Testing out the bottle from around weeks 7-10 was an epic failure. At one point she did latch on and take a few sucks while I was holding the bottle. But having ME feed her kinda defeats the purpose of using a bottle now doesn't it? We tried off and on for a few weeks, trying many different bottles, positions, times of day. I would always leave or hide in the hopes that she wouldn't smell me. Rooster was never able to get her to feed.
In 2008 with Chicken Little I returned to work after 10 weeks maternity leave. I returned only part-time, working two 3-hour shifts per week. Because of this, we had consistent reason for working on bottle training him. With Chicklett... we don't have a real reason. I'm perfectly happy nursing her all the time, and waiting until she's older and ready to be without me (and boob) before I start having a life outside of the home. Depending on the timing, I'm not even really tied to her all the time. She is extremely consistent with napping, which has allowed me plenty of opportunity for weekend fun... in 1 hour and 15 minute segments at a time. Megz thinks its ridiculous and hilarious... but it is working quite well for us!
Basically, there are two times everyday where I can nurse Chicklett and then dash out the door for fun. Drive time included I have about 2 hours of free time, which allows me 1 hour and 15 minutes of fun. I can go out shopping, get my hair done, grocery store, brunch with friends, anything I want to do. Then go home, nurse Chicklett again, and go out for more fun. It's a bit like a relay race, but we're all happy so who cares.
Typical Schedule:
Wake Chicklett up at 8:30am
Nurse at 9am & 10am
Nap 10:15am-12:15pm
Nurse 1pm & 2pm
Nap 2-5pm
Nurse 5:30 & 6:30
Nap 7pm-7:30pm
Nighttime 8:30pm
For an emergency situation I know that Megz or Mama Christa would happily nurse my baby in a heartbeat. I have learned to accept that Chicklett is probably never going to get a bottle. We're about 2 months away from starting some solids, and by then she may even be able to handle a sippy cup. We're over the hump, and being away from my children really isn't a priority in my life. When I need a break, 1 hour and 15 minutes is more than enough.
