Expressed breast milk
Many mothers think that using a bottle via a nipple is the only medium for giving expressed breast milk to babies. In fact, there are many mediums for providing expressed breast milk other than pacifiers that can increase the chances of successful exclusive breastfeeding. There are times when mothers cannot breastfeed their babies directly, either because of breast problems or because they are not always with the baby. In this condition, breastfeeding mothers can continue to provide breast milk by expressing and storing the breast milk to give to the baby later.
Expressed breast milk is most often given via a teat bottle. However, using a bottle with a nipple too often when giving breast milk can make it difficult for the baby to breastfeed. Therefore, there are several alternatives to giving expressed breast milk other than a pacifier that mothers can choose from and are easy to obtain.
Some of the disadvantages of using expressed breast milk with a teat bottle:
- Risk of nipple confusion.
Babies are born with a natural reflex to suck on the mother’s nipple to get breast milk. Optimal breast emptying occurs through good latching and sucking ability. This natural reflex can be disturbed by giving expressed breast milk through a medium that resembles a nipple, namely a pacifier, so that the baby is at risk of experiencing nipple confusion. This occurs when a baby who is used to sucking on a pacifier or pacifier has difficulty sucking from the mother’s breast. - The baby has difficulty attaching his mouth to the mother’s nipple.
When a baby suckles at the breast, the baby must open its mouth wide to get a good latch. Meanwhile, if you use a pacifier, expressed breast milk can flow easily without needing to open your mouth wide. As a result, when breastfeeding, the baby has difficulty attaching his mouth to the nipple. This can make the mother’s nipples sore or feel uncomfortable when breastfeeding because the baby’s mouth is not latching well enough. - The baby has difficulty sucking the mother’s nipple.
Sucking on a pacifier is different from sucking on a breast. The pacifier has a constant flow, so that without having to bother sucking, the expressed breast milk in the pacifier comes out easily. This is different from breasts, where to express milk, the baby needs to try to suck harder. Using expressed breast milk via a teat can damage the baby’s natural sucking pattern. As a result, the baby is not optimal in getting breast milk or emptying the breast. Because the breasts are not empty optimally, milk production gradually decreases, thereby reducing the chances of success of exclusive breastfeeding. - The baby refuses to breastfeed directly from the mother’s breast.
Using a teat bottle as a medium for giving expressed breast milk can make your baby drink more than he needs. When offered the breast, the baby may be frustrated because the flow is not like a bottle with a nipple or he does not get as much expressed breast milk as when drinking using a nipple. As a result, the baby may be fussy when breastfeeding directly.
Media for Giving Expressed Breast Milk to Babies
Apart from teat bottles, the following are several media for giving expressed breast milk to babies:
- Spoon
Giving expressed breast milk using a spoon is suitable for babies whose breast milk needs are still small. Spoon-feeding breast milk should be done slowly to avoid spilling and putting the baby at risk of choking. - Pipette
Pipettes are usually used to administer medicine, but pipettes can also be used as a medium for administering expressed breast milk. On the pipette, there is a dosage indicator in milliliters. The way to use a pipette is to spray expressed breast milk through the mouth slowly on the inside of the baby’s cheek, not the throat, then let the baby swallow. - Cup feeders
A cup feeder is a special glass designed to provide expressed breast milk. Usually cup feeders are made of safe plastic. On the cup feeder there is a dosage indicator in milliliters. Using a cup feeder as a medium for giving expressed breast milk has many advantages. Breastfeeding with this device can help babies learn to practice sucking and swallowing coordination because babies taste their own expressed breast milk in the cup feeder. Apart from that, babies can control themselves how much expressed breast milk enters their mouth. Not only for healthy babies, cup feeders can also be used for premature babies. - Shot glass
Shot glasses are small and made of glass. This cup is easy to get and has the same function as a cup feeder. Using glasses does not affect the baby’s sucking ability and pattern, so the baby avoids nipple confusion. However, when using this glass, make sure the glass is strong and does not crack or break. Using a broken or cracked shot glass can injure the baby’s lips and mouth while breastfeeding. - Syringe
The syringe is shaped like a syringe, but without a needle. It is quite easy to use, namely by spraying breast milk through the mouth slowly on the inside of the baby’s cheek or tongue, then let the baby swallow.
To achieve successful exclusive breastfeeding, choose a medium for giving expressed breast milk in the form of a cup feeder, shot glass, spoon, pipette or syringe according to suitability for the baby. The medium of giving expressed breast milk via a teat bottle, apart from causing nipple confusion, can also increase the risk of choking, cavities, ear infections, and drinking more than needed. If the baby is already confused about nipples but the mother still wants to provide exclusive breast milk, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor and midwife or a lactation consultant.
