feeding baby - coles baby club

Whether you choose to breast- or bottlefeed, you can get your baby off to a good start with all the nutrients and goodness she needs.

Breastfeeding

Nature has designed breast milk for babies. No other food can match it. Breast milk changes with every feed to meet baby’s needs and contains all the nourishment and fluids she needs for the first four to six months of her life. As well as containing antibodies against infectious diseases it protects against developing allergies. Breastfeeding is also best for mother because it helps the womb – and her body – to return to its pre-pregnant state.

Getting support

A new mother needs help to make sure that her baby is sucking properly and that she is holding her comfortably so that she does not develop sore nipples. She may also need the support and advice of someone who understands the process, such as a maternal or early childhood health nurse, or friends who have breastfed. Other great sources of advice are midwives trained in breastfeeding (lactation) and breastfeeding counsellors from the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Tips for success

Feed your baby as and when she needs to be fed. One of the most common reasons why women stop breastfeeding is that they feel they do not have enough milk. A baby who is fed when she needs to be, who is sucking properly and is allowed to suck until she is satisfied will usually empty the breast effectively, and the mother will produce all the milk her baby needs. If you are not happy with the way breastfeeding is going for you and your baby, seek advice as soon as possible.

Be sure to maintain a nutritious diet, drink plenty of water and rest. Mothers need all the energy they can get. Rest and sleep when baby sleeps.

Facts about breastfeeding

Colostrum, which is the first milk the breast produces, is a clear fluid high in protein and antibodies. It also acts as a laxative to help baby’s first bowel movements.

It is normal for the breasts to feel tight and sore when the milk first comes in. Discomfort can be relieved by feeding and with warm washes and showers.

Sore nipples are most commonly caused by the baby not latching onto the nipple properly and by not letting baby feed as long as she needs to. Seek help if you have sore nipples and let your nipples air whenever possible. Slip a cabbage leaf inside your bra to soothe nipples.

Bottlefeeding

Today’s infant formula milks are highly nutritious and specially formulated for baby. Combined with cuddles at feeding time, your baby will have food for body and soul. If you are breastfeeding, you might find there are times when you need or want to express milk so that baby can be fed from a bottle.

Getting started

You’ll need:

• bottles and teats (around six bottles)
• bottle brush
• mixing jugs
• sterilising equipment
• suitable infant formula milk powder

Infant formula

Formula is whole milk (usually cows’ milk unless an alternative is recommended by your doctor) adapted for infants with certain nutrients added. Discuss which formula is most suitable with your maternal or early childhood health nurse.

Step-by-step

• Only make one bottle at a time, for food safety reasons
• Follow the instructions on the can and measure the formula accurately.
• Fill the bottles with cool, boiled water. Add the formula. Screw on the cap and shake well until powder is completely dissolved.
• Always test the temperature before giving to baby.

Shake a few drops on the forearm. If the milk is too cold, stand the bottle in a pot of hot water. If the milk is too hot, hold the bottle under cold running water or stand it in a pot of cold water.

Out and about

Never carry warm milk with you. Always take it cold in an insulated container and heat when needed. Better still, take cool boiled water and powder separately and make up formula as required. Heating of formula in a microwave is not recommended. If necessary, shake to ensure even temperature and check temperature before feeding.

Sterilising & cleaning up

You will need to sterilise bottles and other feeding equipment until baby is around 12 months old. The main methods are by microwave or electric steamer, sterilising tablets or boiling water.