In every doctor's surgery and hospital reception the walls are plastered with breastfeeding advice. What you don't often see are best practice guidelines for mothers who choose to bottle feed their baby. So, to rectify this, here are a few pointers.
Don't let your baby's crying be the cue to begin feeding. If your baby's upset before you begin bottle-feeding then she may well fuss during her feed. Breastfeeding mothers are told to breastfeed frequently and the same advice applies to bottle-feeding. One important point to remember though is that formula milk takes about four hours to digest compared to two hours for breast milk, so the interval between feeds should be longer for bottle-feeding.
A newborn baby will take up to about 85ml (3fl oz) per feed. As she grows older the amount of feed will increase as will the period between feeds. Babies know when they've had enough so don't worry if your baby hasn't finished all the milk. Discard any milk left in the bottle; never, ever attempt to feed this to your baby later on. Formula milk that is left sitting is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. If you baby still appears hungry after emptying the bottle, offer her more milk. You won't overfeed your baby.
The best way to hold a baby for bottle-feeding is straightforward. You hold the baby as you would for breastfeeding but in a slightly more upright position to make it easier for her to swallow and to prevent formula from spilling and running into her nostrils and ears.
Don't just put the nipple of the bottle straight into baby's mouth. Rather, gently rub your baby's cheek and lips with the nipple, just as breastfeeding mothers are advised. This gently rubbing stimulates your baby's 'rooting reflex'.
You can reduce the amount of air your baby consumes by tilting the bottle to ensure that the nipple contains only milk. Wind is uncomfortable for babies and, after a feed, they'll let you know all about their discomfort. It's usually best to avoid baby wind, for both mother and child!
Take your time and allow your baby to pause from time to time. It is quite normal for babies to stop drinking for a while before continuing. As they grow older they can also have a tendency to loose concentration and to look about them instead of feeding. Therefore, before you feed your baby, make your surroundings as peaceful and relaxing as possible. If you're feeling uncomfortable during the feed, then change positions. Remember, if you're uncomfortable or distracted during a feed so will your baby.
Feeding isn't just about giving your baby nourishment; it's also about giving comfort. Hold your baby close to you and maintain as much skin contact as you can. During the feed, stroke, caress, talk and keep eye contact with her, and above all, smile.
Feeding a baby is a special time for both mother and child. It can be a relaxing and comforting experience for both. To ensure that it is, follow the points above, and most importantly, follow your baby's lead; they often know better than we do what is the best way of doing things. |
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