any suggestions?

[mommy2E1]

So i posted this about two weeks ago but i really need help im desperate! So my son is almost 4 months, around 2months he started taking the bottle but at night iWould  breastfeed him. Then he stoped taking the bottle but I've still been trying everything! I have tried several different nipples, formulas, everything. And iReally needa go back to work and im stuck i cant do anything. Ive tried half and half like my milk and formula idk whats wrong with him he's just being stubborn with me!! :( any suggestions? Please and thanks

[nola0805]

I don't suggest just letting him cry it out, but I will reassure you that he will eventually figure it out.  I went through the same thing with my son - it turned out that he had a really high palate (roof of the mouth), which made it harder for him to get the normal suck reflex from a bottle nipple and then I made things worse by trying a million different nipples - this just confused him more. This may not be the case at all for your son - as many babies simply prefer breastfeeding.

I recommend picking one nipple and stick with that one - the ones that worked the best for me was the Nuk orthodontic nipple with a wide base. Also giving him a pacifier might help him practice that type of sucking (this is what the Speech therapist recommended to us) - and it did help.  

You should not be the one giving him the bottle - when he knows you are near he will want to breastfeed.  When you are gone, then someone should work with him with the bottle - it will take time but he will eventually figure it out - all babies do. He may be unhappy for the first few days/weeks but he will figure it out. During this time, he will likely feed more at night - this is called reverse cycling.  My son did this - I just had him sleep with me and it was fine.  Also make sure to nurse him before you leave for work and as soon as you get home.  Who will be watching him? If it is a daycare, they have likely experienced this before and can help.

Also please know that he is not just being stubborn - he is confused and prefers the breast - all normal for a tine 4 month old.

When you are at work - the person caring for him can also try to spoon or cup feed him to at least get some milk into him.  

Good luck - I know how stressful this is.

[KDQ]

My mom was told by her doctor to let my brothet cry it out. It only took one night and he got the point. It takes strengh not to run to him especially after hes been crying a long time but it may only take one night. Check with your doctor to see what s/he thinks first though because your baby is still young.