Doctor Betti Dr. Betti Hertzberg Ressler is a Board Certified Pediatrician on staff at Miami Children's Hospital. Dr. Hertzberg developed the toilet training video "Let's Go Potty." She is the co-author of "The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies for Children." From Breastfeeding to Bottle feeding Question: I am a mother of a 8-month-old boy and I have been breast feeding since he was born. Now I need to return to work and he will not take a bottle, formula, we have even tried regular milk. He will not take expressed breast milk in a bottle, nothing works. please help Brandi Answer: The saying about old habits being hard to break is true. Actually, this is a good habit. It will take time to switch from breast to bottle. For 8 months, your baby has received wonderful nutrition and bonding! Has your son ever been away from you long enough to take a bottle from grandma or a sitter? Sometimes, baby will accept the bottle "not from Mom," especially if she is home. Have you introduced a cup for drinking? Until your baby is at least 1 year old, breast milk or formula should be fed. No cow milk until then. At this age, solid foods are becoming the main source of calories and nutrition. Less and less milk is needed, as growth is not as rapid compared to the first 6 months. Back to the transition. La Leche League is an organization that has a very good support system for breast feeding mothers. They have lots of experience and common sense ideas that would be helpful in this case. All major cities have this group. They are also on the web. As with most aspects of child rearing, confidence in yourself as a parent and consistency are very important. It can be done! Dr. Betti Dr. Betti Also see: Are vitamins reccommended for toddlers? Can a pediatrician comfortably prescribe and manage ADHD medication or is it better suited to a psychiatrist? More questions and answers Ask Dr. Betti your questions This information is not intended to be a substitute for visiting your pediatrician. If you or your child has specific concerns, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.