Tips For Feeding Your Baby

Its official - Breast is Best. If you breastfeed, or are thinking of breast feeding your baby, then you're giving him an excellent start in life. In the first few days of baby's life, feeding your baby breast milk passes on colostrum, this is a very concentrated form of breast milk which contains antibodies to protect him against infection, and helps to kick start his immune system.

Not breastfeeding your baby can make you feel guilty, but rather than just deciding not to do it, give it a try first. There alot of benefits to breast feeding your baby. I tried breastfeeding both of my babies, unfortunately I didn't get on too good either time, I had outstanding support from my midwife and health visitor, but it just wasn't to be.

The fact that I did try at the beginning meant that my babies received the important colostrum that they needed. I was glad to be able to that for them, but as the days went on I found that I couldn't keep up with the demand, especially with Joe. I would feed him and then 40 minutes later he would be crying for another feed. My health visitor advised topping him up with formula milk, and eventually I switched him to formula milk altogether.

Dad doesn't have to feel left out if you're breast feeding your baby. You can always express some milk and Dad can bottle feed her, breast milk can also be frozen, which is handy if baby is staying with the grandparents and you're having a well deserved night out!Experts recommend that bottle feeding your baby breast milk doesn't start until 4-6 weeks, until breastfeeding is well established. Breastfeeding your baby is somewhat of an art, you both have to learn together, it feels wonderful knowing that you have such a close bond, and it can be a very rewarding experience. If you start to breastfeed as soon as possible, it should become second nature in no time. If you really don't get on with it (like me) then don't give yourself a hard time over it, there are many reasons why a mother can't breastfeed and you shouldn't be made to feel guilty after all... you tried! And you can guilt-free start feeding your baby on formula.

A few tips on breastfeeding your baby

• Try breastfeeding as soon as possible after the birth of your baby
• Hold your baby well to your breast
• Feed her on demand
• Don't limit the time your baby wants to feed for
• Don't be afraid to ask for help (your midwife has helped many Mum's with breastfeeding)
• More great breast feeding tips.

Bottle feeding your baby

Newborn babies can't take alot of milk at first, they will tend to take less but feed more often. As your baby's digestive system starts to mature he will start to take more milk, and feed less often, but it's important to let him set the pace.

Formula milk

Most formula milk can be kept chilled in the fridge for 24 hours (this is handy as you can make several bottles in one go) do not keep it any longer than this.

Always wash and sterilise bottles properly before use.

Bottle feeding your baby can give you the added comfort of knowing exactly how much milk your baby has had, unlike breastfeeding where you really can't tell.Bottle feeding gives others chance to feed baby too. Dad can help out (from very early on)and this will also strengthen the bonding process with Dad & baby.

Whether you feed your baby by breast or bottle is a very personal choice and you should look into the benefits of both before making the decision. I was certain that I didn't want to breast feed, but as soon as my son came along I felt totally different. I wanted to give him the best start in life that I possibly could, You have to do what feels right for yourself and baby.

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