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Only you, with the help of your doctor, can decide whether to breast feed or bottle feed your baby. Take time before your baby is born to explore your feelings. Try to imagine what your life will be like when the baby is a month old. Will you be returning to work? Even a few weeks of breastfeeding will give the baby extra protection against many infections, help digestion, and possibly decrease allergies.
If you start with breastfeeding, you can switch to bottles. But you cannot always switch from bottles to breast. This is because it's easier for a baby to suck from a bottle than to nurse from your breast. Also if the baby has not been suckling at your breasts, you will not be making milk. IF YOU DO CHOOSE TO BOTTLE FEED, KEEP THESE THINGS IN MIND: - Use infant formula. Do not give cow's milk until the baby is at least 12 months old.
- Be aware of the different kinds of formula and discuss with your doctor which one is best for your baby.
- It is very important that you mix the concentrate with the right amount of water. Too much water, or too little, could make your baby very sick.
- If you prepare bottles ahead of time, be sure to store them in the refrigerator. Follow the directions on the formula label.
- Warm bottles in a pan of warm water. Check the temperature of the formula by shaking a few drops on your wrist. It should feel warm, not hot. Never use the microwave to warm a bottle. The microwave can create "hot spots" of formula that could burn the baby's mouth and throat.
- Always hold your baby while giving a bottle. Keep the baby in an upright position. Leaving the baby alone with a propped-up bottle is not safe and can lead to ear infections and tooth decay.
- Keep the bottle tilted up. This keeps the baby from swallowing too much air.
- Burp a newborn baby often. Burping brings up air the baby has swallowed.
- Let the baby decide the feeding schedule. Some babies will have a whole feed at once. Others may only take a smaller amount at a time, but will need to eat every two hours. If the baby is not hungry, do not force him or her to eat.
If you would like to know more about breastfeeding or bottle feeding, talk with your doctor, lactation specialist or Nursing Mother's Association. Your local Early Childhood nurse, or organisations like Tresillian and Karitane (1800 677 961)are also available to answer your questions and help with any problems. Article #4805 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
