online. You may also be able to find them at your local lactation center.