The process of breastfeeding a baby has more nuances than most of us know. Not all women can or want to breastfeed on demand, or want to resort to full bottle feeding, or are within the endless possibilities that could cause them to want or need to bottle feed. There is a method created specifically to be a hybrid between more traditional breastfeeding and bottle feeding. It is the Kassing method and in the following post we will tell you everything you need to know, from what it is, what it is used for and what advantages it brings, to what the bottle should be like.

What is the Kassing method?

The Kassing method, in short, can be said to be a bottle-feeding technique designed to imitate the natural process of breastfeeding. Developed by American lactation consultant Dee Kassing, this method seeks to minimize the interference that bottle feeding can cause in breastfeeding, especially in babies who alternate between breast and bottle.

The technique replicates key features of breastfeeding, such as the baby's position, the rhythm of feeding and the effort required to extract milk, helping to avoid problems such as nipple-teat confusion.

What is your goal?

The main aim of the Kassing method is to feed the baby in a way that is more similar to how he would feed if he were breastfeeding. This means that feeding is done in a slow and controlled manner, allowing the baby to manage the flow of milk and work his oral muscles in a similar way to when breastfeeding.

The method also aims to prevent overfeeding and reduce the risk of confusion between the bottle's teat and the mother's nipple. By making the baby work to obtain the milk, self-regulation is encouraged, allowing the baby to stop when he is satisfied and preventing him from consuming more than necessary.

Who is it recommended for?

The Kassing method is recommended primarily for babies who alternate between breastfeeding and bottle feeding, i.e. in cases of mixed feeding or when it is necessary to temporarily stop direct breastfeeding. It is a particularly useful technique for mothers who wish to maintain breastfeeding as the main feeding method, but who, for various reasons, must supplement with bottle feeding, such as returning to work, latching or sucking problems, or a temporary low milk production.

It is also ideal for parents or carers who wish to offer a bottle without compromising the baby's ability to suckle at the breast, avoiding nipple confusion, a common problem when babies are not required to strain to obtain milk from a bottle. In addition, it is beneficial for those who wish to maintain a slower, more controlled feeding, ensuring that the baby does not consume more than necessary.

Benefits of the Kassing method

Choosing to follow the Kissinger method for breastfeeding brings benefits such as:

Respect for the natural rhythm of feeding

Allowing the baby to control the flow of milk promotes slower, more rhythmic feeding, similar to breastfeeding. This reduces the risk of choking, as the baby can take his time to breathe and suck in a controlled manner.

Promotes self-regulation

The method allows the baby to stop when he or she is full, avoiding the overfeeding that is common when using a traditional bottle. This helps the little one develop a healthy relationship with food from an early age.

Strengthening the oral muscles

By imitating the effort that a baby must make when suckling at the breast, the Kassing method contributes to the proper development of the facial muscles and the oral cavity, which is important for their long-term development.

Less nipple-teat confusion

By following a breast-like feeding pattern, the possibility of the baby rejecting the breast or becoming confused between bottle-feeding and breastfeeding is minimized. A key piece for mothers who wish to maintain mixed feeding or resume breastfeeding after having introduced the bottle.

Emotional and physical contact

This method promotes close contact between the baby and the caregiver, maintaining skin-to-skin and eye contact, which strengthens the emotional bond, just as occurs during breastfeeding.

How to do the Kassing method?

Implementing the Kassing method is not very difficult, but it does require having certain clear guidelines. These are:

Place the baby in an upright position

Unlike the traditional bottle-feeding method, where the baby is usually semi-reclined or lying down, in the Kassing Method it is essential that the baby is as upright as possible, with the head and neck well supported.

Stimulates the search reflex

Before introducing the nipple, gently brush the baby's lips with it to trigger his rooting reflex. This mimics what the baby would do when searching for the breast and prepares him to begin sucking naturally.

Offer the bottle in a horizontal position

Instead of tilting the bottle so that the milk flows easily, hold it in a horizontal position. This forces the baby to suck on the milk, just as he would when breastfeeding. Make sure the nipple is full of milk to prevent the baby from swallowing air.

Take regular breaks

Every 20 to 30 sucks, remove the bottle briefly. This gives your baby time to breathe and process whether he's full or needs more milk. If your baby continues to reach for the nipple, you can continue feeding. If not, he's finished feeding.

Insert the nipple completely into the baby's mouth

The nipple should be inserted as deeply as possible, mimicking the way a baby would latch on to the breast, to ensure that the baby opens his or her mouth wide and activates the muscles necessary for proper sucking.

Observe the baby's signs

Throughout the feeding, pay attention to signs of satiety. If your baby starts to slow down or pull away from the nipple, he may already be full. Don't force him to finish the bottle if he's no longer hungry.

Characteristics of the bottle for performing the Kassing method

You already have an idea of ​​how to implement the Kassing method, but for it to be effective, it is crucial to choose a bottle that favors this type of feeding. That is, it must have the following:

Straight shape of the bottle

It is important that the bottle is straight and not curved. Curved bottles make the milk flow faster by gravity, which reduces the effort that the baby must make to suck. A straight bottle allows the baby to control the flow of milk.

Physiological nipple

The nipple should be long, round and have a slow flow rate to mimic the shape and behavior of the mother's nipple. A long nipple reaches the point of contact between the baby's hard and soft palate, which encourages a more natural suck. The slow flow rate ensures that the baby works to extract the milk, just as he would when suckling at the breast.

Teat material

Opt for silicone or similar material teats, which mimic both the texture and feel of the nipple. This makes the transition between breast and bottle easier, helping to reduce nipple-teat confusion.

Tips for performing the Kassing method

Finally, so that you can successfully implement this method, if that is what you are looking for, we want to leave you with the following tips:

Be patient and stay calm

This method encourages slow, controlled feeding, similar to breastfeeding. Don't rush the feeding or try to get your baby to finish the bottle quickly. It's crucial to respect your baby's natural rhythm and allow him to manage the milk flow in his own way, watching for signs of satiety.

Ensures an upright position

It is the upright position that helps the baby better control the flow of milk and minimizes the risk of it flowing too quickly, avoiding choking or discomfort.

Observe the baby's signs

It is important to pay attention to the signs that indicate that the baby has had enough to eat. If he begins to slow down his sucking or pulls away from the nipple, he is probably full. Never force him to continue eating.

Maintain close physical contact

Even if you're bottle-feeding, don't neglect the bond. Maintain skin-to-skin contact and eye contact whenever possible, as this strengthens the emotional connection between baby and caregiver, mimicking the closeness that occurs during breastfeeding.

In Kiddus, we know how important it is to accompany children in all stages of their growth, and this includes providing them with products that fit their lifestyle in any situation. Just as the Kassing method seeks a natural and healthy balance in children's nutrition, in Kiddus we believe in offering accessories that complement your everyday life with style, safety and fun. From sunglasses to watches, our products are designed for little ones to play and explore without limits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Kassing Method is an effective way to bottle feed without compromising breastfeeding, providing any baby with a more natural and controlled experience. With the right technique and the right equipment, the Kassing Method is an incredibly useful option for those mothers who wish to alternate between breast and bottle in a way that is respectful and stress-free for the baby.