Go to home page - Ministry of HealthWhats New - Ministry of HealthPublications - Ministry of HealthForums - Ministry of HealthLinks - Ministry of HealthContact - Ministry of HealthAbout - Ministry of HealthSearch - Ministry of HealthSkip Navigation
Print this  Email this
<h1>Breastfeeding - www.breastfeeding.org.nz</h1>

Bottlefeeding


See also:

People say it’s easier to bottle-feed than breastfeed, is that true?


Some people have the idea that bottle-feeding is easier than breastfeeding but a number of studies and stories from mothers indicate that this is not necessarily the case.

Sometimes it seems harder to breastfeed because women find it hard to get the help they need in the first few weeks when establishing breastfeeding.

It is easier to breastfeed once a woman receives help if needed, starts to feel comfortable with her breastfeeding and adjusts to being a breastfeeding mother. This is because breastfeeding needs much less equipment than bottle-feeding unless you have some indication for needing a breast pump, in which case this requires juggling a certain amount of pump parts and sterilizing equipment.

Breastfeeding provides breastmilk which is exactly right for the baby, needs no preparation, warming or sterilizing and is given to the baby only by the mother, making sure that this is a special time between mother and baby where the mother rests, relaxes and enjoys this special time of intimacy.

Because the components in breastmilk are easily digested and gentle on the baby's system the baby is not likely to have any gut problems and will be more settled than a baby trying to get used to the foreign proteins and composition of infant formula.

Is it ok to give my baby a bottle at night?


Sometimes fathers think that giving the baby a bottle of breastmilk is the most satisfying and important part of baby care they can be involved with.

Introducing a bottle, even with breastmilk in it, can interrupt the breastfeeding process when a mother and baby are adjusting and sorting out the balance of milk supply and baby appetite.

In the middle of the night it’s easier to just pick the baby up and breastfeed rather than spend time making up and warming bottles so a breastfeeding woman may end up getting more sleep than a woman who bottle-feeds.

The hormones of breastfeeding also help the woman relax and feel rested and return to sleep easily.

Staying close to the baby means that the baby is less unsettled, it’s easier to breastfeed and everyone gets more sleep.

More information is provided in this article written by a professor of Anthropology James McKenna who is also a sleep specialist and researcher - Rethinking "Healthy" Infant Sleep.

How can I get baby to take a bottle?


If at any stage a mother needs information about bottle feeding, or using infant formula, they should ask their health worker. Mothers and families should be given information to make an informed decision about feeding their infant, with appropriate advice and support. Mothers should be given detailed information and advice no matter what feeding method is used.

If mothers find it difficult to ask for support and advice, or to talk to their health worker, then they should try and have someone with them when they visit, or write a list of questions. Mothers can call 0800 611 116 for more information, or if their health worker is not available.

Remember when bottle feeding, a baby needs time for sucking, looking at and listening to it's mother, and skin-to-skin contact.

Mothers should hold their baby while feeding to:

  • stop choking
  • keep the bottle at the correct angle to prevent ear infections
  • give the love and cuddles that your baby needs.

Can I give my baby water in a bottle? / Is there anything wrong with giving my baby “milo” in a bottle?


Best drinks for babies are:

  • breast milk (or formula, if breast milk unavailable) from 0–6 months
  • breast milk (or formula) and water from 7–12 months
  • breast milk, whole cows’ milk and water from 1–2 years.

Breastfed babies do not need anything but breastmilk for the first six months.
For formula fed babies it is different. If baby is hungry and demands more, give more to drink at each feed or add an extra feed. They may need boiled, cooled water as well as formula.
Website feedback
We welcome your feedback on this page.

Page last reviewed: 31 July 2008


Privacy | Copyright | Disclaimer | About Us | Access Keys | Feedback | Contact Us | Employment | newzealand.govt.nz