Do I Have to Breastfeed All The Time

Although there is no doubt that breastfeeding is best for your baby, most babies will get some formula milk some of the time. Breastfeeding is not always possible. You might be an adoptive mother or have a medical reason not to breastfeed. Others might just decide that breastfeeding is not for them or, may breastfeed for a short period after the birth before moving onto formula feeding. If you wish to supplement your breastfeeding with formula milk wait until you have been breastfeeding for three to four weeks to preserve your own milk supply.

During breastfeeding is a wonderful time for mothers to bond and build a unique closeness with their baby. If you move onto formula, perhaps so Dad can take some of the strain, make sure that you continue to feed in the same manner and, that the cuddles your baby got whilst you were breastfeeding continue. Hold your baby close with their head slightly elevated at an angle and make sure that the bottle is upright to minimise the possibility of your baby taking in air whilst feeding.

When you purchase your infant formula you can be confident that it will meet your baby’s nutritional needs in full. The major brands are all very similar and, unless you are told otherwise by your doctor make sure you get one that is fortified with iron. Formula milks come in three basic types;

• Powder (very economical)
• Liquid concentrate (a bit more expensive)
• Ready-to-use (the most expensive)

Unsurprisingly, the formula’s which are ready to use and require little effort are the most expensive. However, don’t feel that you have to buy these to get the best for your baby. If they are mixed properly, in accordance with the instructions the powder concentrates are equally as good.

Water to mix with formula

In most cases you don’t have to use any special water with your formula unless there is a problem with your water supply. If you have doubts check with your doctor and your water company.

How much formula is enough?

New-borns start with a very small stomach which can only hold 1-2 teaspoons (5-10ml) of milk for the first week but, this amount will start to increase almost immediately. By the end of the first month your baby will be taking around 120ml per feed every four hours.

Age Amount of feed Frequency of feed

New-born 60-90ml every 3-4 hours

One month 120ml every 4 hours

Two months 120ml 6-7 feeds every 24 hours

Four months 120-180ml 6 feeds every 24 hours

Six months 180-240ml 5 feeds every 24 hours

One year 480-720ml 3-4 feeds every 24 hours

The above table is a guide only as the actual amount a baby takes may vary significantly depending on your baby’s size. Needs and appetites also vary day by day and, month by month. Your baby will feed as often as they need too as long as you learn to read the signs and interpret them properly. Don’t offer the bottle every time your baby cries, especially if it is just after a feed. Remember, babies cry for many reasons. Learn to read if they are hungry or if they just want your attention.

Formula milk moves more slowly through a baby’s digestive system so expect feeds to be less frequent if you have been breastfeeding and switch to formula. Also, the stools may be a little harder and drier.

Remember all babies are individuals so, don’t force-feed if you think they are not drinking enough and, don’t leave them wanting more if they empty a bottle and show signs of wanting more. Also, a baby who often regurgitates after a feed may do better with smaller, more frequent feeds.

Things you should know

• Babies often loose a little weight straight after birth. As long as they continue to feed normally you have no need to worry.
• All equipment used in feeding your baby needs to be washed using warm soapy water and sterilised before use. Most sterilising is now done in a microwave using a sterilising unit.
• Always wash your hands before making up a batch of feed.
• Prepared formula can be stored in a fridge for up to 48 hours if the teat is untouched by the baby. If it has been touched you should throw away the rest of the feed.
• You don’t have to warm the mix but most babies don’t like it straight out of the fridge. Don’t warm milk using a microwave as they can heat the mixture unevenly leaving “hotspots” in the mix.
• Most formula milks are based on cow’s milk so if your family has an intolerance to this discuss it with your doctor before you give it to your baby. There are alternatives based on Soya.

Be aware of the following

• Unused formula “goes off” very quickly and the teats can be like magnates to bacteria. Throw away any unused milk and always sterilise your equipment.
• Evaporated milk is the wrong balance for baby’s digestive system and can put unnecessary stress on your babies guts and kidney’s.
• Do not use cow’s milk until your baby is at least 12 months old.
• Don’t add honey to anything. It can contain spores which can cause serious illness in children under 12 months.
• Don’t dilute formula. If you are struggling financially talk to you health visitor who will be able to help.

www.thebabyshoecompany.co.uk

Do I have to breastfeed all of the time?

Although there is no doubt that breastfeeding is best for your baby, most babies will get some formula milk some of the time. Breastfeeding is not always possible. You might be an adoptive mother or have a medical reason not to breastfeed. Others might just decide that breastfeeding is not for them or, may breastfeed for a short period after the birth before moving onto formula feeding. If you wish to supplement your breastfeeding with formula milk wait until you have been breastfeeding for three to four weeks to preserve your own milk supply.

During breastfeeding is a wonderful time for mothers to bond and build a unique closeness with their baby. If you move onto formula, perhaps so Dad can take some of the strain, make sure that you continue to feed in the same manner and, that the cuddles your baby got whilst you were breastfeeding continue. Hold your baby close with their head slightly elevated at an angle and make sure that the bottle is upright to minimise the possibility of your baby taking in air whilst feeding.

When you purchase your infant formula you can be confident that it will meet your baby’s nutritional needs in full. The major brands are all very similar and, unless you are told otherwise by your doctor make sure you get one that is fortified with iron. Formula milks come in three basic types;

• Powder (very economical)
• Liquid concentrate (a bit more expensive)
• Ready-to-use (the most expensive)

Unsurprisingly, the formula’s which are ready to use and require little effort are the most expensive. However, don’t feel that you have to buy these to get the best for your baby. If they are mixed properly, in accordance with the instructions the powder concentrates are equally as good.

Water to mix with formula

In most cases you don’t have to use any special water with your formula unless there is a problem with your water supply. If you have doubts check with your doctor and your water company.

How much formula is enough?

New-borns start with a very small stomach which can only hold 1-2 teaspoons (5-10ml) of milk for the first week but, this amount will start to increase almost immediately. By the end of the first month your baby will be taking around 120ml per feed every four hours.

Age Amount of feed Frequency of feed

New-born 60-90ml every 3-4 hours

One month 120ml every 4 hours

Two months 120ml 6-7 feeds every 24 hours

Four months 120-180ml 6 feeds every 24 hours

Six months 180-240ml 5 feeds every 24 hours

One year 480-720ml 3-4 feeds every 24 hours

The above table is a guide only as the actual amount a baby takes may vary significantly depending on your baby’s size. Needs and appetites also vary day by day and, month by month. Your baby will feed as often as they need too as long as you learn to read the signs and interpret them properly. Don’t offer the bottle every time your baby cries, especially if it is just after a feed. Remember, babies cry for many reasons. Learn to read if they are hungry or if they just want your attention.

Formula milk moves more slowly through a baby’s digestive system so expect feeds to be less frequent if you have been breastfeeding and switch to formula. Also, the stools may be a little harder and drier.

Remember all babies are individuals so, don’t force-feed if you think they are not drinking enough and, don’t leave them wanting more if they empty a bottle and show signs of wanting more. Also, a baby who often regurgitates after a feed may do better with smaller, more frequent feeds.

Things you should know

• Babies often loose a little weight straight after birth. As long as they continue to feed normally you have no need to worry.
• All equipment used in feeding your baby needs to be washed using warm soapy water and sterilised before use. Most sterilising is now done in a microwave using a sterilising unit.
• Always wash your hands before making up a batch of feed.
• Prepared formula can be stored in a fridge for up to 48 hours if the teat is untouched by the baby. If it has been touched you should throw away the rest of the feed.
• You don’t have to warm the mix but most babies don’t like it straight out of the fridge. Don’t warm milk using a microwave as they can heat the mixture unevenly leaving “hotspots” in the mix.
• Most formula milks are based on cow’s milk so if your family has an intolerance to this discuss it with your doctor before you give it to your baby. There are alternatives based on Soya.

Be aware of the following

• Unused formula “goes off” very quickly and the teats can be like magnates to bacteria. Throw away any unused milk and always sterilise your equipment.
• Evaporated milk is the wrong balance for baby’s digestive system and can put unnecessary stress on your babies guts and kidney’s.
• Do not use cow’s milk until your baby is at least 12 months old.
• Don’t add honey to anything. It can contain spores which can cause serious illness in children under 12 months.
• Don’t dilute formula. If you are struggling financially talk to you health visitor who will be able to help.

www.thebabyshoecompany.co.uk

Breast feeding in Public

Although you may feel uncomfortable when you breastfeed in front of other people it is perfectly acceptable to do so. Mums have the legal right to breastfeed in public during the first six months of their baby’s life.

Some tops are designed to help you feed discreetly. If you have to unbutton your blouse it will only make you feel more uncomfortable and exposed whilst you are feeding. Also, buttons are a hindrance you can do without. Stretchy tops, which you can just, lift up work well. If it helps you feel more relaxed consider covering yourself by draping a scarf or lightweight blanket over your shoulder and chest area whilst you feed your baby. This will help with privacy. Remember to make sure your baby can breath easily whilst they are covered though.

Some large shops have mother and baby facilities where you can feed comfortably amongst other mums. Some councils also produce leaflets on where facilities are provided.

Remember that feeding your baby when they are hungry is your first priority and you shouldn’t feel self-conscious about doing what’s best for them. When you become more familiar with breastfeeding, you won’t think twice about doing it in public.

www.thebabyshoecompany.co.uk

Breast feeding for new mums

If you have just started to try to breastfeed you’re doing the best thing for your baby. If it doesn’t come naturally to you, don’t worry. Plenty of mums need practice and perseverance until they get the hang of it. Here, I’ll try to guide you through the first few steps.

Breast milk is the best food available to your baby. Babies who are breastfed from birth are much less likely to be ill in the first year of their life. Breast milk may help protect your baby from illnesses such as ; gastroenteritis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, eczema, ear and urinary tract infections. Its also possible that breastfeeding helps your baby stay healthy in the long term too.

It’s not just your baby who may benefit from breastfeeding. It’s good for you too. Its helps lower your chance of getting breast cancer before you reach your menopause. It can also help to protect you against ovarian cancer and weak bones (osteoporosis) in later life.

It is recommended that women feed only breast milk to their babies for the first six months of life. After your baby starts on solid food you can continue with breast feeding for the first year and beyond if you wish.

Breast milk is a complete food. It contains at least 400 nutriants as well hormones and disease fighting compounds. Its nutritional make-up even adjusts to your babies needs as they grow.

Perhaps more importantly, apart from the infection fighting, brain developing properties of your milk which no substitute can offer, breastfeeding helps in perhaps the most important way possible, by helping to build a very special bond between you and your baby.

Preparing to Breastfeed.

As long as you are healthy there is not much more you can do to prepare your body for breastfeeding. However, you can prepare your mind. Learn as much as you can before your baby is born and encourage your partner to learn about it too so that he can understand and support you.

How do I start Breastfeeding?

As feeds can take anything from 5 to 40 minutes find yourself a comfortable place and position. Atmosphere is important, especially when you are starting and still trying to get the hang of it.

If you are easily distracted by noise find somewhere quite. If you are easily bored you may want the TV or radio in the room if the feeding is going well. Try different places until you find the best place for you.

Hold your baby in a position that won’t make your arm and/or back ache. Have cushions or pillows to hand to support you and your baby. Many mums find that cradling a baby across their chest supported by a cushion works well

Get yourself and the baby in a relaxed position before you start feeding. Pay attention to how your breasts feel when your baby latches on. The baby should take in a large mouthful of breast tissue. If it hurts, gently break the suction by inserting your little finger between your baby’s gums and your nipple and try again. Once your baby latches on properly they won’t need any more help from you.

Is Breastfeeding Easy?

Some women adjust to breastfeeding easily but, many other new mums find it hard going. Remember, if your struggling you won’t be the only one. If you feel like giving up, or just want more advice, get in touch with a breastfeeding specialist. Your midwife might be a good starting point.

Breastfeeding takes practice. Look upon it as a skill that you will have to learn. You wouldn’t expect to be able to play an instrument without taking music lessons. Give yourself time to learn and don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t get it straightaway.

If it’s not going well tell yourself that it will get easier and keep in mind that any problems you have initially are likely to pass.

www.thebabyshoecompany.co.uk