My daughter started out her life on a bottle, something I was determined to change. Once I got her to breast, I had absolutely no interest in giving her a bottle ever again if I didn’t have to. I took 3 months off of work originally, but after my daughter spent a month in the hospital, I felt I needed more time. There was no way I could go back so soon. I decided to take 3 more months off, unpaid. During that time I looked for a new job, and found one, part time that I felt like I could live with.
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So we started working on the bottle. And she hated it. As in completely refused it at first. I tried different bottles, different people feeding her, different times of the day, really hungry, not very hungry, sleepy, wide awake. What worked one day, she refused the next. She was nearing 6 months old when I started my new job, and although a part time job, my training required a few long days. My first day, she took 2 ounces over 11 hours. I was panicked. That week, I started fights with my husband. I cried. But she was fine. She nursed as soon as I got home, and numerous times throughout the night. Luckily I only had 3 long days. Over the next few months she rarely took more than an ounce while I was at work. I remember one day my husband sent me a video, of her playing with the bottle, and screeching happily at the top of her lungs, while she just chewed on it. I swear the kid thought it was hilarious.
Babies are smart. Sometimes smarter then we give them credit. Why would a baby want a bottle when the real thing is so much better? Perfect temperature every time, a warm snuggly body, and don’t forget the milk drunk that comes with it. Sometimes they would just rather wait.
It can be so frustrating when your baby won’t eat when you’re gone. It’s stressful, for you and your baby’s caregiver. But it will pass. We got her a straw sippy cup when she was around 8 months old. I wish we had gotten it sooner. The second I gave it to her, she sucked it down. I was shocked. She began taking 2, 3 and 4 ounces of milk while I was away. It was amazing. We used the Zoli Bot Cup (I haven’t been compensated to endorse this product; I just genuinely think it’s that great). I wish we had started her on it sooner. If you’re struggling with this same issue, try not to worry. Look into alternative feeing methods (syringe, cup, sippy cup). And most important, try not to let it stress you out!
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