Bottle Feeding Support
Compassionate, Evidence-based Help for Every Bottle-Feeding Journey
Bottle feeding can look simple from the outside—but for many families, it’s anything but. Whether you’re introducing a bottle for the first time, navigating bottle refusal, exclusively bottle feeding, or combining breast and bottle, we’re here to help make feeding feel calmer, more confident, and more successful.
At The Abeille Feeding Clinic, we support all feeding choices. Our team understands the mechanics of bottle feeding and the emotional weight that often comes with it.
When Bottle Feeding Feels Hard
Parents often reach out to us for help with:
If feeding feels stressful, confusing, or overwhelming—you’re not doing anything wrong. Many bottle-feeding challenges are skill-based, not will-based, and can be improved with the right support.
- Bottle refusal or inconsistent bottle acceptance
- Introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby
- Returning to work and needing bottle feeding to go smoothly
- Exclusive bottle feeding by choice or necessity
- Combination feeding (breast + bottle or breast milk + formula)
- Gagging, coughing, leaking milk, or clicking sounds
- Slow, stressful, or overly long feeds
- Fussiness, arching, or discomfort during bottle feeds
- Uncertainty around bottle types, nipples, flow rates, or positioning
If feeding feels stressful, confusing, or overwhelming—you’re not doing anything wrong. Many bottle-feeding challenges are skill-based, not will-based, and can be improved with the right support.
Bottle Introduction Support
Introducing a bottle—especially to a breastfed baby—can be stressful and emotional. We help families:
There’s no single “best” bottle or perfect timeline. We focus on what works for your baby, your goals, and your family.
- Choose the right bottle and nipple for your baby
- Optimize flow rate to support safe, efficient feeding
- Adjust positioning and pacing for comfort and coordination
- Support smooth transitions between breast and bottle
- Reduce stress for both baby and caregiver
There’s no single “best” bottle or perfect timeline. We focus on what works for your baby, your goals, and your family.
Bottle Refusal
Bottle refusal is one of the most common reasons families seek feeding support—and one of the most frustrating.
We assess:
From there, we create a step-by-step plan to improve acceptance without force-feeding, pressure, or fear-based approaches.
We assess:
- Oral motor skills and feeding coordination
- Sensory preferences and stress responses
- Feeding history and past experiences
- Bottle flow, shape, and pacing
- Parent-baby interaction during feeds
From there, we create a step-by-step plan to improve acceptance without force-feeding, pressure, or fear-based approaches.
Exclusive Bottle Feeding Support
Some families exclusively bottle feed—by choice, by medical need, or due to supply or latch challenges. We proudly support exclusive bottle feeding with:
Feeding your baby is about nourishment, connection, and safety—not meeting someone else’s expectations
- Education on responsive, cue-based bottle feeding
- Support for feeding efficiency and comfort
- Guidance on formula feeding or expressed breast milk
- Reducing guilt and increasing confidence in feeding decisions
Feeding your baby is about nourishment, connection, and safety—not meeting someone else’s expectations
Still Have Questions?
Combination Feeding & Formula Feeding
Combination feeding and formula feeding are valid, common, and often necessary.
We support families with:
Our goal is to help feeding fit your life, not the other way around.
We support families with:
- Creating sustainable feeding routines
- Navigating breast milk + formula combinations
- Understanding hunger cues and volumes
- Choosing formulas when needed
- Troubleshooting gas, reflux-like symptoms, or feeding stress
Our goal is to help feeding fit your life, not the other way around.
Our Whole-Body Approach to Bottle Feeding
Bottle feeding isn’t just about the bottle. We look at the whole picture, including:
When appropriate, we integrate bodywork and collaborate with our multidisciplinary team to support feeding from every angle.
- Oral motor function and coordination
- Tension patterns in the body that affect feeding
- Positioning and caregiver support
- Baby’s cues, temperament, and regulation
When appropriate, we integrate bodywork and collaborate with our multidisciplinary team to support feeding from every angle.
You Don't Have To Figure This Out Alone
If bottle feeding feels harder than you expected—or if feeding is causing stress, tears, or doubt—we’re here to help.
Support can make a meaningful difference for both you and your baby.
Support can make a meaningful difference for both you and your baby.