Other caregivers and breast-feeding
Breast-feeding does not mean that other caregivers cannot feed your baby. You can express breast milk with a breast pump so others can occasionally bottle-feed your baby. Milk that is expressed with a breast pump can be refrigerated or frozen for later use. This allows the baby's father or other caregiver to feed the baby, and will give you an opportunity to sleep through some night feedings.
Fresh breast milk has properties that offer protection for a baby against infections and diseases. If possible, feed your baby breast milk that has been refrigerated 48 hours or less.1 Properly stored breast milk is still nutritious and is the best food source for your baby. It can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours and frozen in a freezer up to 3 months.
Some doctors recommend that you wait at least 4 to 6 weeks before feeding your baby breast milk from a bottle. Feeding at the breast during these first weeks helps you to establish your milk supply. Talk with your doctor about the best time to introduce bottle-feeding.
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW | Last Updated: May 10, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine | |
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