Sometimes our breastfeeding journey includes a few bumps—or even bigger roadblocks. Many mothers find themselves temporarily relying on frequent pumping and bottle feeding as a “bridge” during these periods. There are many reasons this might happen:

  • Prematurity – Babies born early may have weak or uncoordinated sucking reflexes, making breastfeeding difficult at first.

  • Difficulty latching – Some babies struggle to latch effectively or have low stamina and have difficulty getting enough.

  • Tongue tie or lip tie – These conditions can limit tongue or lip movement, making breastfeeding frustrating and often painful.

  • Medical interventions – Infants in the NICU, or those who need supplemental nutrition, may start with bottles.

  • Parental circumstances – Returning to work early, medication needs, or recovery from birth complications may require temporary bottle feeding.

The good news? With the right tools, strategies, and expert tips, most babies can successfully transition to direct breastfeeding. At Aeroflow, we understand that every baby is unique. Whether they are partially or fully bottle-fed, transitioning to breastfeeding is possible and we’re here to help you navigate this process with confidence, care, and support.

Before You Begin

When a baby receives a bottle for an extended period of time, two things often happen:

  • They get used to the faster, more consistent flow of milk from the bottle.

  • They get used to the feel and shape of the artificial nipple.

This was once called "nipple confusion," but is more currently referred to as "flow preference." It’s important to know that your baby is not rejecting you. They’re simply adjusting to changes in nipple shape and milk flow. No matter how your baby is fed, you are always their best source of nourishment, comfort, and connection.

Starting the Transition

  1. Establish an abundant milk supply: To keep your milk supply in sync with your baby's needs, use a double electric breast pump for 15–20 minutes—or until your breasts feel well drained—each time your baby takes a bottle. Using hands-on pumping techniques and a few minutes of hand expression after pumping can help to maximize your milk production. Making an amount of milk that meets or exceeds the bottle volume that your baby needs can make the transition back to the breast smoother and less stressful for both of you.

  2. Choose a Slow Flow Nipple: Using a slow flow or “newborn” nipple helps limit the speed at which the milk flows, making bottle feeding more comfortable and similar to breastfeeding. This can reduce a baby’s preference for the faster flow of the bottle.

  3. Practice responsive bottle feeding: Paced bottle feeding mimics the natural flow of milk from the breast. It encourages your baby to feed at a slower, more variable pace, which may help them adjust more easily to breastfeeding and supports better self-regulation.

During the Transition

Watch for early feeding cues

Offer the breast when your baby begins waking, rooting, bringing hands to the mouth, or showing other signs of readiness—before they become overly hungry or upset. Sometimes it’s helpful to delay a diaper change until after the first breast, so they stay calm and focused.

Skin-to-skin

Holding your baby in lots of skin-to-skin contact supports innate feeding reflexes and encourages latching. It also helps you recognize their earliest hunger cues, so feeding can begin promptly without delay. In addition, holding your little one in a baby carrier or sling can also provide connection and strengthen bonding.

Try when your baby is sleepy

Dreamfeeding—offering the breast while your baby is relaxed or partially asleep—may help them accept the nipple more easily, especially during early transition attempts.

Hand express a little milk

Expressing a few drops onto your nipple before latching can encourage your baby and mimic the immediate availability of milk from a bottle. It also stimulates letdown, making the first attempts at the breast easier and more rewarding.

Offer the bottle first

Sometimes giving a small bottle first can take the edge off hunger, helping your baby focus on learning to latch and suck differently at the breast. Ending the feeding at the breast also helps your baby associate the breast with comfort, satisfaction, and a full belly.

Keep things positive

The breast should always be a positive place for your little one. If either of you feels frustrated or overwhelmed, it’s time to pause. Extra skin-to-skin time and babywearing can help both of you reconnect in a low-pressure, comforting way.

Remember: Your baby’s bond is supported by breastfeeding, not created by it. There are many ways to maintain a strong connection while working through this transition.

Don't give up!

Some babies may show breast refusal initially, and that’s normal. Perseverance, frequent opportunities, and experimenting with different positions can make a big difference. Every baby learns at their own pace, and with consistent support, most will come to breastfeed successfully. Seeking support from a lactation consultant is always a good idea when you need guidance. In addition, consulting your baby’s pediatrician or an occupational therapist can provide extra support and strategies to help families navigate feeding challenges.

Breastfeeding Devices That May Help

  • Nipple Shield: A nipple shield is a thin, silicone cover that can be placed over your nipple temporarily to help your baby latch. Many babies who are used to the feel of a bottle will accept a nipple shield because it has a familiar shape and texture. Using breast compressions during feedings can help create a steadier flow and encourage fuller, more satisfying feedings.

  • Supplemental Nursing System (SNS): These at-breast nursing supplementers allow your baby to receive any needed supplement while directly breastfeeding. A thin tube delivers expressed breast milk or formula alongside your nipple, helping babies who are accustomed to faster bottle flow adjust more easily to breastfeeding. This can be especially helpful for mothers with low milk supply.

  • Spoon, Cup, or Finger Feeding: These alternative feeding methods can provide small amounts of milk while encouraging your baby’s oral skills and continued breastfeeding. These supplemental feeding options are especially useful if they only need a small amount of extra milk and you would like to avoid the use of baby bottles.

How to Know Your Baby is Getting Enough?

A good sign that your baby is getting enough milk is if they are generally content after feedings. You can also monitor:

  • Diaper output – typically at least 6 wet diapers and 3 dirty diapers per day after Day 4–5

  • Weight gain – consistent growth according to your pediatrician’s guidance

An in-person lactation consultation or a visit with your baby’s pediatrician can help confirm how effectively your baby is breastfeeding and how much milk they are taking at the breast. This guidance can provide reassurance and help you adjust your routine if needed.

Know that you are not alone in navigating this transition! It may take some time, but with opportunity and practice, your little one will successfully make the transition from bottle to breast, and you’ll soon experience the joy, closeness, and connection that come with breastfeeding.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.