Bottle feeding tips

Options
Hallix
Hallix Online Community Member Posts: 11 Connected
edited August 2020 in Families and carers
I am a new mum! With mild CP I am struggling to get my hands and arms in the right position to bottle feed my daughter. She does take it but it is a super long & uncomfortable process.
has anyone got any cheeky hacks or work arounds
Thanks
Jen

Comments

  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,779 Cerebral Palsy Network
    Hi @Hallix
    Feeding can be a bit of a ling winded thing when you have CP. When my daughter was a baby, I used to prop her up with pillows so I had at least one arm free, for wiping her chin etc. Bouncy chairs are good because they are at an angle.
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,714 Championing
    Hi @Hallix

    Congratulations on the birth of your baby daughter.  What an exciting time! 

    You might find it useful to watch this YouTube video 'How I've Adapted to Feeding My Baby (Mommy with Cerebral Palsy)' recorded by a mum in the same position.

    I hope that helps and enjoy these precious moments <3  Be sure to let us know how you get on.
  • Adrian_Scope
    Adrian_Scope Posts: 11,754 Online Community Programme Lead
    Hi @Hallix. I just wanted to offer congratulations on your daughter too. That first year flies by and they change so quickly. My youngest is now 2 and no longer has bottles but when he was little my partner used to use pillows to prop him up or to help support his weight under her arms. 
    They're tiny but they can get so heavy when you're holding them for a while!

    I hope you manage to find something that works for you. 
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Hi and congratulations from me too what a joy babies bring

    I dont have CP nut my son always bottle fed just propped up or in his bouncy chair. I hope the advice given helps but also speak to your midwife/health visitor that is what they are there for.

    Enjoy the precious time you have with your baby
  • Hallix
    Hallix Online Community Member Posts: 11 Connected
    Awesome advice thanks everyone. I was nervous of saying anything anywhere else for fear of judgment 
  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,779 Cerebral Palsy Network
    You won't be judged here @Hallix :)
  • Hallix
    Hallix Online Community Member Posts: 11 Connected
    The rocker didn’t work. Too laid back but propped on the bean bag seems to 
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,714 Championing
    Ah that's great!! Yep, no judgement here.  Whenever you need us shout (or type :D )
  • Hayls20
    Hayls20 Online Community Member Posts: 45 Empowering
    Hi @Hallix - massive congratulations!

    I too have CP and am currently expecting, so I'm partly commenting to archive it and use any tips that come up - glad the beanbag seems to do the trick x
  • Hallix
    Hallix Online Community Member Posts: 11 Connected
    Hey @Hayls20 I’m happy to connect and chat if you think it could be helpful before your baby arrives. I realise now how little support there is unless you really look. Genuinely happy to answer any questions pregnancy/ birth anything really 
  • Hayls20
    Hayls20 Online Community Member Posts: 45 Empowering
    Yeah that would be amazing - you're so right x
  • Chloe_Alumni
    Chloe_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 10,506 Championing
    Hi @Hallix, just wanted to check in to see how you are finding things. :)
  • Hallix
    Hallix Online Community Member Posts: 11 Connected
    Hi , things have improved , thanks for all the suggestions. I have asked HV to come out and observe a feed to see if she can offer any suggestions.
    just really hoping I don’t get judged for reaching out to them!!
  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,779 Cerebral Palsy Network
    Great to read that things have improved and they will continue to. You will find your own unique ways of doing things @Hallix. Be patient with yourself :smile:
    The health visitor is there to support you both and should not judge. You are doing great! 

  • Hallix
    Hallix Online Community Member Posts: 11 Connected
    The support means a lot 
  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,779 Cerebral Palsy Network
    Hi @Hallix
    Me again! These sites might have some useful equipment?




  • Hallix
    Hallix Online Community Member Posts: 11 Connected
    Hi everyone just had an awesome visit from the HV and wanted to share in case it’s any use to anyone else. She showed me an elevated side lying position using knees and a cushion with Sophie on her side ( you tube may be your friend) As it gives them more control & slows the flow a little.  Reduce gas Also gives me a free hand!!! As no need to support the head so I can use my dominant hand for bottle control.
  • Hallix
    Hallix Online Community Member Posts: 11 Connected
    Oh @Richard_Scope I am not a patient person ?
  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,468 Championing
    I'm really glad you've found a great solution, and that your health visitor was so useful @Hallix! And congratulations on the new baby <3
  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,779 Cerebral Palsy Network
    Patience isn't something that came naturally to me either @Hallix. After 12 years I'm almost there  :D

Categories