Baby Feeding Tip #7 – Start with Breast Milk
Newborns receive more essential nutrients when fed with breast milk. After all, it is explicitly made for humans. A mother’s milk has vitamins and minerals that strengthen immunity, muscles, and bones.
Formula milk is an acceptable option for mothers that are unable to breastfeed. But, keep in mind that there are benefits from breast milk that are difficult to reproduce. Also, breastfeeding affords a one-of-a-kind bonding experience for both mother and baby.
Baby Feeding Tip #6 – Ask for Help
First-time breastfeeding moms should have a nurse go over feeding techniques while in the hospital. Your body is experiencing changes. It is important to know what to expect while breastfeeding.
Mothers will experience the let-down reflex as milk begins to flow. Nipples may feel a bit sore as babies learn to suckle.
If there are any difficulties breastfeeding, reach out to resources in your area. The La Leche league has come to the aid of countless women. Chapters are located throughout the United States. This group explains what to expect and offers tips and tricks to ensure good skin-to-skin contact [2].
Baby Feeding Tip #5 – Feed on Demand
Newborns are going to be constantly hungry during their first few weeks and as they experience growth spurts.
Pay attention to the hunger cues of your baby such as restlessness or crying. Once you understand your infant’s particular cues, you will be able to offer breast milk or formula to your baby in time to prevent anyone from becoming too cranky. Give it time. Your baby will eventually develop a feeding schedule.
Baby Feeding Tip #4 – Try Bottle Feeding
For some mothers, bottle feeding is the way to go. Babies can be bottle fed after a few weeks especially if your milk production is running low. Bottles can be filled with breast milk. This way you can still breastfeed, but others can jump in and help.
Formula bottle feeding is a convenience that many parents take advantage of when it is time for them to go back to work. Babies will grasp the bottle for themselves after several weeks of bottle feeding. This is the first step towards independence.
Baby Feeding Tip #3 – Solid Foods
Babies spend the first several months of life seeing and smelling their nourishment. It is natural to want to try new foods. Once babies are old enough and start showing interest in solid food, slowly introduce solids.
This process was first coined by authors, Gill Rapley and Tracey Murkett who wrote Baby-Led Weaning: The Guide to Introducing Solid Foods. This technique is not about parents weaning babies but rather slowly introducing solid foods to children’s diets at their own paces. Babies will journey from finding their mouths to a lifetime love of a variety of foods.
Signs that your baby may be ready to try solid foods include sitting on their own, self-feeding, and a willingness to chew. Baby-led weaning encourages little ones to start exploring their world in the comfort of family around the dinner table.
Baby Feeding Tip #2 – Trust Your Instincts
There is a learning curve for determining when your baby is still hungry. It can be difficult to tell at first. However, a mother’s instinct is sure to kick in, and your baby’s cues will help. Keep in mind that babies know when they are full.
Look for signs of being well-nourished such as weight gain. Keep track of the number of wet and soiled diapers and whether your baby is content between feedings.
If your baby’s weight remains the same or decreases, talk to your doctor and discuss what steps to take.
Baby Feeding Tip #1 – Get Help from the Family
You do not have to do everything on your own. Your family and friends are there to help you take care of the child even if you are breastfeeding [1].
Take care not to isolate partners during feeding. They can help with burping or taking care of the baby while you rest. Take turns with feeding your baby once bottle feeding is introduced.
Although the days and nights may seem long, enjoy these special bonding moments and watch your baby grow up to be strong and healthy.
