Problems accepting a bottle

[geekoid36]

I've exclusively breastfed my daughter for 5 months. I've been trying to introduce a bottle for over a month now but she just chews the teat. She seems happy enough when milk comes out so she isn't angrily rejecting it. She just happily sits and chews it smiling at me....like she just doesn't realise she needs to suck. I've tried all sorts of bottles but she just does the same with them all.
Has anyone been in the same position and have any advice. I'm happy to have fed her for this long but wanted to move to bottles by 6 months.
Would really really appreciate any advice. Do I just give up and accept feeding her? Do I refuse to feed her and just keep trying the bottle all day / night until she eventually sucks?
I'd find it easier if she was angrily rejecting it because she wants mummy but she just plays with the teats. People have suggested a trainer cup but it's the same issue that she won't suck it. We've tried pouring it in her mouth from a cup (which we have done but only for a couple of ounces as gulping it doing this seems to make her reflux worse)and she doesn't mind this so I'm convinced she'd be happy having a bottle if shed only work out how to get the milk from it.
Would really appreciate advice from anyone who has been through this.

[*Ali*]

I definitely would not refuse to feed her. That can lead to dehydration which is obviously very dangerous. It is really an outdated practice which is not recommended nowadays.
So many mothers here have been in your position. Personally I chose to just continue exclusively BFing but some don't have that choice if for example they are returning to work or they just don't want to feed any longer.
Check out our FAQ and see what approach you think you would prefer.
Breastfed babies and bottles

[*happy*]

Have you tried the haberman bottle?no BTDT with it
myself(i use MAM bottles-DD wouldnt take any other)
but i saw a BW programme recently where tracy was
 recommending it.

[geekoid36]

Thank you for advice. I'll try the haberman bottle.. Fingers crossed. Will  post an update with progress in case this post helps anyone else

[michaeljacknnugg]

We tried the haberman and tbh it was really messy and not easy to take out and about! If you can get hold of one without much expense it might be worth a try, but in the end it wasn't worth it for us.

What did work, at around 8 months, was a soft-spouted sippy that had a similar action to breastfeeding. Ours was from Boots and unfortunately they no longer make them, otherwise I'd link. It had a removable valve in the bottom and a bigger spout than most cups. Might be worth a look?

[malenka]

I finally got my 7 month old DD to take a bottle. It might be because she's on solids now and is interested in feeding herself, or it might be the bottle. It's the Adiri NxGen Nurser, and the whole top portion is a silicone nipple and it mimics the breast very well. I use the newborn teat, but that's just because that's what I had bought way back when and since it works for her, I'm sticking with it. They have different flow levels though. Here's a link in case you're interested http://reliabrand.com/products/adiri-nxgen-nurser/adiri-nxgen-slow-flow

[geekoid36]

Thank you for the help and advice.
I'm just posting to say we've had success! I'm so happy!
After over a month of trying in the end it was nuk bottles with milk really warmed up and teats warmed up too that seemed to do the trick. I really thought she would never have a bottle, and just wanted to share this in case it helps anyone else.

[*Ali*]

Yay, what great news. Thanks is for the update

[malenka]

That's great!

[*happy*]

Great news!

[michaeljacknnugg]

Fabulous, so pleased for you!