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Feeding Your Baby, Where to Start

For new mothers today, who have more access to information than parents ten years ago did, you may feel overwhelmed. You have one website telling you need to do this and have some blogger saying this is all wrong, it can be difficult to know what to do.

At Chemist Direct, we understand the challenges and difficulties new mothers and fathers go through with their first child. Whether you choose to breastfeed, bottle feed or a combination of both, we are here to support you and your baby. In this article, we go through what you need to know to start feeding your baby.

For new mothers today, who have more access to information than parents ten years ago did, you may feel overwhelmed. You have one website telling you need to do this and have some blogger saying this is all wrong, it can be difficult to know what to do.

At Chemist Direct, we understand the challenges and difficulties new mothers and fathers go through with their first child. Whether you choose to breastfeed, bottle feed or a combination of both, we are here to support you and your baby. In this article, we go through what you need to know to start feeding your baby.

How to Start Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is the recommended approach for feeding your baby. It provides them with important nutrients and protection during this early stage in their lives. There are also a number of benefits to the mother. Besides being a portable way of feeding your baby, which is safe, fresh and at the right temperature, it helps you build a special bond between the two of you.

When starting to breastfeed, it is important to remember that is okay to ask for help. Most new mothers find themselves under immense pressure for their baby to simply latch on and begin feeding. Sometimes it takes a little bit of time and that’s okay. If you’re unsure or have questions, please don’t be afraid to ask your healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding is a skill that you and your baby will learn and workout together. If you are a new mother, it is normal that there will be some teething issues and you’ll need to work out what is best for you.

It is important to find a comfortable place to sit and position your baby in a way that won’t cause your arms or back to ache. Feeding can take up to an hour, so the last thing you’d want is to be trying to maintain an uncomfortable position. Sometimes, laying down is the best position as you as it allows your baby to simply lie on you. This means you could have your hands free or easily cradle your baby. If you have large breasts, lying down would be an easier position while feeding.

When you begin breastfeeding, it is important to pay attention to how your breast feels and how your baby is latching on. They should take in a large mouthful of your breast, not just the nipple. If this happens, it may hurt.

How to Start Bottle Feeding?

Before you can begin bottle feeding your baby, it is important to find the right formula. This will take a bit of research as there’s several brands of baby formula and milk. It is good practice to ask your midwife or healthcare provider as they may be able to recommend a certain brand.

You will need equipment before you can begin bottle feeding.

Feeding bottles are important and you need to take the same amount of time choosing the right one. Now, there are so many options in terms of shape and design. Philips AVENT’s Bottles are a prime example. It has been proven to reduce colic, which is fantastic for parents and is easy to clean and assemble. So, take your time to choose the right baby bottles.

One question new parents ask is ‘How much milk do I feed my baby?’ And the rule of thumb would be little and often. As your newborn has a small, developing stomach, it cannot eat much in one moment. However, when they are hungry again, they will let you know.

Hence why you might want to invest in a bottle steriliser. One thing most parents don’t consider is how many bottles you’ll go through in a day. With your own bottle steriliser, it is an easy, efficient way of cleaning them. It also gives you the peace of mind knowing that your baby is feeding on a clean bottle.

Combining Breast and Bottle Feeding

You may want to combine breastfeeding with bottle feeding. You may want to store your breastmilk for bottle feeding later in the day or to begin introducing formula in a few feeds. Its easier for parents as it means dad can help with feedings and give mum a break as well.

This mix of both requires mum and dad to prepare as if they are just breastfeeding or bottle feeding. You need to do a bit of research on products and find what is going to help make feed easy, simple and enjoyable.

The biggest challenge would be the fact that, if your baby has always been breastfed, they may find latching and feeding on a bottle very different from a breast. That and, if they’ve always had breastmilk, it may take some time to get used to formula. This is natural and will require a bit of patience.

At Chemist Direct, we are proud of our team’s hard work in sourcing the very best products for mothers and fathers. With over two decades of experience serving the public, we understand the challenges new parents face with their first child and we are up to that challenge. Check out our collection of baby feeding products today.

If you find your baby is struggling to feed, please seek help from your GP or healthcare provider.

This article has been medically approved by Superintendent Pharmacist Shilpa Shailen Karia, MRPharmS. - GPhC Reg No: 2087328

Sources:

  1. NHS
  2. NHS
  3. Web MD
  4. The Neonatal Unit, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
  5. Baby Centre