Regardless of how you choose to feed your baby, feeding will be one of your baby's first pleasant experiences. Many babies are not very hungry during the first few days of life. Some babies take a little longer to work up an appetite, and not all babies eat the same amount. Try not to worry or compare your newborn with others.

Feed your baby on demand, whenever he/she is hungry. This will usually be every 3-5 hours for bottle-fed babies and every 2-4 hours for breast-fed babies. During the day, do not let your baby go more than 5 hours between feedings. Bottles of water are not needed, as your baby gets plenty of water in formula or breast milk.

Solid foods or juice should not be started until your baby is 4-6 months old. Your doctor will advise you when it is time. Infant feeders or syringes should never be used.

Breast Feeding

Over the past several decades, evidence of the health benefits of breastfeeding has continued to grow. The World Health Organization says with full confidence that breastfeeding reduces child mortality and has health benefits that extend into adulthood.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is the recommended way of feeding infants, followed by continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods for up to two years.

WHO (World Health Organization) and UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) recommend:

• Initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life.
• Exclusive breastfeeding – the infant receives only breastmilk without any additional food or drink.
• Breastfeeding on demand – as often as the child wants.
• No use of bottles or pacifiers.

Breastmilk is the natural first food for babies, providing all the nutrients and antibodies that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child's nutritional needs during the second half of the first year.

Breastmilk promotes sensory and cognitive development and protects the infant against infectious and chronic diseases. It has also been shown to neutralize bacteria and viruses, resulting in fewer infections. The amount and proportion of protein, carbohydrates and fat found in breastmilk are exactly what the infant needs to thrive.

Breastfeeding contributes to the health and well-being of the mother. It has been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian and breast cancer; is safer for the environment; and provides a special and secure time for mother and baby.

Breastfeeding is a natural act, but it is also a learned behavior. Union Hospital provides a Lactation Consultant and nurses trained to assist new mothers in learning the skills needed for a successful breastfeeding experience.

Formula Feeding