Women's Health
Maternity
How Should I Feed My Baby?
Every new mom is faced with the question - how should I feed my baby? Breastfeed? Bottlefeed? Both? Although you may receive a lot of advice and opinions on this delicate subject, ultimately it is up to you to choose a method that works best for you, your baby, and your lifestyle. The best way to make this decision is to learn all of the facts and pay attention to your baby's needs.
Breastfeeding
Today, breastfeeding (also called nursing) is a very popular option, and for many good reasons. Your milk is typically best-suited for your baby because it is easily digestible and the babies experience less constipation. Breastmilk also provides many nutrients and antibodies that help ward off illness and allergies in your infant. In addition, babies who breastfeed have lower risks of childhood cancers, diabetes, and obesity later in life. Breastfeeding is also the most economical and convenient choice for many women - no formula to buy, no bottles to mix, and it is always at just the right temperature. Breastfeeding is no less beneficial for moms: it helps in postpartum recovery by causing your uterus to return to its normal size more quickly, and many women find that breastfeeding helps them lose weight faster by burning 400-500 calories per day. Long term - mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing premenopausal breast cancer and osteoprosis.
Breastfeeding is not always an easy choice to make. It requires planning, patience and effort on your part - especially in the first few weeks. You will have many questions! Below are answers to some of the most common questions, as well as resources for further information.
How Can I Tell If My Baby is Getting Enough to Eat?
How Should I Care For Myself While Nursing?
Bottlefeeding
Bottlefeeding is also a very viable and healthy alternative to breastfeeding. Many women choose bottlefeeding for a variety of reasons, such as the health of the child, the milk production of the mother, or lifestyle. Through bottlefeeding, you can feed your baby infant formula, or breastmilk that has been pumped (never give an infant regular cow's milk). Although not identical to breastmilk, the formula on the market today still provides all the nutrients your baby needs to grow and thrive.
Breast Care For The Bottlefeeding Mom