Feeding Your Baby

As a new parent you have many important decisions to make. One is to choose whether to breastfeed or bottle feed using infant formula. The decision about how to feed your baby is a personal one. Only you can decide what is best for you and your family.



 Breast Milk

Did you know that breast milk is packed with the perfect mix of nutrients your baby needs? Breast milk has special ingredients like antibodies that only you can provide. It is easier to digest and helps your baby’s brain develop. Breast milk helps protect your baby against:

  • Allergies.
  • Earaches.
  • Colds, coughs and wheezing.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Becoming overweight.
  • Diabetes.
  • Asthma.
  • Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Breastfeeding is even more important if your baby arrives early. You will produce milk that will nourish your baby with extra calories, vitamins and protein. Breast milk will help protect your premature baby from infection.


   

   

Benefits of breastfeeding

  • It helps you recover quicker from childbirth.
  • It can help you get back to your pre- pregnancy weight easier. Your body uses a lot of energy to produce breast milk.
  • You can burn hundreds of calories a day just by breastfeeding.
  • It creates a special bond between you and your baby through skin-to-skin contact.
  • You don’t have to go to the store to pick up formula. It’s fewer bottles to wash. Plus you don’t have to worry about mixing a bottle!
  • It lowers your chance of getting breast cancer, ovarian cancer and diabetes.
  • You may have fewer trips to see your baby’s healthcare provider since breastfed babies are healthier.

   


   

Breastfeeding challenges

  • You can experience pain as the baby latches on for the first week to 10 days.
  • Breastfed babies usually need to eat every 2 to 3 hours.
  • What you eat and drink can be passed to your baby in your breast milk. Do not drink alcohol or take drugs not prescribed by your provider.
  • Breastfeeding can be challenging but you are not alone. Reach out to your provider or care manager for help. They can connect you to a lactation consultant who specializes in helping you breastfeed.

   

   

 Did You Know?

Donor breast milk may be available from your hospital or local milk bank if you cannot breastfeed or pump. Donated breast milk comes from individuals who pump more milk than their own baby can eat.

Those who donate milk are tested for illness that can be passed through breast milk. Each container of milk is also tested for harmful bacteria. It is then pasteurized through a heat treatment process to make sure no viruses or bacteria are in the milk. Talk to your provider, hospital or care manager if you would like to learn more.

   

   

   


 Formula feeding

Commercially prepared infant formulas are a nutritious alternative to breast milk. Formulas use a mix of proteins, sugars, fats and vitamins to mimic breast milk. It's important to use only commercially prepared formula and not try to make your own. Formula comes in three forms: ready to feed liquid, concentrated liquid and powder.

If you choose a powder formula and use tap water to make it, make sure your water supply is safe. Have your water checked for lead if you live in an older home or if you’re worried about your water. You can also buy distilled water in gallon jugs. Mix formula from powder exactly as directed. Do not add extra water to make it last longer. This can harm your baby.


Benefits of formula

  • It is convenient. All caregivers can feed baby a bottle without having to pump breast milk.
  • A formula fed baby usual needs to eat less often than a breastfed baby.
  • You do not need to worry about what you are eating or drinking that may affect your baby.
  • Contains some vitamins and nutrients breastfed babies need to get from supplements.

Challenges of formula

  • It is expensive. The average cost of basic formula is over $1,000 for the first year of life.
  • It lacks antibodies found in breast milk and does not provide your baby with added protection against illness.
  • Formula is not as easy to digest. Formula fed babies have more gas and firmer bowel movements than breastfed babies.
  • Your baby could have an allergy or intolerance to certain formulas. These symptoms include skin rashes, swelling of the lips or face and digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Call your baby’s provider right away if this happens.



When Is Your Child Ready for Baby Food?

  • They are around 6 months. Speak to your baby’s provider before you introduce baby food.
  • They can sit upright and hold their head up.
  • They swallow food instead of pushing it out with their tongue.
  • They put their hands or toys in their mouth.
  • They show a desire for food by leaning forward and opening their mouth.

Foods To Start With

Make sure to start with one food at a time. Try it for a few days before adding anything else. This lets you see if baby has any problems like gas, diarrhea, vomiting or a rash. You can use commercial baby food or make it yourself.

Don’t give your baby any food that could cause choking. Talk to your baby’s provider about recommendations.

First Feedings

When you start solid foods, put a small amount on a spoon and offer it while baby is sitting up. You can mix it with breast milk or formula to keep it runny. Don’t serve it from a bottle – that can lead to choking.

Avoid Overfeeding

Overfeeding can cause spitting up and may lead to obesity. Bottle-fed babies should take no more than 7 to 8 ounces at once or no more than 32 to 36 ounces in a day. All babies are different.

Regular well-child visits allow you to talk to your baby’s healthcare provider about their growth and feedings.


 Did You Know?

Babies can develop allergies to food. Introduce new foods one at a time and in very small amounts so you can spot a reaction. These symptoms include skin rashes, swelling of the lips or face, sneezing, running or blocked nose, red itchy or watery eyes, and trouble breathing.



Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC is a special nutrition program for low-income families. WIC can provide you with free and healthy foods, nutrition education and screening/referrals to other health services. WIC parents who choose to breastfeed receive an enhanced food package and are able to participate in WIC longer. Talk to your provider, local health department or health plan to learn more.