American Academy of Pediatricians has made recommendations
about feeding infants. Below you will find the highlights.
If you want to read them for yourself, you can go to their
webpage by clicking on this link:
Academy of Pediatrics
is the best feeding method for all infants?
milk! It provides the right balance of nutrients, antibodies
to fight infections and also promotes attachment between
Mother and her baby.
should breastfeeding begin?
soon as possible after birth, usually within the first hour.
The newborn should stay with Mother during her recovery
time to promote nursing (babies are usually wide awake during
do I know when to nurse my new baby?
will show hunger by being more alert and active and by "rooting"
with their mouths. Crying is a late sign of hunger. Rooming
in with your baby in the hospital allows you to notice early
signs of hunger and tune in to your baby. Hospitals often
have nurses who are specially trained (lactation consultants)
to help you learn to breastfeed your baby.
often should I nurse my new baby?
should be nursed about 8 to 12 times every 24 hours. Usually
10 to 15 minutes on each breast. Start each feeding with
the breast that you finished the last feeding on. Some Mothers
find that a small safety pin on the bra strap helps them
to remember where to start the next feeding. If your new
baby is not very demanding, donít let more than 4 hours
go during the waking hours between feedings. This will help
you build a good milk supply for your baby.
my baby need additional fluids while breastfeeding?
Not unless your healthcare provider recommends them. Breastfeeding
is a supply and demand system. Offering supplements can
interfere with a good milk supply. Even pacifiers can confuse
a baby who is used to feeding at the breast and therefore
are not recommended.
do I know that my baby is getting enough?
who are having at least 6 wet diapers and 3 to 4 dirty diapers
a day are getting enough breast milk. See your healthcare
provider as suggested so that he or she can weigh your baby
and make sure that breastfeeding is going well.
should I stop breastfeeding my baby?
recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12
months. It is ideal nutrition to help your baby grow and
develop for the first 6 months of life. Gradually start
iron-enriched solid foods during the second 6 months of
life. If you decide to wean your baby before 1 year do not
give cows milk, instead give iron-fortified formula.
if my baby is premature or sick?
and/or sick babies really benefit from getting breastmilk!
Nurses can help you learn to pump your breastmilk and sometimes
will add powder to fortify it if baby needs added calories.
do I get more information about pumping, increasing and
maintaining my milk supply?
other websites can I visit to get more information about
here for a list of websites about breastfeeding!