bottle feeding 1

bottle feeding¹

Etymology: OFr, bouteille + AS, faeden

feeding an infant or young child from a bottle with a rubber nipple on the end as a substitute for or supplement to breastfeeding.

method The infant is held on one arm close to the body of the mother or nurse during feeding. The bottle is held at an angle to ensure that the nipple is always filled with liquid so that the infant does not ingest air while feeding. For a newborn, rest periods may be given every several minutes. At least once in the course of the feeding and again at the end, the infant is encouraged to burp by being held upright on the mother's or nurse's shoulder or on its stomach on the feeder's lap. Gentle rubbing or patting on the back and pressure on the stomach often help induce burping.

interventions The formula contains protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in amounts similar to those in breast milk. The formula may be warmed before feeding by immersing the bottle in warm water for several minutes (although this is not necessary if the formula is kept at room temperature), and the size of the nipple hole is adjusted to the needs of the infant. Smaller infants need larger nipple holes, which require less sucking. Premature or weak infants may be fed by using a long, soft nipple through which it is very easy for the infant to feed.

outcome criteria Bottle feeding is used as a substitute for breastfeeding when the mother is unable or unwilling to breastfeed. Bottle feeding can also be substituted for breastfeeding occasionally, once lactation has been established. Bottle feeding is recommended if the mother has active tuberculosis or other active, acute contagious disease; if she has a serious chronic disease, such as cancer or cardiac disease; or if she has recently undergone extensive surgery. Severe mastitis, narcotic addiction, or concurrent use of medication that is secreted in the breast milk usually requires the mother to bottle feed.