very long post - sorry
this is my frist draft of a non preachy leaflet for parents about feeding their child. Its designed to give advice and information but NOT to say BFing or FFing is 'best'.
Please don't flame this thread, if you have an honest objection to some information please say so - I didn't make any of this up I blagged it from variuos sites of reputable organisations and I can try and give you references if you need them.
I'd be really interested in any additional information people think would be useful.
I didn't include a list of FAQ for BFers or FFers as I thought of this as a first leaflet. I'd see a FAQ leaflet coming along seperatly.
I have tried to distinguish between breastsucking (actually givng your baby milk directly from your breast), bottle feeding and formula milk
I'd like to jig things around a bit so the section on 'how to feed your child' becomes more general to begin with as alot of the advice about being comfortable, timing, positioning etc is similar. Then go into seperate sections for bottle/breast, and finally a seperate setion specifically for formula.
The reason I'd do it like this is so that anyone reading it gets the feeling that all parents/carers share alot of the same experiences when feeding their baby regardless of type of milk or feeding method.
Feeding your child
How can I feed my baby?
There are two choices about the type of milk you give your child
Breastmilk or formula milk
If you give breastmilk you can directly breastfeed, you can express breastmilk and it can be given via a bottle, you can get stored breastmilk from a milk bank
Formula milk can be bought in most supermarkets and chemists and your hospital should have supplies as well. Formula is given in a bottle.
Do I have to choose?
You can mix feed your baby, this means giving some breast milk and some formula.
You should not mix milks in the same bottle but you can swap between Bmilk and Fmilk in one feed or in different feeds.
When do I have to choose?
You can make the decision at any point; you do not have to tell anyone unless you want to ask for help or advice.
Can I change my mind?
It is relatively easy to change from one milk to another.
It can take a little time to change from Breastsucking to bottlesucking
If you have decided not to BF your milk supply will diminish over a week or two, after this time it would be more difficult to feed your baby your own Bmilk.
Breast feeding
(those items marked * are pros or cons which are ONLY relevant if you are breast sucking/expressing as well as using breast milk)
Benefits
· Helps your uterus get back into shape*
· It's a complete and balanced nutrition for an infant
· Gives baby protective antibodies (to protect her from illness)
· The milk is always warm
· Breastmilk is easier for your baby to digest
· Baby's diapers smell less offensive (mild smelling bowel movements)
· More convenient - doesn't need to be mixed and bottles don't need to be washed and sterilized* (this only applies to direct breast sucking, not to expressing)
· You get to eat an extra 500 calories*
· Reduces your chances for breast cancer*
· The mother has the satisfaction of knowing she is solely responsible for providing her child with basic needs*
Cons
· You need to watch your diet ? alcohol, caffeine, ?junk? fatty or spicy foods should be treated with caution
· No-one else can give baby a feed (this only applies to direct breast sucking, not to expressing)
· Medical conditions such as HIV or AIDS or those that involve chemotherapy or treatment with certain medications may make breastfeeding inadvisable.
· Can be painful at first
Formula feeding
Those items marked * are applicable if bottle feeding whether it is Fmilk or Bmilk in the bottle
Pro?s
· Other people can help with the feedings*
· Dad can enjoy the feeding/bonding experience of directly caring for his child in the most basic manner*
· It can be easier for your baby to enter nursery or childcare*
· Non birth parents can raise a baby (gay couples, adoptive parents)*
· Birth mother can get more uninterrupted sleep*
· Provides balanced nutrition for babies when birth other is unable to give breastmilk
· If mother has emotional issues regarding her breasts/body/food (abuse, eating disorder etc) bottlefeeding enables her to still feed her baby
Cons
· Formula costs money
· Fully formula fed babies do not get the antibodies present in breastmilk
· Bottle feeding (formula or expressed/stored milk) requires equipment*
How to breastfeed
Breast milk is produced because of your baby's suckling at the breast, so put him to the breast as soon as possible after delivery. Your midwife is there to help you. Ask her help in finding the most comfortable position for you, and to help get your baby correctly positioned at your breast.
During the first few days your breasts will produce colostrum, a thick yellowish liquid. This is rich in proteins and vitamins and, although it may not seem a very large amount, it is very good for your baby. The more frequently you put him to the breast in the first few days, the more quickly you will begin to produce breast milk. This generally happens in about 3 days.
Once your milk has 'come in', you will probably feel a tingling in your breasts each time you are ready to feed and your breasts may begin to leak. This is known as the 'let down' reflex. You may also feel mild tummy pain, which is your womb contracting as you feed.
Positioning yourself
Sitting up straight in a chair, hold your baby across your lap at the same level as your breasts. You may need to put a pillow under him, or put your feet on a low stool.
If you are in hospital in bed, ask the midwife to help you find a comfortable position. It is important that you feel comfortable and relaxed, as you will probably be breastfeeding for about 30 minutes each time.
Positioning your baby
Turn your baby's body to face you with his head resting on your forearm, not in the crook of your arm. You may want to support his neck and head from behind with your other hand.
Remember to bring your baby to your breast and not your breast to the baby.
Starting the feed
Tuck his body in close to yours and brush his lips against your nipple. As his mouth opens wide like a yawn, move his head smoothly onto your breast so he can take a big mouthful.
Make sure your baby's chin, bottom lip and tongue touch your breast first and that enough of your breast is in his mouth so your nipple is towards the back of his mouth. There should be a small gap between your breast and his nose.
Remember...
Babies don't 'nipple feed', they breastfeed. It is important for both of you that your baby is correctly positioned - to make sure your milk supply is stimulated, to avoid getting sore nipples and to ensure your baby is feeding properly. You should feel his tongue and jaws working against your breast and see his ears and temples moving slightly.
If he doesn't take enough breast into his mouth, put your little finger in the corner of his mouth to gently ease it off your nipple and start again.
During the feed
Once your baby is properly positioned, relax and let the feed happen.
Each time you breastfeed, the first milk is thinner foremilk to quench the baby's thirst followed by the calorie rich hindmilk to satisfy his hunger. That's why it's important not to hurry a feed. Your baby should feed as long as he likes from one breast and then be offered the other.
He may not want more, in which case offer that breast first at the next feed.
Frequency of feeds
The more you feed your baby, the more your breasts will be stimulated to produce more milk. By feeding 'on demand' you should produce all the milk he needs.
Most babies cry to let you know when they need to feed. This is often every 2-3 hours day and night in the early weeks and each feed may take up to half an hour.
How to bottlefeed
How often should I feed my baby?
Offer the bottle every two to three hours at first or as your baby seems hungry.
Sterilise equipment
Before you first use new bottles, nipples, and rings, you should sterilize them by submerging them in a pot of boiling water for at least five minutes. Then allow them to dry on a clean towel.
Methods of sterilisation:
· Boiling ? as above
· Steam sterilisation, this uses a microwave to steam clean. You buy a special bowl/holder and place all bottles inside it, add some water. Then put in the microwave for 5-10 minutes. (read manufacturers instructions)
· You can also buy smaller bags for microwave sterilisation that can be used when travelling.
· Tablet sterilisation, you can buy sterilising tablets in chemist and most supermarkets. Follow the instructions on the packet.
What's the best way to warm a bottle?
There's no health reason to feed a baby warmed milk but your baby may prefer it. When you're ready to feed your baby, you can warm a bottle in a pan of hotnot boilingwater, or by running it under the tap; you can also buy a bottle warmer designed for this purpose.
Never use a microwave to heat a bottle of breast milk or formula; since a microwave oven heats unevenly, it can create hot pockets, leading to burns and cause a breakdown of the nutrients.
If you warm a bottle, test it in advance to make sure it's not too hot for your baby. The easiest way to test the temperature is to shake a few drops on the inside of your wrist.
Choosing formula
Newborn babies should never be fed ?progress? or follow on milks.
There are many different brands of formula, it is possible to get Soya or Lactose free formula for babies with lactose intolerance, please consult a GP or HV before using any special formula?s such as ?stay down? or soya.
Organic formula is also available if you prefer this.
It is advisable to find out which formulas your local shops stock for convenience
It's important to choose a formula that is iron-fortified. Low-iron formulas are available due to the belief that iron makes babies gassy and constipated, but studies have found this to be untrue.
Most formulas come in a powder or concentrate form (both of which you mix with water) or ready-to-feed form (the most convenient and expensive option).
Read the directions. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions exactly for the formula type you choose. Too much water and your baby won't get the calories and nutrients she needs; too little water and the high concentration of formula could cause diarrhoea or dehydration. Powdered formula usually comes with a measuring scoop ? always use this and not a normal spoon.
Prepare the formula. Bring the water you plan to use in the formula to a boil for approximately one minute. Then add it to the formula powder. If you're preparing this in advance, be sure to store it in the refrigerator. If the formula is left out of the refrigerator for longer than one hour or if you don't use refrigerated formula within 24 hours, throw it out.
How can I make sure my baby is drinking comfortably?
If you hear a lot of noisy sucking sounds while she drinks, she may be taking in too much air. To help your baby swallow less air, hold her at a 45-degree angle. Cradle her in a semi-upright position and support her head. Don't feed her lying down -- formula can flow into the middle ear, causing an infection. To prevent your baby from swallowing air as she sucks, tilt the bottle so that the formula fills the neck of the bottle and covers the nipple.
Never prop a bottle. Besides not providing you or the baby with time for bonding and snuggling, it can cause the baby to choke. Bottle-feeding, like breastfeeding, can be a wonderful time for nurturing your baby by holding her close.