Becoming a parent is one of the most significant experiences that anyone can have. Like all new parents, you want to give your newborn baby the best possible start in life, and this starts with feeding them properly. You may be confused about how often and how much to feed them, as well as what foods are safe for their tiny tummies. In this article, we will help you navigate these murky waters so that you can provide your baby with adequate nutrition without stressing out.
Breastfeeding or Formula Feeding? That’s the Question
One of the first decisions that new parents face is whether to breastfeed or formula feed their newborns. This largely depends on personal preference and circumstances such as lifestyle factors and medical history. Whatever method you choose, ensure it conforms with current guidance from top health professionals.
The Pros of Breastfeeding
Breast milk is amazing! It contains unique nutrients that cannot easily be replicated by formula milk. These proteins fight off infections while also aiding proper brain development in infants^1.
The Cons of Breastfeeding
Benefits aside, breastfeeding might not always work out due to medical problems or other reasons like the mother having difficulty producing enough milk^2. However doesn't mean stopping but trying various techniques,e.g., more frequent nursing sessions/yoga exercises^3/massage therapy-consult available professional coupled with conventional treatments only after ensuring there are no pre-existing conditions
Formula Feeding
If breastfeeding isn’t working out for whatever reason then opt for formulated babies feeds which come ready-to-consume according to manufacturer recommendations . Adequate care should be taken when selecting formulas based on consultative advice from experts #4#, allergies could originate if rigorous adherence wasn't maintained during selection.
There's another school of thought regarding combining both i.e nurse-and-formula technique where treating feeding as a hybrid menu to manage and balance output during suckling experience. Hence,a conversation with obstetricians or pediatrician will be required.
Bottle Feeding
With regards to Formula feeding, you need bottle-feeding equipment, this should be sterilized before offering milk/proper cleaning at all times following manufacturer's directions for use is essential/ Also appropriate amount(feeding size) of formula mixed and warmed appropriately what works best for your baby based on their preferences while taking note of variations in mouths/teat opening sizes-/especially premature babies/.#5#
How Much Milk Should Your Newborn Drink?
During the early days after delivery,and leading up the first few months,young infants would sleep-and-wake frequently even as often as needing 2-hourly feeds .Therefore it’s common that they may consume between one-halfnd an full ounce (15mls-30mls)/meal increasing progressively per day eventually triple from birth weight#6#.
As much your newborn has varying appetite,milk consumption frequency,bowel changes are personal🔒.
However,it is important to monitor their diaper patterns-changes,paying attention to monitored wet diapers(crd-=colostrum-rich-diaper/
Signs That Your Baby Needs More Food
The most significant reason why you might think your little nurseling or bottle feeder needs more food than usual is perhaps because they’re cranky or fussier than normal. You could also monitor physical cues like:
- Clenched fists
- Rooting behavior
- Increased crying/smack lips/grasping action/Hunger Cues.#8# More engaging signals which involved developing vision,sitting without assistance/making mouth sounds/curious about surrounding environments too
When You're Baby Seems to Eat a Lot
As parents, you should keep track of your infant's food intake patterns. If your newborn feeds more often than usual and still loses weight or remains at same weight for several days, consulting with health professional will be necessary.
What Exactly Is an Ounce Anyway?
The most confusing thing about deciding how much milk to feed your baby is figuring out what "one ounce" of liquid looks like? Measuring cups have other smaller metric measuring tools that can accurately reflect the desired volumetric measurement #9#
What Happens When Your Newborn Eats Too Much?
If by any chance; you observe over-eating habits,potential issues could amount including diarrhea/vomiting /obesity/excessive gas episodes.Whereabouts its important water-play time/help them relax,to prevent such behaviour .Anxiety related eating also occurs in infants ,hence it’s important to stay relaxed during the feeding process.
Conclusion
Feeding your baby isn’t rocket science but there are things new parents need to learn quickly.During this delicate period,it would serve as aboon being prepared when trying out different techniques coupled proper nutrition guidance from qualified heath practitioners.Your newborn will not only thank you for their well-fed tummy but these first experiences shared while feeding provide a lasting bonding experience between babies and care-givers easily translating into long term positive relationships.#10#
References:
- Beauregard JL, et al. Advantages of Breastfeeding: A Literature Review (2017)
2.Tursi fanny,Tacan Janine Demetry,Couroyer Miguel,Jalkh Nadia,Batista Stéphanie Gleyze,Birbes Hugo,Arciszewski Thomas,Grimprel Emmanuel,Lorrot Mathie.'Positive Effect of Postpartum Yoga on Maternal Stress Levels and Infant Feeding',(2020).
3.Oliinyk Valentina,Veriukhina Yuliia,'The Importance of Massage Therapy Sessions for Infants',(2020). 4.Benton-Davis SL, Hartsfield N. Formula feeding infants: alleviating fears and concerns.Transl Pediatr.#5#.,2016
Glossary
- CRD : Colostrum Rich Diaper