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| Feeding - Breast or Bottle? | |
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Breast Feeding Breast feeding your baby is the best and most consistently satisfactory milk for babies. We strongly recommend that you breast feed your bably if at all possible. Even if you know you will be returning to work when the baby is 6-8 weeks old, having breast fed your child for a short while is still preferred. Breast fed babies rarely have colic or diarrhea. Constipation occurs less often, and infections are fewer in number. Breast feeding helps the mother return to normal after delivery more quickly and in loosing any excess weight gained during the pregnancy. Nursing a baby is pleasurable and satisfying. Breast feeding is inexpensive, takes less time, and is always available and ready. Breast feeding also helps new mothers bond with their babies. Your baby will be brought to you for the first feeding shortly after childbirth. At this time your milk supply will not likely have started, but a thin, yellow/bluish liquid known as colostrum will be present. Usually around 48-72 hours post delivery your milk will "come in" or "let down." It is normal for your breasts to be tender the first few days until you and your baby adjust to the amount and rhythm of your baby's feedings. The best position early in breast feeding is usually with the mother reclined and baby lying on the bed or cradled in mother's arms. Before each feeding, wash the nipple area with water. Allow the baby to grasp the whole areola rather than just the nipple. Milk is suckled better this way and it will cause less nipple irritation or soreness. Alternate which breast is used first as the baby will get most of the milk out in the first 5-10 minutes and this will keep your breasts more symmetrical. An easy trick is to fasten a safety pin to your undergarment on the opposite breast so you will know which side to start on next time. Trust your instincts. Adequate rest, a balanced diet, plenty of fluids including water, and freedom from worry or anxiety are conducive to satisfactory breast feeding. Bottle Feeding If you must bottle feed, the first rule is "Do not beat yourself up, feel guilty, or consider yourself inadequate as a mother." Not every baby can be breast fed and not every situation is condusive to breast feeding. Your baby's nutritional requirements can be met with an infant formula. The specific type of formula should be discussed with you by your physician. To begin, remember "Sterilization is NOT necessary. Cleanliness IS necessary." Formula should be warm but not hot. If you need to give the formula cold or at room temperature, that is OK. Do not hurry the feedings even if Dad is helping out. Avoid distractions, stay relaxed and comfortable. Burp your baby frequently. ALWAYS hold the bottle, NEVER prop the bottle then leave the baby to feed alone. Test the bottle nipples before use by inverting the bottle to see that the milk drips out without shaking. If it does not drip, enlarge the opening or use another nipple. If the milk runs out in a steady stream, the nipple hole is too large and needs to be discarded and replaced with a new one. Remember, babies love to be held and talked to. What better time than feedings than to do just that! SAMA - The Right Choice in HealthCare |
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