BASIC INFORMATION FOR BREASTFEEDING
Everyday, our baby is changing and growing so fast. Day by day, our
baby may vary to feed as they need. That is very important to make sure
that our new baby get right nutritional needs, these are the basic
think that every mom have to remember:
Stick with breast milk or
formula
Breast milk or formula is the only food your newborn needs. In fact,
the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breast-feeding
for about the first six months. Newborns don't need water, juice or
other fluids. In fact, introducing juice or other fluids too early may
cause diarrhea. You can gradually begin introducing solid foods when
your baby's doctor gives the OK — often by age 6 months.
Feed your baby on demand
Most newborns breast-feed eight to 12 times a day — about every two to
three hours. Within two to three months, your baby may be satisfied
with six to eight feedings a day. Eventually your baby will fall into a
fairly predictable feeding schedule, taking in more milk in less time
at each feeding.
Follow your baby's
feeding cues
Look for early signs of hunger, such as stirring and stretching,
sucking motions and lip movements. Fussing and crying are later cues.
The sooner you begin each feeding, the less likely you'll need to
soothe a frantic baby. Of course, not every cry means hunger. Sometimes
your baby may simply need a clean diaper, a change of scenery or some
cuddle time.
When your baby stops sucking, closes his or her mouth, or turns away
from the nipple, he or she may be full — or simply taking a break. Try
burping your baby or waiting a minute before offering your breast or
the bottle again. If your baby is ready to end the feeding, he or she
will resist more vigorously.
Expect variations in your
baby's eating patterns
Your baby won't necessarily eat the same amount every day. During
growth spurts — often at 10 to 14 days after birth, as well as at three
weeks, six weeks, three months and six months — your baby may take more
at each feeding or want to feed more often. After a few days, the
pattern should become more predictable. When your baby begins to drop
middle-of-the-night feedings, he or she may want a morning "catch-up"
feeding.
Consider each feeding a
time to bond with your baby
For babies, feeding is as much a social activity as a nutritional one.
Your baby's growth and development are based, in part, on the powerful
bond that forms during feedings. Hold your baby close during each
feeding. Look him or her in the eye. Speak with a gentle voice. If
you're using a bottle, resist the temptation to prop it in your baby's
mouth while you do other things. This could lead to choking or tooth
decay — and a missed opportunity to build your baby's sense of
security, trust and comfort.
Trust your instincts
Every baby is unique. Soon you'll become familiar with your baby's
eating habits and recognize when they're disrupted. Don't worry about
how much, how often and how regularly your baby eats. Instead, look for
steady weight gain and contentment between feedings. Your baby's doctor
will monitor your baby's growth as well. If you're concerned about your
baby's eating patterns, contact your baby's doctor.
(by mayoclinic.com -
BABY.TopResource.NET Reference) HOME ARCHIVES
