Breastfeeding, Bottle Feeding, and Pumping — Tips to Feel Confident

Fed, Loved, and Supported — That's the Goal

Whether you plan to exclusively breastfeed, exclusively bottle feed, or do a combination of both, one thing is certain: you deserve to feel confident and supported in however you choose to feed your baby. There is no single "right" way — there is only the way that works best for you and your little one.

Getting That Latch Right

A good latch is the foundation of comfortable, effective breastfeeding. Here's a simple tip that makes a world of difference: nose to nipple. Position your baby so their nose is directly across from your nipple. This encourages them to open wide, tilt their head back slightly, and come to the breast with a deep, wide latch — lower lip first, then upper. You want to see those lips flanged out like little fish lips, not tucked under.

A shallow latch — where baby is only latching onto the nipple tip — can cause nipple pain and may mean baby isn't effectively emptying the breast. If feeds are consistently lasting 45 minutes or more, or if you're experiencing pain, that's a signal to reach out to a feeding therapist or lactation consultant. Sore nipples are common, but they are never something you just have to endure.

Bottle Feeding: It's All About the Shape

Not all bottles are created equal. When choosing a bottle, look for one with a longer, gradual nipple shape that encourages a wide, deep latch — similar to what you'd want at the breast. Bottles with a wide, flat nipple or a very short nipple can encourage a shallow, "straw-like" latch that doesn't support healthy oral motor development.

Some favorites recommended by feeding therapists include Dr. Brown's, Evenflo, Pigeon, and NUK — all of which have that gradual slope that promotes a wide mouth opening.

Also worth knowing: flow rate is not developmental. You don't need to increase the nipple flow rate just because your baby is getting older. If feeding is going well, stick with what works. Slower flow rates are generally recommended, especially for breastfed babies. Find our favorite bottles and products linked here.

The Elevated Side-Lying Position: A Game Changer

One of the most powerful tips for bottle feeding is elevated side-lying positioning. Instead of holding baby on their back with the bottle pointed straight down, rest baby on their side at a slight incline, with their head above their hips. This position:

• Mimics the position baby is in during breastfeeding

• Allows baby to control the pace and flow of feeding

• Reduces the risk of choking or gulping

• Supports healthy jaw development

• Can reduce nursing aversion in combo-fed babies

Many families have seen dramatic improvements in bottle feeding simply by changing this one thing.

Pumping: What You Need to Know

If you're returning to work or supplementing with a bottle, pumping becomes part of your feeding journey. A few key things to keep in mind:

• Replace every bottle feed with a pump session to protect your supply

• Aim for 10 pumping sessions per day if away from baby, never fewer than six

• Flange size matters — most pumps don't come with the right size, and an incorrect fit can cause pain and reduce supply

• Massage while pumping to empty the breast more effectively

• Pumping early on when baby is nursing well can cause oversupply, so hold off unless needed

And if you find yourself triple feeding — nursing, then pumping, then bottle feeding — please reach out for support. That is not a sustainable long-term solution, and there are people who can help you find a better path.

Formula and Donor Milk: Valid, Loving Choices

Formula is a safe, nourishing option, and choosing it — for any reason — does not make you any less of a devoted mother. Formula-fed babies tend to feed on a more predictable schedule with consistent ounce amounts per feed. If breastfeeding isn't possible right now, donor milk is also a wonderful option available through most hospitals and milk banks.

Whatever path you're on, you are feeding your baby with love. That is everything.