Meet Ethan
Ethan, a 3-month-old baby boy, had been exclusively bottle-fed since birth. His parents came to me after weeks of feeling frustrated and unsure if they could ever transition to breastfeeding. Ethan had been diagnosed with a tongue-tie, and after having it released, his parents were eager to see if breastfeeding could work for them.
Where They Started
Ethan’s parents had been working with their health visitor, who flagged the tongue-tie early on. The release procedure was successful, but breastfeeding still didn’t seem to work, and Ethan would often refuse the breast entirely. His parents felt pressure to keep using the bottle, which had become Ethan’s comfort zone.
The family had been given conflicting advice—some professionals suggested they “stick with the bottle,” while others encouraged trying harder with breastfeeding, leaving Ethan’s parents confused and overwhelmed. They came to Milk to Mealtime seeking clarity and a plan.
Tongue-tie Release – The Aftermath
After Ethan’s tongue-tie release, his tongue had much more mobility, but he was still struggling to coordinate his latch and feed effectively at the breast. His Mum shared that he seemed frustrated during attempts at breastfeeding and often cried, making her feel disheartened.
Ethan had gotten used to the ease of bottle feeding, where the flow was much faster, and the technique required was different. His parents worried that it was too late to make the switch.
Getting Back to Breastfeeding
During our assessment, I observed that Ethan had developed a shallow latch at the breast, likely because he had learned bottle-feeding patterns. This was causing him to pull off the breast frequently, adding to his frustration. He needed time and support to learn how to breastfeed more effectively.
We created a plan that included:
✔ Reintroducing breastfeeding gradually: We started with skin-to-skin contact during calm times, helping Ethan associate breastfeeding with comfort rather than stress.
✔ Using paced bottle feeding: This slowed down the milk flow from the bottle, making it more similar to breastfeeding and reducing his reliance on fast bottle feeds.
✔ Latching techniques: I guided Mum to adjust Ethan’s position for a deeper latch, giving him more control and better milk flow at the breast.
✔ Patience and persistence: We set small, achievable goals so that Mum could gradually transition Ethan from the bottle to the breast without stress for either of them.
Building Confidence
For Mum, confidence was key. She had felt unsure if she could breastfeed after weeks of bottle feeding, but with consistent support, she started to see progress. I reassured her that it wasn’t too late to introduce breastfeeding, and that both she and Ethan could learn and adapt.
The Results
After several sessions, Ethan’s latch improved, and he began breastfeeding for short periods. Over time, those breastfeeding sessions grew longer, and Mum felt more at ease. Bottle feeds were reduced gradually, and by the time Ethan was 4 months old, breastfeeding became his main source of nutrition.
Mum felt empowered, knowing she hadn’t missed the window for breastfeeding, and Ethan was thriving. Both parents felt proud of their perseverance and were able to enjoy the closeness that breastfeeding brought.
What You Can Take Away
Ethan’s story highlights that even after bottle-feeding, transitioning to breastfeeding is possible with the right guidance and patience. If your baby has had a tongue-tie release or if you’re struggling to make breastfeeding work after bottle-feeding, there’s no need to give up hope. Small steps, support, and persistence can help you reach your feeding goals.
If you’re facing similar challenges, reach out to Milk to Mealtime for expert advice and a tailored plan.
Book your FREE chat today and start your own journey to feeding success!
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