Pace Bottle Feeding | Pros And Cons

Key points:

Intermittent bottle feeding mimics the flow of breast milk so that the baby can monitor feeding patterns, encouraging natural breastfeeding.
This approach focuses on child-led experiences of hunger and feeding.
Proper technique includes holding the baby upright, holding the bottle horizontally so that the milk does not flow properly, and encouraging frequent feedings.
Its benefits include preventing breastfeeding and promoting a nurturing relationship.

Slow motion bottle feeding is the new kid on the block when it comes to bottle feeding. And when we thought that there was not much to hold a baby’s bottle while feeding, advocates of gradual feeding say that it is better to reconsider that approach.

Slow motion bottle feeding seems to have been popular in the United States for some time, although in Australia, it is just beginning to gain popularity. In terms of the evidence surrounding its benefits, there is still some way to go before it can be conclusively proven that slow eating is beneficial.

If you decide to feed your baby, it would be best to consult your baby’s doctor first, to make sure there are no reasons why it may not be suitable for your baby.

What does it mean to rush to feed my baby?

Slow bottle feeding aims to mimic the flow of milk from the breast. By doing this, the child is given a natural way of feeding, he is comfortable and in control of his eating. Over time and practice, the baby learns to ‘quick’ feed, and take time to nurse and rest before returning to nursing.

Slow bottle feeding means that the baby is in control of what he eats, not the person feeding him.

Slow breastfeeding also involves following your baby’s cues or when he is hungry. Instead of being ‘fed’ they start ‘feeding’ and it is the child’s responses that matter.

Symptoms of hunger

HealthyHungry babies give instructions on what they want and need to feed them. And although every child is an individual, many babies show signs of hunger:

Restlessness and crying/crying.
Talking around and putting hands in mouth.
They look like they are hungry – their eyes are wide open and they have a ‘searching’ look.
Clicking or tongue sucking.
Moving arms and legs around.
Being more alert and changing their facial expressions.
Calms down when given food and begins to suckle.

Principles of bottle feeding paced

The mother is more ‘in control’ of the amount and flow of milk as it enters the neck of the bottle and into the breast. The baby is in ‘control’ of how much milk he drinks.
Slow feeding does not rely on gravity to fill the breast with milk, but instead, the parent and baby control the flow of milk.
When they feed, the breast does not fill with milk. Holding the baby upright and the bottle sideways means that the breast fills with less milk – this reduces the amount of milk that goes into the baby’s mouth.
Slow breastfeeding is a technique that allows the baby to eat slowly and take frequent breaths while breastfeeding.
Slow bottle feeding can happen whether the baby is bottle-fed or breast-fed. hard also.

Giving your baby a small bottle of food

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preparing the formula. See here for more information on breast milk (EBM).
Test the temperature of EBM or formula before giving it to your baby. The milk should be warm, not cold or hot.
Position your baby in an upright position so that it is supported by your body. Support their head and neck so they are comfortable. Rethink your comfort by sitting in a comfortable chair.
Give your child skin to skin contact and look into their eyes. Talk to them calmly and encouragingly.
Hold your baby in your arms the other way ½ way through the bottle. This depends on the changes in position that breastfed babies have within their diet. It also helps support your child’s eye development as they learn to look at your face from left/right.
When giving the bottle, shake the nipples from their upper lips to the bottom – this will help them start sucking and start breastfeeding the baby.
When they open their mouths, let them slowly pull the nipple into their mouth, instead of pushing the nipple into their mouth. Again, this is similar to what a nursing baby does when it pulls the mother’s nipple into its mouth.
Look for your baby to have a wide, open mouth with relaxed lips that are turned out.
It can help you monitor your baby’s sucking and swallowing while eating. If they don’t take every 3-5 breaths, remove the bottle and take a breath.
Look for signs that your baby isn’t fighting the milk flow. Leaving the breast, choking and coughing and stiffness in their arms and legs can all be signs that the milk is moving too fast for them to handle. They should feed slowly and be comfortable.
Hold the bottle horizontally, not vertically, this means that the milk just covers the nipple.
When your baby breathes and sucks, lower the bottom of the bottle so the milk doesn’t fill the breast. Keep the nipple in your baby’s mouth.
When your baby starts to suckle again, lift the bottle horizontally so that the milk fills the breast again.
Try to feed for about 20-30 minutes.
If your baby is weaned and shows that he is full, do not force him to drink more alcohol.
Don’t leave yours unsupervised child while feeding. It is important that they are kept and monitored during feeding.

5 benefits of fast bottle feeding

Proponents of slow bottle feeding say that it helps the baby develop more control over his feeding and avoid breastfeeding.
They avoid the possibility of ‘force feeding’ because they have to swallow to keep the milk flowing to prevent blockage.
Breastfed babies are more likely to respond to a bottle of breast milk if they are fed ‘pace’.
When the child is in control of his food, he does not drink quickly.
It requires a method of breastfeeding that is based on a close relationship between parents and their child.

5 cons of feeding on a slow motion bottle

It can be frustrating for babies who are hungry and don’t want to take frequent naps.
It can cause ‘wind’ and discomfort as the breasts fill with less milk.
It requires more care and effort from parents who are already looking at different things.
It can make parents feel guilty if they are not feeding slowly and that somehow, they are not very concerned about what their baby is feeding.
Slow feeding will never change. Some health experts believe that continuous bottle feeding is ‘fraud’ and has no benefits.

For more information on bottle feeding, talk to your Child Health Nurse, doctor or read more in our Breastfeeding Guide.

About the Author:

Written by Nourish Baby and Jane Barry. Jane is fully qualified in paediatrics, immunisation, midwifery and pediatric nursing. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science (Nursing) and has approximately 35 years of pediatric health nursing experience. She is a member of a number of professional associations including AHPRA, The Australasian Medical Writer’s Association and the Australian College of Children and Young People’s Nurses.

References

Slow Bottle Feeding – Patient Information Books – Mater Group

Pace Bottle Feeding | Pros and Cons – Feed Baby Online