Info about Food
How To Feed A Baby?
After delivery, a baby is put to the breast eight-hourly. This helps to develop the sucking reflex, and at this time the baby obtains fluid called colostrums from the breast. The milk supply is not established until the third or fourth day, when three or four-hourly feeding should commence.
The way the baby is held at the breast during feeding needs to be worked out by each mother, under the guidance of her own midwife.
The common position for breast feeding is for the mother sitting up supporting baby's head with one arm, and controlling the breast with the other hand.
Nipples should be washed and dried carefully before and after each feed. Baby should not be allowed to suck at an empty breast, or chew the nipple as this leads to it becoming sore.
At each feed, alternate breasts should be used first with the baby given 10-15minutes on each side. The first breast should be emptied before the baby is put to the second.
Each mother and each baby has different characteristics, and as the baby progresses a suitable feeding routine should be established, which should be a mixture of feeding on demand and commonsense.
If you have a contented baby who is gaining weight, you know that breast feeding is going satisfactorily. If, however, your baby is not gaining weight, and is discontented as well, then you need help with your regime.
Generally, breast feeding is kept up for six or nine months. At between six and nine months there is an adequate supply of mixed food from other sources, and with the reduction of the number of feeds, the breast milk tends to dry up. If the milk comes in greater quantities than is actually required, tablets to suppress lactation can be obtained from your doctor.