What to Do: Help! My Baby Won't Eat!

Yes, this is another baby post.  Can't help it, babies on the mind.
I came across a family today who was desperate for help and advice on an ever-so-common issue: Babies that refuse a bottle while their mother is away.
Way back when, this wasn't such a problem.  Women spent a majority of their time pregnant and barefoot.  When babies were hungry, they nursed.  When their husbands wanted a sandwich, they made one.  Thankfully, it's 2012 now and women are actually encouraged to leave the house.  Phew, I probably wouldn't do so well "way back when."  Anyway, back to the point.  Women who nurse sometimes discover a problem when it's time for them to go back to work or have a day/night away from their child...  their baby won't take a bottle!  Even women who alternate between nursing and bottle feeding are finding themselves in this predicament.
The family I mentioned is having an awful time.  The mother has been home for the past 3 months with the child, mostly nursing but sometimes bottle feeding when necessary without any problem at all.  Now that it is time for her to go back to work her husband is responsible for feeding the child while she's away... and the little one won't eat!  What is a parent/ caregiver to do?!  Here are a few tips:

1.  Be sure that you are still using breast milk.  A change from breast milk to formula plus changing to a bottle may be too much of an adjustment.
2.  Try different bottles and nipples.  The biggest thing that seems to help is using latex nipples instead of silicone.  Flow control tips are important too, making it feel more natural for the child.  Dr. Brown and Playtex brands come with high regard.
3.  While feeding, put your pinky in the child's mouth with the nipple.
4.  Ween the child while mommy is around.  Bottle feed one time a day and nurse the rest, getting the child use to the bottle.
5.  Don't try to bottle feed when the child is already upset.  Don't wait until the child is so hungry they are crying.  When the child is calm it will be a little bit easier to get the child to eat.
6.  Be sure the milk is very warm... just as it would be while nursing.

Whatever you do, don't get frustrated or upset.  That will only work your baby up more, making it more difficult to feed.  Part of what babies enjoy about nursing is feeling snug, secure, and safe.  Hold your baby close and tight; show love and happiness- even if you scream and cry by yourself later :)  Be patient and don't give up.