Feeding and Your Baby (PDF Version)
During their first few weeks of life most babies gradually develop a pattern of feeding eight to twelve times in a 24-hour period. Frequent feeds are important as babies have very small stomachs (only about the size of their fist!) so milk passes through quickly.
It is important to feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger. Early signs of hunger include;
• opening mouth
• hand to mouth movements
• rapid eye movement
• a shallow state of sleep after one or two hours of deep sleep
Try not to wait until your baby is crying for a feed if you can.
Things To know:
The World Health Organisation recommends that babies are exclusively breastfed until they start solids around 6 months of age and to continue breastfeeding until at least 12 months.
Breast milk will protect your baby from stomach infections and improve brain development.
Breast milk is free! Infant formula is expensive and can cost more than $1000 a year.
Your support is key in encouraging your partner to start and to continue breastfeeding.
Your support can be emotional and practical – providing your partner with regular drinks and small meals and by giving her time to sleep.
Breast Feeding:
Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby’s growth, development and immunity. Breastfeeding can be a richly rewarding experience, but it takes time to establish and can sometimes be a challenge. Your support and encouragement can help to increase your partner’s confidence and adjustment while she is learning to breastfeed your baby. Increasing your knowledge about breastfeeding will help you and your partner to recognise and overcome any difficulties that might arise.
Bottle Feeding:
It is not always possible for your baby to feed directly from the breast. If this is the case you may choose to bottle feed with expressed breastmilk or infant formula, which is the only safe alternative to breast milk for the first 12 months. When bottle-feeding with formula it is important that you make up the feed correctly. Refer to instructions on the tin or go to the manufacturer’s website for more detailed information. Do not dilute or add extra powder.
When bottle feeding, hold your baby in the same position as a breastfed baby – cradle in your arms and alternate sides at each feed. Remember to regularly burp your baby and to feed them slowly. The feed may take 20-40 minutes when babies are young and less time as they become more efficient at sucking. Try to give your baby enough milk at each feed to fill them up – rather than separate amounts of 20-30ml each time they cry. Small constant feeds mean the baby won’t experience hunger which may interfere with developing sleeping and feeding patterns. The amount they will take will increase as they get bigger.
Bottle Feeding FAQ’S:
Q: If my baby has only had a few sucks from the bottle, can I keep it for later?
A: No, the contents of the bottle need to be used within an hour of being heated up. The
bottle has been contaminated with the normal bugs in your babies’ mouth and they
will continue to multiply. You need to throw the contents of the bottle away and start
with a fresh bottle with the next feed.
Q: What is prop feeding?
A: Prop feeding is when the bottle and the baby are not held but propped up with pillows or other items. The milk may flow too quickly and cause the baby to splutter or choke. Babies fed in this way are also at greater risk of ear infections and leaving a bottle in their mouth will lead to tooth decay. Babies also miss out on the opportunity to connect with their carer.
Q: How long can I keep a tin or formula?
A: You need to use a tin within one month of opening it, regardless of the expiry date.
Bonding:
Feeding your baby is much more than providing nourishment. It is an opportunity for you and your baby to bond and get to know each other, which is sometimes referred to as ‘attachment’. Developing attachment to significant caregivers is vital for your baby’s brain development and will have a lifelong positive impact on their physical, emotional and psychological well-being.
It is important to note that there are many ways to bond and develop attachment with your baby besides feeding. This includes holding, cuddling, comforting, sitting with, making eye contact and settling your baby to sleep.
When you are feeding your baby, really be in the moment. Make eye contact, smile and enjoy the experience.
Links to resources:
Ngala – Challenges with Breastfeeding
VIDEO – Bottle and Formula Feeding for Dads
For parenting support and information contact
countryfamilies@ngala.com.au or Ngala Parenting Line
Country Dad’s SMS Service is provided by Ngala and supported by WA Country Health
