Feeding Your Baby

There are 2 common ways to feed your baby:
1. Breastfeeding.
2. Formula feeding (Bottle feeding).

 

 

 

 

 

Breastfeeding:
Why do I need to breastfeed?
Mothers are strongly advised to breastfeed their babies due to the following reasons:

1. Breast milk contains colostrum that aids baby's immune system.
2. It is high in nutrients, convenient & inexpensive.
3. Helps baby feel satisfied & gain weight.
4. Allows mothers to bond with their baby.
5. Can avoid post-delivery depression.
6. Helps to contract & shrink mother’s uterus.
7. Can help to avoid breast, uterus & ovarian cancer.
   

How do I breastfeed?
When breastfeeding, it is best to follow these simple steps:

1. Ensure cleanliness of baby (baby’s diaper is not filled with faeces).
2. Mother’s breasts are clean.
3. Both mother and baby are in a comfortable position (baby’s face, tummy and knees are facing mother’s body & the face is directly facing the nipple).
4. There are no specific methods on breastfeeding. Follow a method that is comfortable for both the baby and you.

How frequent do I need to breastfeed?
The actual frequency to breastfeed your baby will depend on your baby’s need and growth spurt.  For the first month the baby will feed around 8-12 times daily or as often as they need.

How do I care for my breasts?
Here are some tips on how to care for your breasts and nipples:

1. Take care of your breasts (allowing breast milk to naturally dry on your nipple is all right).
2. Change breast pads accordingly.
3. Try to alternate breasts when breastfeeding to avoid engorging of breast or pain.
4. Avoid cleaning the nipple area with shampoo, soap or other cleanser.
5. Apply ointment containing lanolin, olive oil or expressed milk.

Note:
New mothers often think that they don’t have enough breast milk for the baby.  This is NOT TRUE as their bodies will naturally produce breast milk according to baby’s requirements. Lactation massages can help to open the milk ducts for better flow.

Formula feeding (Bottle feeding):
When formula feeding or bottle feeding your baby, there are a few tips that might come in handy for mothers to know, such as:

What types of formula are there?

1. Cow’s milk – almost as good as breast milk.
2. Soybean milk (for babies that are allergic to cow’s milk) that can be divided into:
   a) First stage milk (Whey Based) - best for newborns and young babies.
   b) Second stage milk (Casein Based) – designed for hungrier babies and is longer to digest.

How do I bottle feed?
The frequency of bottle feeding, techniques and amount of formula required will very much depend on your baby’s requirement.  These few tips could provide you with some guidelines when bottle feeding your baby.

1. Babies exclusively on bottle feeding @ 6-8 bottles daily.
2. Babies on mixed feeding (bottle & breast) @ 2-3 bottles daily.
   
   

Note:
Strictly follow the formula preparation instructions stated to prevent your baby from getting ill.

Baby’s type of bottles and teats will depend on baby’s feeding requirement:

No. Type of bottles Type of teats 1. Small bottles (125ml / 4 oz) – suitable for newborns Latex (feels more like nipples). 2. Big bottles (250ml / 8 oz) Silicone (more durable). 3. Anti-colic bottles Slow flow (for newborns). 4. Self-sterilising bottles Medium flow (babies 3-6 months). 5. Disposable bottles Fast flow (babies 6 months and above).

How do I clean and sterilise the bottles & teats?
Clean thoroughly using the common bottle brush followed by these sterilising methods;

1. Steaming.
2. Boiling.
3. Sterile solution.
4. Microwaving.

Warning:
When feeding, DO NOT heat bottles in microwave oven! Microwave creates HOT SPOTS that could burn your baby's mouth.