FEEDING

 Breastfeeding

If you choose to breastfeed, you want to keep track of how long your baby eats and also which side you used last to feed your little darling. You can alternate breasts during a feeding or let the baby feed from just one side per feeding. Some babies will change sides and just keep eating, others get distracted if you change, and then you have many short feedings not very far apart. Your baby will help you figure out which they prefer. And your nipples will help you decide which you prefer. The two of you, I am sure, will reach an understanding.

Suggestions: You will have this book to use as a reference but you may want extra help to remember which breast you used last. When breastfeeding, I used a ring that I would transfer from my left hand to my right hand to remember where I left off; some people use a safety pin on their bra and move it from left strap to right strap, but what about in the middle of the night when you may not be wearing a bra? Huh? Then what do you do?  There are lots of suggestions out there; I am sure you will find something that works for you.

Breastfeeding should not hurt. I know you read this and hear this over and over. But when you first try it, you think, “There is no way this is supposed to feel good!”  Well here is a gauge I would suggest: if it is excruciating STOP. If it makes you sweat all over because of the pain, this would be an indication of excruciating.  If it hurts like a stubbed toe or is uncomfortable for the first few seconds (say up to 30 seconds) but then it subsides, you should be good to go.  If you have any doubts, ask someone, find a lactation nurse, or call another mom you trust. This is a great bonding experience for you and your baby so get information to help you along the way.

I used sign language with my kids. I am not a patient person and waiting a year or two for my child to talk was going to be way too long. You may think, “Please don’t add another thing I have to think about as a new parent!” It can be quite simple, really. I bring this up because it can save muchfrustration down the road with just a little energy in the beginning.

I used the sign for milk (open and close you hand into a fist) EVERY time I offered my baby breast milk or a bottle and I would say “Milk?” each time too. That is all I did for the first few months. You will be amazed at how early your baby will be “talking” to you. Many books suggest that you start signing when the child is six months old or older. I knew that if I did not get in the habit early, like right off the bat, I would not get in the habit at all. The first time your baby signs to you, you will be elated! It was so nice to have my son “ask” for milk rather than just start crying and I would have to start guessing what he wanted. There are several books available on the subject of signing with your baby if you choose to incorporate this into your life.

Bottles

If you choose to bottle feed, then write down the starting amount and the ending amount of food and subtract the ending amount from the start. If your brain is too foggy or math is not your bag, have someone else do the math.

Suggestion: Some kids eat a lot in one feeding and others like to snack throughout the day. It can be very stressful if your baby doesn’t eat much. My philosophy was if my kid was happy and growing, we were on track. If you have any concerns, use this information to chat with your pediatrician.