How to Avoid Overfeeding a Baby by Bottle

Overfeeding can be a consequence of bottle-feeding, whether a baby receives breastmilk or formula in the bottle.  A simple technique known as "paced bottle-feeding" can be used to help avoid overfeeding with a bottle.  Postpartum doulas, who are often involved in helping new mothers feed their babies, can share this technique with their clients.  Doula and lactation consultant Jessica Barton, IBCLC, demonstrates the technique in the video below.  For printed instructions on how to do paced bottle-feeding, click here to visit Jessica's Web site .  Be sure to explore her Web site for excellent articles on a range of other topics such as galactagogues (herbs and drugs that may increase milk supply), babies with "tongue tie," and more.  Here is what Jessica has to say about paced bottle-feeding:

Paced bottle feeding is a method of bottle feeding that is designed to mimic breastfeeding. There are many reasons families might decide to try it.

Some mothers find that when they return to work and their babies are receiving breastmilk or formula from a bottle in childcare, their babies become less interested in breastfeeding at home and some may even refuse the breast.  [For the complete text of this article, see http://santabarbaralactation.com/blog/paced-bottle-feeding-breastfed-baby.]