Bottle use (for breastmilk)

Bottle use (for breastmilk)

In general, it is best to wait to use a bottle until breastfeeding is well-established (typically in three to four weeks).

If your baby cannot latch-on or eat due to medical reasons, you can still express breastmilk and feed your baby from a dropper, spoon, cup or bottle. If you use a bottle, use a nipple that is slow flow.

Important: Call your lactation resource before you start using a bottle.

Source: Allina Health Patient Education, Beginnings: Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, eighth edition, ob-ah-90026
First Published: 10/04/2002
Last Reviewed: 12/06/2021