Medical experts say breastfeeding is best for newborns. Specifically, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for about the first 6 months. Following the introduction of solid foods, breastfeeding should continue through the first year of life and even beyond, if desired.
But breastfeeding might not be possible or preferable for all new moms. Deciding to breastfeed or bottle feed a baby is usually based on the mother's comfort level with breastfeeding as well as her lifestyle.
In some cases, breastfeeding may not be recommended for a mom and her baby. If you have any questions about whether to breastfeed or formula feed, talk to your pediatrician. Remember, your baby's nutritional and emotional needs will be met whether you choose to breastfeed or formula feed.
Some things you need to know about breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding your newborn has many advantages. Perhaps most important, breast milk is the perfect food for a human baby's digestive system. It has the nutrients that a newborn needs, and all of its components — lactose, protein (whey and casein), and fat — are easily digested. Commercial formulas try to imitate breast milk, and come close, but cannot match its exact composition.
Also, breast milk contains antibodies that help protect babies from a wide variety of infectious illnesses, including diarrhea and respiratory infections. Studies suggest that breastfed babies are less likely to develop certain medical problems, including diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma, and allergies. Breastfeeding also may decrease the chances that a child will become overweight or obese.
Breastfeeding is great for moms, too. It burns calories and helps shrink the uterus, so nursing moms get back in shape quicker. Breastfeeding also may protect mom from breast and ovarian cancer.
Breast milk is
the perfect food for baby, with numerous advantages over baby formula,
especially in the first four months or so. Here's why:
- It's always available.
- It's free.
- It contains active infection-fighting white blood cells and natural chemicals that give increased protection against infections in the first months, when these can be the most serious.
- It can help prevent SIDS, sudden infant death syndrome, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- It contains the perfect proportion of nutrients that your baby needs, including protein, carbohydrates, fat, and calcium.
- It is easily digestible.
- It may protect against allergies and asthma in the future.
- It may decrease a baby's risk of obesity in the future.
- It may contain some fatty acids that promote brain development.
- Breastfeeding can help new mothers lose weight more easily.
Bottle feeding
Commercially prepared infant formula is a nutritious alternative to breast milk. Bottle feeding can offer more freedom and flexibility for moms, and it makes it easier to know how much the baby is getting.
Because babies digest formula more slowly than breast milk, a baby who is getting formula may need fewer feedings than one who breastfeeds. Formula feeding also can make it easier to feed the baby in public, and allows the father and other family members to help feed the baby, which can enhance bonding.
Limitations of Formula Feeding
Just as breastfeeding has its unique demands, so does bottle feeding. Bottle feeding can require a great deal of organization and preparation, especially if you want to take your baby out. Also, formula can be pretty expensive.
It's important to make sure that you have enough formula on hand, and bottles that are clean and ready to be used.
Here are a few key guidelines for formula feeding:
- Be sure to carefully follow directions on the label when preparing formula.
- Bottles left out of the refrigerator longer than 1 hour and any formula left in the bottle that a baby doesn't finish should be discarded.
- Prepared bottles of formula should be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 24 hours and can be carefully warmed just before feeding. You don’t have to warm formula but most babies prefer it.
- A bottle of formula can be warmed by holding it in running warm water or setting it in a pan of warm water. A bottle of formula (or breast milk) should never be warmed in a microwave. The bottle can heat unevenly and leave "hot spots" that can burn a baby's mouth.
Feeding your newborn: Tips for new parents
A
newborn's feeding schedule can be unpredictable. Here's what, when and how to
feed your baby. By
Mayo Clinic Staff
Feeding a newborn is a
round-the-clock commitment. It's also an opportunity to begin forming a bond
with the newest member of your family. Consider seven tips for feeding a
newborn. 1. Stick with breast milk or formula
In most cases, breast milk is the ideal food for babies. If breast-feeding isn't possible, use infant formula. Healthy newborns don't need water, juice or other fluids.2. Feed your newborn on demand
Most newborns need eight to 12 feedings a day — about one feeding every two to three hours.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. When your baby stops sucking, closes his or her mouth, or turns away from the nipple or bottle, he or she might be full — or simply taking a break. Try burping your baby or waiting a minute before offering your breast or the bottle again.
As your baby gets older, he or she will take in more milk in less time at each feeding.
3. Consider vitamin D supplements
Ask your baby's doctor about vitamin D supplements for the baby, especially if you're breast-feeding. Breast milk might not provide enough vitamin D, which helps your baby absorb calcium and phosphorus — nutrients necessary for strong bones.4. Expect variations in your newborn's eating patterns
Your newborn won't necessarily eat the same amount every day. During growth spurts — often at two to three weeks after birth and again at six weeks after birth — your newborn might take more at each feeding or want to be fed more often. Respond to early signs of hunger, rather than keeping a strict eye on the clock.5. Trust your instincts — and your newborn's
You might worry that your newborn isn't eating enough, but babies usually know just how much they need. Don't focus on how much, how often or how regularly your newborn eats. Instead, look for:- Steady weight gain
- Contentment between feedings
- By the fifth day after birth, at least six wet diapers and three or more bowel movements a day
.
6. Consider each feeding a time to bond with your newborn
Hold your newborn close during each feeding. Look him or her in the eye. Speak with a gentle voice. Use each feeding as an opportunity to build your newborn's sense of security, trust and comfort.7. Know when to ask for help
If you're having trouble breast-feeding, ask a lactation consultant or your baby's doctor for help — especially if every feeding is painful or your baby isn't gaining weight. If you haven't worked with a lactation consultant, ask your baby's doctor for a referral or check with the obstetrics department at a local hospital.
But which
every way baby is fed give your partner as much support as needed
