Some mothers shared that eventually when the baby’s hunger is too big, they will take the bottle. Of course this is not the ideal way to introduce the bottle, but it does get the job done.
We have a few other suggestions to try as well:
Supplement slowly
If possible use a breast pump and fill the bottle that best suits your baby with your breastmilk. If you have no problem breastfeeding, switch to the bottle slowly. It is recommended to start with pumping and once the baby gets used to the bottle filled with breastmilk, switching to a formula should be no problem.
Skin-to-skin contact
When baby is breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact is natural. If possible, have the caregiver trying to feed the bottle hold the baby without their shirt on and baby directly against the caregiver's stomach.
Another trick is to have the caregiver wrap baby in a shirt or clothes that mom has worn. This way mom's scent is near during the feeding time, even if mom is not around.
Positioning
Positioning can make a huge difference in how much milk is released from the bottle. Since milk doesn't release as fast from mom as it can from the bottle, keeping the baby upright is key.
With baby sitting upright (perhaps skin-to-skin with caregiver), hold the bottle horizontally with a slight tip to allow milk fully into the nipple. This lets baby control the flow, and not gravity.
Encourage Latching
Latching is something babies are used to, so shoving a bottle into their mouth might feel strange. Instead, wiggle the nipple around their lips a little so they start to get the taste of the milk. Then take the nipple from above their mouth and near their nose and slowly move it to their lips. This will allow baby to take the lead and latch on.
Timing
Timing can be used in your favor. Wait for hunger cues from baby instead of following a clock. And if baby is already past hungry to the sign of irritation, it might be best to try when baby is calmer.
Some moms use the sleepy-time trick. Wait for baby to be super drowsy and about to fall asleep and then try to give the bottle. or try it at the end of the nap when baby is slowly waking up.