Bottle nipple shape: bottle nipples with a gradual slope to the base usually align better with the deep latch babies need when breastfeeding. Granted, each baby is different, so some don't have any issues with the more rounded dramatic diameter change shapes.
Milk flow: You may have heard about "nipple confusion" however, often, the bigger issue is flow preference. If babies get used to getting a lot of milk quickly in a bottle it's harder to get them to nurse. It's recommended to use paced bottle-feeding methods and a slow-flow nipple. On average it should take your baby about 5-10 minutes per 1 ounce of milk (depending on age).
Position of baby & bottle: When using paced bottle-feeding methods, you want to have the bottle perpendicular to the baby and slightly angled so the nipple can touch the palate. This allows your baby to guide the drinking pace instead of gravity (like when the bottle is tilted almost upside down). Common paced bottle feeding positions are upright or side-lying.
Breastfeeding status: If nursing is going well, introduce a bottle around 3 - 4 weeks old. Note that some situations, like a high palate or tongue-tie, that affect breastfeeding, may also affect bottle feeding. Reach out to an IBCLC if more support is needed.
Your pumping plan: Consider how you will maintain your breastmilk supply. If your baby receives a bottle in place of a nursing session, you most likely will need to pump. Remember your body makes milk according to how often you ask it to (demand then supply)
Baby’s age: As your baby gets older, they get more efficient at nursing. When deciding if you should move to a faster-flow bottle nipple, your goal is for the time it takes your baby to nurse to be similar to the time to finish a bottle.
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