Breast or formula Feeding

Feeding your infant should be individualized to the needs of the parents as well as the nutritional needs of the infant.

The first decision is whether you wish to breast feed or formula feed your infant.

During the first week of life your infant will take 1-2 ounces of formula every 2-3 hours.

The second week your child will usually take between 2-4 ounces every 2-4 hours.

Good babies do not sleep through  the night and in fact will usually be more wakeful during the first 2-4 weeks.

Also you will note that your infant will be more gassy during the first 2 weeks,

Most of the gas and colic medications do not appear to be real helpful.

Be sure to learn to swaddle your infant and hold your child during the transitional first 2 weeks.

If you plan to breast feed it is not as easy as it seems.

Both you and your child must learn to breast feed.

We do recommend a lactation class to help prepare you for the whole process.

In the hospital we recommend nursing 10 – 15 min on each breast every 2-3 hours.

Your milk will usually not come in until at least 3-5 days after delivery.

Possibly a little longer following a difficult or surgical delivery.

Once you reach home you will notice that breast fed infants will nurse more frequently both day and night.

It is ok to offer the baby a supplemental bottle of either breast milk or formula if you are tired or sore or just need a break.

If you plan to have to have your baby partially on a bottle it is best to introduce it by 2 weeks of age.

We advise either breast feeding or formula for the entire first year.

We recommend sterilizing the bottle, nipples and pacifiers.

Prepare all your formula and store in individual bottles for use at home each day.

If you must be out with your infant take bottles of water and mix the powder with the water as you need to during the course of the day.

Do not keep unused formula that has not been refrigerated.