What is a recommended strategy for preventing breast engorgement in bottle-feeding newborns?

Preventing breast engorgement in bottle-feeding newborns is best achieved by avoiding nipple stimulation, as this helps to minimize milk production. When mothers are not breastfeeding, the body may naturally decrease milk supply over time, reducing the risk of engorgement due to excess milk.

Engorgement occurs when the breasts become overly full with milk, leading to discomfort and potential issues with breastfeeding if attempted later. In the context of bottle-feeding, where milk is not being regularly extracted by feeding or pumping, avoiding stimulation can be a key strategy to prevent the breasts from producing too much milk.

Encouragement of frequent breastfeeding is beneficial for breastfeeding mothers but is not applicable in the context of bottle-fed infants. Similarly, using a breast pump regularly might actually increase milk production rather than decrease it and would not be recommended for mothers who are bottle-feeding. Increasing fluid intake does not directly influence breast engorgement; it is more relevant to maternal hydration than to managing breast fullness in this scenario. Thus, avoiding nipple stimulation aligns best with the goal of preventing engorgement in this specific situation.