Paced Bottle Feeding

There are so many different ways to feed your baby and so many opinions on each method. As doulas, we aren’t here to tell you which decision is best for you. We are here to give you the information that we have and talk you through making a decision that works best for your family. While in-person support is the best way to troubleshoot different options regarding pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, this blog can be used as a resource! This week we are going to talk about the benefits of paced bottle feeding.

What is paced bottle feeding?

Paced bottle feeding is a feeding method that allows your baby to control the flow of milk that they are receiving while also having to work to “pull” milk into their mouths, similar to breastfeeding! Keep reading to learn all the benefits of this feeding method!

How to paced feed

This feeding method will become second nature once practiced a couple of times. Follow the steps below! Should you need additional information, please watch it here!

• Use a wide, slow flow nipple
• Prop your baby, so they are upright and only slightly reclined
• move the bottle nipple around the upper lip until the baby is interested and opening their mouth
• place the nipple on the babies lips and wait for them to pull the nipple into their mouth
• once they have pulled the nipple into their mouth, make sure that the nipple is only half full and that the bottle isn’t tilted upright but rather flat
• your baby may take a break on their own after 4-6 sucks if they don’t remove the nipple and allow them to swallow and give them a quick break.
• remember to burp accordingly between
• repeat steps until they are done

What are the benefits of paced bottle feeding?

Paced bottle-feeding can be great for breastfeeding parents who would like to bottle feed as well. Because normal bottle feeding is minimal work for babies, they can begin only to want to bottle feed after introducing a bottle. Paced bottle-feeding ensures that your baby still has to work while taking a bottle and makes it more likely for your baby to switch back and forth between feeding methods. When your baby pace bottle feeds, they control the flow of milk and eat slower, which helps with gas. The upright position that accompanies pace bottle feeding also helps keep gas away as well. This method also helps babies avoid choking.

Final notes..

Paced bottle-feeding can be extremely helpful for any baby who bottle feeds regardless of if bottle feeding is a primary or secondary feeding method. Please note that it can take your baby a couple of times to adjust; consistency is key! I hope you like pace feeding just as much as we do! For more helpful tips on all things pregnancy, birth, baby, and postpartum, please check out our other weekly blog.