FEEDING

Breast Feeding

As everyone is aware, this is the best method of feeding for your baby.  It provides a ready prepared source of milk contain all the nutritional needs that your baby has, without the need for sterilising or preparing bottles.  It is an "anywhere, anytime" method of feeding that provides some immunity to infections for the baby, from certain things such as coughs and colds.

 During the first 3 - 4 days after the birth, there is not a lot of milk present in the breast.  There is a substance present, however called Colostrum.  This is a thick clear coloured solution that is rich in antibodies, which help us to fight infection.  This substance is very important to the health of a breast-fed baby, providing very good nourishment.  

Problem 1.   You feel that you are always feeding your baby.  He/ she wants to suckle for long periods of time, sometimes up to 2 hours, and then will only settle for an hour before wanting to be fed again. 

Solution.  There is no solution to this!  This is an entirely normal occurrence in breastfed babies in he first 3 days of life.  It happens because of the lack of a large quantity of milk in the breast, meaning that the baby needs to suckle much more to get what he needs.  On the positive side, however, the amount that you allow the baby to feed, will dictate the amount of milk that you produce when it finally comes into the breast, so will be more likely to be able to sustain your baby entirely with your own milk.

 After 3 - 4 days, you will notice your breasts becoming lumpy, heavy and tender.  This is the point at which the milk is coming into the breast.  It is important at this stage that you wear a good well fitting feeding or support bra, as you breasts have no natural means of support, and when they become heavy risk stretching and sagging. 

 Problem 2.   You thought your baby would settle down to a regular feeding pattern when your milk came in, but he still seems to need to feed as frequently, although maybe not for so long.

 Solution 2.  Don't worry, this is also temporary.  As your milk comes into the breast, the baby can smell it and can go into what can only be compared to a "feeding frenzy".  This will settle down as the baby becomes more satisfied.  When your baby feeds, allow it to empty one entire breast before moving him to the other.  This is because there are 2 types of milk produced, the fore and the hind milk.  The fore milk is a watery "drink" for the baby, to satisfy him until the hind milk, which is thicker and more nutritious is" let down" by the breast. (You may feel this happening, as a "cold" or Tingly" sensation).  If your baby is not allowed to have the hind milk, he will not satisfy and you may see him lose weight also.  You can initially assess whether your breast is empty in 2 ways. Firstly compare its weight to the other full breast; it will now be soft, squashy and light in comparison.  Secondly, your baby may appear anxious and unable to feed, even if still apparently hungry.

 Problem 3.  My nipples feel very painful and sore

 Solution 3.   This is a common problem, especially for first time breast feeders.  Most women will feel a little tender and sore when breast feeding at first.  It is a temporary problem lasting a few days. Sometimes it is due to the baby not holding onto the nipple in the right place, at other times it is wear and tear from a baby that is frequently feeding.  In either case ask your midwife to check the positioning of the baby at the breast.  He/she should have his lips curled back when feeding and have as much of the areola (Dark area surrounding the nipple) in its mouth that is possible, as this is the area that he / she needs to "milk".  If you feel sore, don't waste money on nipple creams, use a small drop of your own breast milk, rub it in and leave your nipples exposed to the air.  It'll work wonders! 

BOTTLE FEEDING.

Bottle-feeding provides the baby with all the nutrition it needs to grow, but without the antibodies that breast milk provides.  It can be a time consuming way to feed your baby, when you consider that you need to wash the bottles and all their related equipment, sterilise them, mix them, store them, carry them when going out and reheating them.  However, you should not feel bad or a failure if you choose this method of feeding for whatever reason, as your baby will still thrive and grow, and a happy baby makes for a happy mum.

Problem 1.  How do I make up my baby's feeds?

Solution 1.  Always use sterilised equipment as you may risk diarrhoea and vomiting which can be very serious.  Sterilise according to the manufacturers instructions.  Before you start, boil a kettle of FRESH water and allow it to cool for 15 - 20 minutes.  Wash your hands!  Mix just slightly more than your baby takes on average.  For example, if your baby takes 3 fluid ounces of milk at a feed, you will need to mix 4.  This allows a little extra if your baby feels very hungry.  Firstly, pour the water from the kettle, into the bottle up to the 4 oz mark.  Always add water first otherwise the concentration of water to milk powder will be too strong, and the baby will receives too much sodium which could damage the kidneys over a period of time.  In your bottle of milk powder, there will be a scoop.  Fill the scoop with powder, and then LEVEL it off with the back of a sterilised knife. (Do not pack the powder down as again it will mean the baby gets the incorrect balance of powder too water).  When you have done this, invert and attach the teat and shake gently until all particles of powder has been dissolved.  Store at the top and back of the fridge.

 PROBLEM 2.   Is it safe to reheat my bottles into he microwave?

 SOLUTION 2.  It is generally advised that you do not heat bottles in the microwave, use warm water instead.  However if you are going to use the microwave, try to observe the following rules: -

·         Use a low heat setting

·         Heat for a few seconds at a time.  You can always do a little more!

·         Shake the bottle vigorously before testing, as a microwave can leave "pockets" of boiling liquid.

  PROBLEM 3.    How often should I feed my baby?

 SOLUTION 3.   Most health professionals advocate demand feeding, allowing your baby to tell you when he needs feeding and how much he wants.  However some babies can feed for comfort as well as nutrition.  If you find your baby is taking large feeds every couple of hours, this may be the case, and you could end up with an overweight baby or a baby with colic.  Try instead, to give your baby a drink of cooled boiled water if it has only been a short while since the last feed.