Feeding your newborn

In this section you'll read about feeding your new baby:

• Newborn feeding basics
• Why breast-feeding is best for you and your baby
• Bottle-feeding information
  

Feeding basics
Most newborns need to eat every few hours around the clock. This usually amounts to about 8 feedings, including 2 to 3 during the night.

• At least 6 wet diapers and 2 bowel movements every 24 hours usually means your baby is getting enough to eat.
• Burp baby during feeding by patting gently on her back. After expressing gas, she might want to eat more.
• If your baby sleeps a lot, it's OK to wake him when it's time to eat.
• If your baby refuses to eat, keep trying. It's important for babies to eat every 2 to 3 hours so they don't get dehydrated.

Breast-feeding is best
Breast milk offers all the nutrition a baby needs. If you decide to breast-feed, start as soon after your baby's birth as possible. Your milk won't come in for a few days, but the colostrum in your breasts passes your antibodies to the baby for protection against illness.

Breast-feeding is good for mothers because it can help you lose weight faster after giving birth. It also helps your uterus shrink more quickly to its regular size.

• Breast-feeding is economical because you don't have to buy formula.
• It's convenient and always available.
• Breast-feeding helps you and your baby to develop closeness.

Breast-feeding is good for babies, too. Breast milk is easy to digest and provides nutrients in the right amounts for healthy growth.

• Breast milk changes as your baby's nutritional needs change.
• Babies who breastfeed may have less colic, constipation and diarrhea.
• Breast-fed babies tend to have fewer ear or respiratory problems. They also are likely to have fewer allergies.

Bottle-feeding
Baby formula is usually cow milk-based or soy-based. You can buy ready-to-feed formula, powder or concentrated liquids, which both must be mixed with water according to package directions. Ask your doctor which is best for your baby.

• Offer 3 to 4 ounces every 2 to 3 hours at first.
• Warm bottles of formula in water that's been heated on the stove or by microwave. Putting bottles directly in the microwave results in uneven heating and hotspots that can burn.
• Bottles with plastic liners help reduce the amount of air baby swallows.
• Wash bottles and nipples in hot, soapy water and rinse well.
• You can fill bottles up to 24 hours ahead of time. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• If your baby doesn't nurse well, try a different shaped nipple.