How to Bottle Feed Without Causing Nipple Confusion

If you’re planning to introduce a bottle but worried about nipple confusion, you’re not alone. Many new moms wonder how to balance bottle feeding with breastfeeding without causing problems. The good news? Nipple confusion is preventable with the right techniques.

In this episode of The Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, Jaimie, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and mom of five, explains how to offer bottles in a way that supports breastfeeding and keeps your baby comfortable at both breast and bottle.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Jaimie covers:

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  What nipple confusion really is and why it happens

  
  


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  How to prevent nipple confusion when introducing a bottle

  
  


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  The basics of paced bottle feeding and why it matters

  
  


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  How to use side-lying bottle feeding for a natural, breast-like experience

  
  


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  Choosing the best bottle nipple for breastfed babies (slow flow, proper shape, and depth)

  
  


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  Red flags that bottle feeding is interfering with breastfeeding

  
  


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  Why technique matters more than buying the “perfect” bottle brand

  
  

Preventing Nipple Confusion

At the heart of preventing nipple confusion is making the bottle as similar to breastfeeding as possible. That means:

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  Slowing down the flow with paced feeding

  
  


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  Using positions like side-lying feeding

  
  


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  Picking a nipple that supports a deep latch

  
  


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  Watching your baby for cues and red flags

  
  

These small changes make a big difference in helping your baby transition smoothly between breast and bottle.

Resources for Breastfeeding Success

Bottle feeding doesn’t have to sabotage breastfeeding. With the right knowledge, you can feel confident in both. For step-by-step guidance on preventing nipple confusion, supplementing wisely, and protecting your breastfeeding journey, check out Jaimie’s Breastfeeding Resource Library.

🌟BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES🌟

FREEBIE: 5 Breastfeeding Mistakes to Avoid https://littlebearlactation.myflodesk.com/breastfeedingpodcast
 
Breastfeeding Resource Library (PODCAST50 to save now!) https://littlebearlactation.com/library
 
Get Breastfeeding Help https://littlebearlactation.com/support

Episode Timeline

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  00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

  
  


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  00:45 – What Is Nipple Confusion?

  
  


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  01:30 – Preventing Nipple Confusion With Paced Feeding

  
  


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  03:00 – Side-Lying Bottle Feeding Explained

  
  


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  04:00 – Choosing the Best Bottle Nipple for Breastfeeding

  
  


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  05:30 – Red Flags That Bottles Are Causing Problems

  
  


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  07:00 – Encouragement for Moms

  
  


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  08:00 – Resources to Support Your Breastfeeding Journey

  
  

TOPICS COVERED

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  Nipple confusion

  
  


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  Preventing nipple confusion

  
  


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  Paced bottle feeding

  
  


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  Best bottle nipples for breastfeeding

  
  


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  Side-lying bottle feeding

  
  


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  Bottle feeding without ruining breastfeeding

  
  


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  How to introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby