How to Start a Bottle
If possible, start playing with an empty bottle in a low pressure environment like the changing table or play mat every day, 2 weeks before you start breast separation.
The lactating person should not be in the room. Some mights need to leave the house! The bottle feed should be set in a different location than where the baby normally breast feeds.
When baby is active and awake, position her upright. Gently tickle the bottle nipple to her top lip up-and down, NOT side-to-side. When she opens her mouth, put the nipple in so that her lips nearly touch the base of the nipple.
Keep the nipple halfway filled with milk. It should take your baby about 20-30 minutes to finish a bottle feeding. You will need to stop for breaks and burping. Babies swallow extra air with bottle feeds.
Stop right away if your baby is spitting up, coughing, or gagging. Your baby needs to be supervised for the ENTIRE feeding. Never prop a bottle during a feed.
