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Breast feeding babies taking the lead over formula babies
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By Cheryl Bochensky
Breast feeding babies are taking the lead over formula babies once again. Overwhelming data shows that not only is it great for the health of babies, but it’s good for moms too, and it’s certainly no secret that pediatricians favor the breast over the bottle. Breastfeeding also promotes bonding between baby and mom during feedings, and it is certainly easier than bottle feeding. There is never a need to worry about running out of formula or keeping it cold or warming it up, nor is there the expense of buying formula all the time. According to www.gather.com, an online breastfeeding resource sponsored by the Harvard Medical School, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be exclusively breast fed until at least six months of age, which means no juice, no solids, etc., and continue breastfeeding until one year of age.
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Breast feeding babies may be the most natural way, but certainly not the easiest. It can be uncomfortable and slightly painful at first, but it gets better after the first few days and weeks as the nipples toughen up. Many moms stop breast feeding babies for many reasons, such as, the baby wouldn't take the breast, her nipples were too sore, not producing enough milk, or feeling uncomfortable nursing in public. Your baby can still feel and smell your skin and continue to stimulateyour milk supply whilst suckling, and will return easily to the breast once your nipples are healed. It can take time, patience, and a commitment to get off to a good start. There may be a few obstacles when breast feeding babies, but it can be done, and successfully for the most part. Most breastfeeding babies will eat for 10-15 minutes (although you shouldn't time your feedings) on each breast every 1 1/2 to 3 hours (about 8-12 times a day) and bottle-feeding babies will take 1-3 ounces every 2-4 hours.
Once the baby is latched correctly on the breast, any pain that occurs should subside, but if it continues the baby isn’t latched correctly. Continued pain during feeding or sore and cracked nipples are often a sign of incorrect positioning. Lanolin, expressed breast milk, and warm moist tea bags are helpful remedies that will promote healing of the nipples. And more friendly advice, all new moms should take advantage of the help offered by the hospital lactation consultant after delivery of the baby. Their support and expertise can make a huge difference in the initial breastfeeding experience. Many moms stop breast feeding a baby for many reasons, such as, the baby wouldn’t take the breast, nipples were too sore, not producing enough milk, or feeling uncomfortable nursing in public. There may be a few obstacles when breastfeeding babies, but it can be done, and successfully.
If you find it difficult fedding your baby, try to feed your baby smaller amounts of milk more often. If weight gain becomes a real problem and your baby is unable to take the extra volume of feed suggested, there are special preparations on the market, which may be added to either breast milk or powdered baby milk formula, but do not do this without advice from a dietician. Mother's reast milk is the best food because it helps protect your baby from infections, and it is believed that sucking, swallowing and breathing are easier for a baby to co-ordinate while breast-feeding rather than bottle feeding. There are certain nutrients in the mother's milk that helps the baby fight illnesses while also promoting brain development. If you find that you are producing far more milk than the baby needs, don’t worry, keep expressing the milk and put it in the freezer for future use. Freeze the milk in plastic bottles or bags. It will keep for up to three months quite safely and will be invaluable when you want to go out, get back to work, or when times get stressful and the milk is scarce.
The La Leche League is a wonderful resource for new moms and their breast feeding babies, featuring all kinds of helpful advice and information on all aspects of breastfeeding. At the organization’s website www.laleche.org, mothers and moms-to-be can also find helpful information about pumping and storing breast milk, in addition to breastfeeding support and tips. Lots of questions are normal, and practice does make perfect. Breast feeding babies isn’t always easy in the beginning; it takes time, patience, and a commitment to get off to a good start. It’s certainly a learning experience for both mom and baby, but not one so difficult that it shouldn’t be given a try. Breastfeeding is convenient, it requires no advance planning, packing, or equipment, and it's always available. Nurse the baby and the milk will come!
