Feeding Your New Born: Here’s What, When and How

Eat-sleep-poop-repeat! These are the highlights in the life of a newborn. Feeding a newborn is a round-the-clock commitment that needs utmost attention. It’s also an opportunity to start forming a bond with your newborn. But many mothers struggle on finding what to feed the baby as soon as they open eyes to the beautiful world, for how long they should feed and more worries come to their mind. Are you one of them? No need to panic as we have all the answers for you in the most simple and sorted way. Read below to know more about it and feed your baby with complete bliss!

What- Stick with the breast milk!

Breastfeeding gives babies the best start for a healthy life and has benefits for the health and wellbeing of mothers as well as babies. Breastfeeding also has economic benefits for the whole family and even society.

When you deliver the baby, the first milk that arrives is thick and yellow known as colostrum. This important blend of protein, vitamins, and minerals can help defend against harmful bacteria and viruses, and possibly even stimulate the baby to produce antibodies. It also coats the inside of a baby’s intestines, protecting their immature immune system, and creates a barrier against allergies and digestive upset. Then, the Breast milk after colostrum is also packed with all the essential nutrients and antibodies that help to keep the baby safe and protected. Breast milk is the ideal food for babies with a few exceptions. If breastfeeding isn’t possible due to the health reasons of the mother, infant formula is preferred.

When- Feed your newborn on cue

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until babies turn 6 six months of age, with the introduction of appropriate complementary feeding (foods other than breast milk) at this age, in addition to continued breastfeeding up to 12 months and beyond, for as long as mother and child desire.

Most newborns need eight to 12 feedings a day which is about one feeding every two to three hours. Look for early signs the baby shows when they are hungry, such as moving the hands to the mouth, sucking on fists and fingers, and lip-smacking. Fussing and crying are later cues. The sooner you begin each feeding, the less likely you will need to soothe a frantic baby.

When your baby stops suckling, closes his or her mouth, or turns away from the nipple or bottle, he or she might feel full or simply take a small break. Try burping your baby before offering your breast or the bottle again after some time.

How to feed the newborn?

In the beginning, it might take quite a few tries to get your baby into the right position for feeding but keep trying. Hold your baby facing your breasts, with the front of their body facing yours. Their head should be in line with the rest of her body, not turned, to make swallowing easier. If your baby turns away, gently stroke their cheek. This rooting reflex will make the baby turn its head toward your breast. You’ll know you have got a proper latch when the baby’s chin and the tip of her nose are touching your breast.

Over to you:

Feeding a newborn is not an easy task! It takes a lot of patience; love and care to nurture your newborn keeping in mind you are doing all this for the first time. We have all your queries sorted in this article on what to feed and for how long. You are doing great! Just keep going and enjoy this beautiful phase.