Answers To Your Questions

Feeding your infant
One of the first decisions every parent has to make is whether to breast or bottle feed their infant. Breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for babies. It is easy to digest, filled with antibodies that help fight against infection, and always the right temperature. If you decide not to breast feed, there are many good formulas on the market. (back to Health Information)

Breastfeeding
It would seem that since breast feeding is a natural process it would also be easy. But, this is not always the case, especially in the first few days. Most new mothers need help getting started. Certified lactation consultants can assist you in the hospital as well as after you go home. Most babies are very sleepy in the first week of life, and it may be difficult to keep them awake to feed at times. Most babies need to eat at least every 2-3 hours and may only nurse for 5-10 minutes. This should increase to at least 10-15 minutes as the baby demands more milk and your milk supply increases.
Initially, your newborn gets colostrum which is high in antibodies and has a thicker, more yellow appearance. It may take 2-5 days for your milk to 'come in'. Your baby may fall asleep after nursing on one breast. If he or she will not nurse from the other side, simply start on the other side with the next feeding. You will know if your baby is doing well with nursing if he seems satisfied after nursing and is having good wet diapers (6-8 wet diapers in 24 hours) by the 3rd or 4th day of life.

It is very important that mom continue to eat a balanced diet which provides 500 more calories a day than her diet prior to pregnancy. Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine are passed through to your breast milk, so try to avoid these products. Certain medications may be passed through breast milk as well, so ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications. It is a good idea to continue your prenatal vitamins while you are breast feeding. Also, limit visitors in the first few weeks so that you can rest when the baby is asleep.
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Bottle Feeding
It is best to use formula with iron since iron is not as well absorbed from formula. Most formulas come in three forms: ready-to-feed, concentrate, and powder. Most babies will want to eat every 3-4 hours and will generally start off taking 1-2 ounces per feeding. This will gradually increase as the baby grows. A rough guide for how much an infant should take at a feeding is an ounce per each week of age. NEVER prop the bottle - ALWAYS hold your baby cradled in your arm with the baby almost upright. Hold the bottle so that the nipple is filled with milk so that the baby does not swallow air. You should also avoid warming bottles in the microwave because uneven heating can burn your baby's mouth and throat. Discard any milk that the baby does not take during a feeding - saliva may break down the milk and it is also a good place for germs to grow. (back to Health Information)