That just one bottle can have serious consequences for both the mother and baby? Unfortunately, it is very easy to give a breastfed baby "just one bottle" and the reasons for giving a bottle often show concern and compassion; e.g.,
- Letting the mother have a well deserved rest after a long delivery.
- Settling a hungry baby who is difficult to feed.
- Give the mother's sore nipples a rest.
But studies show that "just one bottle" can be harmful to both the mother and baby by
- Increasing the likelihood of serious allergy to cows' milk protein.
- Increasing the chance of bowel infection and diarrhea by changing the pH of the bowel. It may take up to a month to return to normal, safer levels.
- Causing nipple confusion--having difficulty latching to the breast.
- Affecting the delicate supply and demand balance.
- Increasing engorgement by not emptying the breasts.
- Decreasing the mother's confidence in her ability to feed her baby.
- Reducing the duration of breastfeeding.
References:
Vnuk, A. Breastfeed Rev II (8): 358, 1993.
Bullen, C.L. et al. The effects of humanized milks and supplemented breastfeeding on the faecal flora of infants. J Med Microbiol 10: 403-413, 1977.
De Coopman, J. Breastfeeding after pituitary resection: Support for a theory of autocrine control of milk supply? J. Hum Lact 9: 35-40, 1993.
Gray-Donald, K. et al. Effect of formula supplementation in the hospital on the duration of breastfeeding: a controlled clinical trial. Pediatrics 75: 514-518, 1985.
Host, A. et al. A prospective study of cow's milk allergy in exclusively breastfed infants. Acta Paediatr Scand. 77: 663-670, 1988.
Houston, M.J. et al. The importance of support for the breastfeeding mother. Health Visitor 54: 243, 1981.
Moon, J.L. et al. Breast engorgement: contributable variables and variables amenable to nursing interventions. JOGNN 18: 309-315, 1989.
Newman, J. Breastfeeding problems associated with the early introduction of bottles and pacifiers. J Hum Lact. 6: 59-63, 1990.
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