bottle feeding breast milk

[ginger1313jaycar13]

I'm a ftm and I plan to breast feed but I will eventually have to return to work. I plan to pump so my baby can receive breast milk while I am away. My concern us that when I stay him on the bottle he won't want to feed from my breast anymore when I am there. When is the best time to start this and is there a way to get him to do both bottle and breast as I would like? Any input appreciated :)

[smcdsmcd]

I asked this question this past week at a Leche breastfeeding class.  Their suggestion was the following: exclusively breastfeed for 4-6 weeks if possible.  This allows u both to get the hang of it and become quick and efficient.   Begin introducing a bottle a couple of weeks before u need to return to work. Pump then put milk in bottle and feed. Store extra in the freezer for up to 6 mo for later use. At work u will basically pump when baby would b eating so ur breasts will continue to make enough.  They said often ur breasts will adjust. .. for example if u have to work and pump 4 days per week, many women can still breastfeed the other 3 days. Hope this helps!!! I'm planning on the same however not until he's 4 mo old, so I'm going to exclusively bf for 3 mo, Then begin introducing a bottle.  I'm new to this tho, so we'll see how it goes!

[ginger1313jaycar13]

Thank you so much that was extremely helpful :)

[Mrsjenny_]

Introduce a bottle at around 3 weeks and start with only one feeding a day. It's best to have someone other them yourself and possible not be there for the feeding because baby can smell you and may risit and want you instead of the bottle. Try that for a few days and then nurse all the other feedings during the day. You can try to do more feedings through out the day once you feel comfortable. But this is what we did with my son when he was at tha babysitters he got a bottle and when he was home it was only from my breast. Also don't expect the nights to go way either. That's the best time for them to nurse because that's when you make the most milk :) hope this helps!

[ginger1313jaycar13]

*My concern is that when I put him on the bottle*