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ORIGINAL POST:
General Feeding Information
Not all babies require the same amount of food for proper growth. You will know when your baby has had enough food because they will seem satisfied. A rigid schedule may prevent proper feeding, so be flexible. On the whole babies eat every 2-4 hours. You should burp your baby 2-3 times per feeding.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is nutritional for baby and affordable for you! It may seem like a lot of work at first, but it is medically proven to beneficial to all involved. If you are able to breastfeed, doctors recommend it. Breastfeeding allows you to impart your body's natural antibodies straight to your baby, it also helps your body return to normal after pregnancy (including aiding with losing weight you might have gained during pregnancy!).
When you breastfeed find a comfortable spot (I prefer our big padded rocking chair), if helps to have arm support and a back rest. Many women enjoy a new invention called a "Boppy", this is a special u-shaped pillow made for nursing infants. Wash your hands with soap and water before you begin. Remember to make sure your baby is fully awake, because if he is not this might become a frustrating experience for both of you. Do not force your nipple into the baby's mouth, allow him to suck it in. Make sure you place your breast to the baby's face and wait for him to open his mouth widely before you allow him to suck it in. You also want your nipple facing downward. This will allow the baby to get the most milk with each suck and will ease your soreness as you begin breastfeeding.
Some newborn babies (and even some older ones) tend to fall asleep during feeding and then they want to wake up and eat every 45 minutes. Feedings this close together will make you sore more easily. So when you nurse make sure to keep the baby awake until he is full. You may want to try tickling his feet, removing his clothing, pressing his face lightly into your breast, or anything else that seems to waken your baby. Some soreness for the first two weeks is very normal, but if it seems to worsen, or if it continues for longer than a few weeks, you may want to consult your pediatrician.
Do not be alarmed if for periods at a time your baby seems to want to eat more and more often. This often indicates a growth spurt. Your body is ready to adjust your milk level to meet your babies needs, occasionally some women supplement with formula during these times, but it is usually not necessary.
Make sure you eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids. This will keep you feeling healthy and your milk supply ample and plentiful for your infant.
Before you take any prescribed drugs make sure you let your doctor know that you are breastfeeding. Generally most drugs are harmless. Some drugs that are particularly harmful are: 1. those used in chemotherapy, 2. illegal drugs, and 3. Radioactive drugs.
In summary, breastfeeding is healthy, inexpensive, and doctor recommended. It may take time to become comfortable and relaxed, but if you persist it will become a healthy, bonding time for you and your baby.
Bottle (Formula) feeding
Breastfeeding is number one recommended by all medical professionals, but there are instances where a mother is unable to breastfeed, or for other reasons decides to formula feed. Should you decide to formula feed always wash the bottle before using it, chose a fomula fortified with iron. Make the formula at the temperature your baby seems to be most comfortable with. Most babies prefer it to be a little warmer than lukewarm. Any formula bottles you did not use should be stored in the refrigerator, these should be thrown away after 24 hours, if you did not refrigerate the bottle it should be discarded after 2 hours. Formula should drip out of the bottles nipple when held upside down, if it does not try loosening the bottles nipple. When you hold the bottle for your baby make sure the milk is always in the nipple and neck of the bottle, this prevents your baby from gulping air. A normal baby needs about 2.5 ounces of formula per pound per day.
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