Breast feeding
It is recommended that women who don't have any health problems should try to give their babies breast milk for at least
the first six months of life. Breast feeding offers many benefits to the baby, breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients
to help your infant grow into a strong and healthy toddler. Some of the nutrients in breast milk also help protect your infant
against some common childhood illnesses and infections. The most important period in establishing breastfeeding is the first
week. In the early days, both the mother and baby are learning how to breastfeed so she will need a lot of help and support.
For more details about the whole issue surrounding breast feeding go to breast feeding in the mums zone. Remember that just because a woman is breast feeding it does not mean that she has to feed the baby all
the time must mums will be very grateful for a break so encourage them to express milk so that you can take your turn, it
is a bounding experience for you and the baby and one that you should try not to miss out on.
Bottle Feeding
If your partner has problems breast feeding or just prefers to bottle feed then you should know that as with breastfeeding,
most experts agree that you shouldn't follow a rigid schedules in the early weeks, though you may be able to work out an approximate
pattern for feeding within a month or two. Its a good idea to offer the bottle every two to three hours at first or when you
see signs of hunger. You will quickly learn when they are hungry so don't worry. It is normal for a baby to take one to three
ounces until they reach about 10 pounds. Try not to force them they know what they want even at this stage. Your mid wife
should advise you about suitable amounts for your baby as they grows. All bottles , teats and ring should be sterilized before
use you can get a nifty gadget to do this so its a job you may like. As far as warming the milk goes there's no health reason
to feed a baby warmed milk but your baby may prefer it. When you're ready to feed your baby, you can warm a bottle in a pan
of hot--not boiling--water, or by running it under the tap; you can also buy a bottle warmer designed for this purpose. If
your baby will drink it cold you will save your self time. As regards the formula that you choose always make sure that the
milk is suitable for the correct age and follow the instruction on the container. Many manufactures suggest that you so not
use a microwave to heat a bottle of breast milk or formula; since a microwave oven heats unevenly, it can create hot pockets,
leading to burns and cause a breakdown of the nutrients, so this is something to bear in mind. Always check on the back of
your hand that the milk is not too hot it common sense but its easy to forget when you have a screaming baby. More info on
bottle feeding is available on bottle feeding in the mum's zone.
