Let's Breastfeed

Too early for a bottle on day 4?

Dear Geraldine,

You have helped several of my NCT friends and now I am in need of your expertise. My baby is 4 days old and is not breastfeeding at all. The midwives are concerned about her and have suggested giving her a bottle of milk instead of breastfeeds until she is stronger. I am worried that she will not go back onto the breast if I do this, but we are also worried that she is not getting any food. Please help.

Genna White

Hi Genna,

There are many reasons why a baby won’t feed in the early days but I have to agree with your midwife that if your baby is not feeding well enough to be producing poos and wees, you will need to offer her a bottle. Use the Born Free bottles or Dr Browns if you can, as these are least likely to interfere with breastfeeding.

Keep pumping both both breasts every 3 hours to ensure that you protect your milk supply. In a few days time, you can offer some expressed milk before breastfeeding, as this will give your little one energy for a feed and take the edge off her hunger, making it easier for you both to get on with a focussed session.

Have a look at the Let’s Breastfeed Guide, it has a ton of practical solutions to suit most problems, including your very situation. Come and see me in the Twickenham practice if you are able to, as you may both need a little help with positioning and attachment.

Lastly, please don’t worry and think that you are the only one who is experiencing this sort of thing, I can assure you that many first time moms need to offer baby a supplement in the early days to ensure breastfeeding works long term. Don’t beat yourself over your head with a stick, you are doing a good thing and most of the time it is just a little blip – don’t give up just yet!

Look after yourself and get in touch when you can for further guidance.

Kind regards,
Geraldine

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