How can a bottle work like a breast?

When baby breastfeeds, she sets the milk flow pace based on her unique style and rhythm. Most bottles require baby adapt to their flow - until now. 

Once baby is comfortable, latches on and starts breastfeeding, she naturally coordinates between suckling, swallowing and taking a breath, all very precisely and rhythmically. Only after a series of repetitions will baby pause for a break, to just breathe. And every time baby stops actively drinking, mother's milk flow stops, too. Even just for those super short moments between sips of mother's milk. 

Drink-swallow-breathe rhythm

It's baby who sets the pace - and it's not just about how many sips per minute, but also how big of a sip she takes. Her unique drink-swallow-breathe rhythm lets baby drink at a smooth, comfortable pace that's just right for her. So when baby is hungry at the start of feeding, she might drink faster and take larger sips - only to slow down towards the end of a feeding, to take a break or see if she feels like she could use a little more mother's milk.  

Then there's baby's own personality. Just like us grown-ups, babies have their own style. Some are big and fast eaters, others like to take it slow. Some suckle hard, others don't. What's most important is that mom is comfortable, and can let her baby eat as she prefers. 

When baby loses control

It's good to understand the natural way babies breastfeed when deciding how to bottle feed your baby. Standard baby bottle nipples are free flowing, with the milk flowing from the nipple without any effort by baby.

Because babies are born with the natural drink-swallow-breathe rhythm, this free flow of milk from a bottle nipple can be a bit overwhelming. Maybe the flow is too fast - and there is certainly no way for baby to set the pace, and be able to have that short moment between sips to take a quick breath.

In fact, the standard baby bottle sets the pace - and baby is no longer in control of the speed and volume of the milk flow. This can lead to gassy tummy and spitting up. Moms often see baby gulping or leaking milk from her mouth. Baby may also become more tired because she isn't able to take little breaks between sips.

So there are some good reasons for parents to be wary about switching between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Parents are also often concerned about nipple confusion and stress when, in fact, all they really want is to stay calm and comfortable, and keep their growing baby happy and healthy.