Nutrition Facts - Diet And Nutrition - Free Diet Plans

Feeding Newborns

July 8th, 2005

Most babies set up their own fairly regular feeding times. Some babies may like to eat every four hours, others are ready to eat every three hours, and some prefer eating more often than that. Newborn babies drink only breast milk and water or iron-fortified formula and water.

Some babies like to sleep for longer periods during the day than at night. If your baby is a lengthy day time sleeper and stays awake most of the night, you can reverse this pattern. Try waking him up for feeding instead of letting him sleep for long periods during the day.

You can get a good idea of your baby’s feeding pattern by noting the times when he seems to be hungry. You also will learn to recognize the hunger cry. Your baby may not be hungry every time he is fussy. He may need burping, a diaper change, or a drink of water—or he may just want to be held.

Breastfeeding

Relax. Being tense and uptight affects the natural flow of milk. You can sit in a chair or lie down, whichever is more comfortable for you. Positioning yourself with pillows will help. Your baby’s nursing helps your milk flow. Don’t rush. Take your time. This is a learning experience for both of you.

During the first few days, your nipples may be slightly tender from your baby’s sucking. As you learn to relax and your milk flows freely, the soreness will disappear. If your breasts remain sore, it may be that they are extra full of milk. Nursing your baby long enough and often enough to empty both breasts helps. Or you may have too much milk so that your breasts leak a little. If this happens, tuck a clean handkerchief or a breast pad in your bra. You also may apply a warm washcloth to the breast and then gently squeeze some milk from it to relieve the pressure.

Your initial breast milk is yellow-colored and called colostrum. It provides nutrients to the baby and helps prevent some infections and allergies. After a few days, your breast milk changes to a white color.

Remind yourself that the time you spend relaxing and enjoying your new baby is important for both of you. Continue eating a healthy diet and drinking six to eight glasses of liquid per day.

If you are interested in breast-feeding, you can get more information from your healthcare provider or WIC nutritionist.

Bottle Feeding

If you decide to bottle feed your baby, use an iron-fortified formula. Formulas usually are made from cow’s milk or other special products to meet the needs of a growing baby. There are three different types of formula:

Powdered Formula—mix 1 scoop (provided) of formula with 2 ounces of water.

Concentrated Formula—mix 13 ounces of concentrated formula with 13
ounces of water.

Ready-to-Feed Formula—simply open the can and pour it into bottles.
Whichever formula you use, follow instructions carefully. Make sure that bottles and nipples are washed and clean. Your healthcare provider or WIC nutritionist can review preparation and sterilization with you. Never microwave your baby’s bottle.

When you bottle feed your baby, keep the nipple full of formula so he doesn’t swallow air. Hold your baby close with his head up. Don’t leave your baby alone with the bottle propped up, and don’t put him to bed with a bottle. Burp the newborn after every 2 ounces.

Water

Ask your health care provider when you may offer your baby a bottle of water. Don’t add sugar to the water unless prescribed by your doctor. Don’t give flavored drinks, soda pop, or even fruit juice to a newborn. Some fruit juices, such as apple juice, provide empty calories without added nutrition.

Entry Filed under: General Nutrition

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