What Feeding Method Does Your Baby Prefer?
When we think about feeding a baby, we generally assume it is the mother’s decision by which method a baby is fed. However, this is not always the case and most often it is the baby’s choice what they prefer, what they like and what they take to.
This write up will give you an overview about feeding your baby. We will direct you to websites that you may find useful.
Please consult your doctor, midwife and health visitor to discuss all aspects of feeding your baby. If you want to make any changes, again we advise you to consult your GP, midwife or health visitor.
WHAT ARE THE FEEDING OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOUR NEWBORN BABY?
Your baby has the following 2 choices of feeding –
- To drink milk from the breast.
- To drink formula milk from the bottle.
Both methods are excellent.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DRINKING BREAST MILK?
The benefits of drinking breast milk for a baby are:
- It is rich in antibodies that help with your baby’s immunity.
- Breast fed babies have a reduced risk of developing asthma later in life.
- They also have a reduced risk of developing allergies.
- They are less likely to develop obesity in later life.
- There is reduced risk of having ear infections.
- There is also a reduced risk of having respiratory diseases.
Breast feeding is also referred to as nursing.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR BREASTFEEDING – IS MY BABY GETTING ENOUGH MILK.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR BREASTFEEDING – POSITIONING AND ATTACHMENT
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE BETTER HEALTH – HOW TO BREASTFEED
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE BREASTFEEDING – THE FIRST FEW DAYS
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR YOUR BREASTFEEDING QUESTIONS ANSWERED
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR BREASTFEEDING IN PUBLIC
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR EXPRESSING AND STORING BREAST MILK
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DRINKING FORMULA MILK?
The benefits of drinking formula milk for a baby are:
- Formula milk is full of nutrients.
- A mother can share the feeding of the baby with others.
- The non-breast feeding parent can have a bonding experience with the baby whilst feeding.
- The mother is not restricted to what she can eat and drink.
- It is flexible and convenient for the mother.
- Great alternative for mothers and babies who cannot get to grips with breastfeeding.
- Great alternative for mothers who are not producing milk.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR BOTTLE FEEDING ADVICE
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR TYPES OF FORMULA
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR HOW TO MAKE UP BABY FORMULA
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR FORMULA MILK – COMMON QUESTIONS
WHAT IS MIXED OR COMBINATION FEEDING?
This is when a mother is breastfeeding her baby and also giving formula milk at the same time.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR HOW TO COMBINE BREAST AND BOTTLE FEEDINGS
SHOULD YOU LISTEN TO OTHER OPINIONS ABOUT WHICH FEEDING METHOD YOU SHOULD USE?
It is always nice to receive guidance and advice, however, the method you use to feed your baby is between you and your baby. You both have to be comfortable with the choice.
Please do not be forced to use a method which you and your baby do not enjoy.
WHAT ABOUT TWINS?
Feeding twins is no mean feat and there are many questions a mother may have such as –
- Do I feed one at a time?
- What is the other baby cries while I feed the other one?
- Will I have enough milk for both babies?
- Shall I use the combination method?
Please consult your GP, midwife and health visitor and ask for their advice. You can also click on the links below for advice.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR FEEDING TWINS AND MULTIPLES
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR NEWBORN TWINS AND MULTIPLES
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR LA LECHE LEAGUE GB – TWINS AND MORE
WHAT IS HUMAN MILK BANKING?
Milk banking is the process where nursing mothers donate their breast milk. A breast milk bank will collect and screen the milk to ensure it is safe and then give it to mothers and babies who need it. This service is available through prescription and ideal for premature babies and for mothers who are not producing enough milk.
The nursing mothers who donate the milk are tested for illnesses prior to donating their milk.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR UK ASSOCIATION FOR MILK BANKING
FURTHER SUPPORT AND HELP FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY
1. Your first port of contact for any help and advice should be your GP, midwife, baby clinic or health visitor.
2. You can call the national breastfeeding helpline on 0300 100 0212 from 9:30am to 9:30pm, 7 days a week.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NATIONAL BREASTFEEDING HELPLINE
3. There are breastfeeding support services all over the country. Please click on the link below to find out where the support is in your area.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT SERVICES.
4. You can go onto your local authority website and find information about help and support available to you with regards to feeding your baby,
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY.
5. You can contact the national childbirth trust for help and advice.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NATIONAL CHILDBIRTH TRUST
6. You can contact the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
7. You can contact La Leche League for help and advice.