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Baby Feeding Ideas

By David Cummings

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 15Mar2009
Word count: 596
Viewed: 232 time(s)

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It is obvious that feeding your baby is one of the most fundamental things you can do to ensure your baby's health, as well as his or her survival. It can be a rewarding and enjoyable time, and build a feeling of closeness between you and your baby. Babies get more than just nutrition from feeding times. They enjoy the cuddle, the comfort, the satisfaction of a full tummy, and the reassurance that someone is looking out for him or her. Feeding your baby impacts his or her health not just in the short term, but also in the long term.

Many mothers these days opt to start off breastfeeding. Breast milk supplies all the nutrients your baby needs. You can choose to nurse your baby for a short time or for over a year. It is a very personal decision and the normal physiological way to feed a human baby. While you are pregnant, think about your feeding preferences and decide what method of feeding you would prefer for your newborn. In that way you can learn as much as you need about breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, if that is what you decide upon.

In making your decisions, there are some facts you can ponder. Babies who are not breast-fed tend to have a higher risk of infection. They are also more likely to spend time in the hospital during their first year of life. It has nothing to do with social status, or wealth, or your health insurance. Breastfed babies are at a lower risk of conditions such as eczema, asthma, and diabetes.

Many mothers need help and support to breastfeed, since it can be a little more difficult than it looks. Good information and support is needed in order to help some mothers overcome problems or difficulties they may encounter when trying to breastfeed baby.

A healthy baby with a healthy mother can begin to breast feed immediately after birth. You and your baby may need a little practice to get the hang of it, but once you do it will be convenient and easy. Virtually all mothers produce breast milk, and it is all your baby will need at least until you start solid foods. Breast milk contains antibodies that protect against infections. Breast milk is convenient, needs no preparation, and won't cost you money. Furthermore, it's always at just the right temperature.

You will need to breastfeed often to keep up a supply of milk. The problem with mixed feeding is that you may see your breast milk production dwindle. If you find this is the case, you may wish to talk to a lactation consultant to work out how to best maintain your milk supply.

If you are unable to breastfeed your baby but still want him or her to have breast milk, you can bottle it. You can learn to do this by hand or with a breast pump. You can store breast milk in the refrigerator for several days or in the freezer for up to three months.

If you choose not to breastfeed, your baby will need baby formula. Mixed feeding, or giving your baby some breast milk and some formula, is a good way to continue breastfeeding if you have to return to work, or if for some reason breastfeeding alone isn't working for you and your baby.

No matter what you choose, your baby will grow and thrive not only from the nutrients in the food you provide but from the wonderful interaction you have with him or her during feeding times.

David Cummings is a devoted parent and author on family topics. He is dedicated to helping parents improve family time together and to ensuring a brighter future for all children via contributions to children organizations. David is the General Manager for Bustling Baby, LLC - a company that knows the hectic parenting lifestyle and offers products to make life with baby easier, such as quality Eddie Bauer Baby Gear

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