Infant and Newborn Nutrition
It is recommended to breastfeed 6 months exclusively because it is beneficial for the baby. Breastmilk contains nutrients, lactose, protein (whey and casein) and fat. All these nutrients are easily digested by the baby to provide his needs and to provide him with antibodies that protects him from infectious diseases, diarrhea and respiratory infections. Nursing babies will have less medical problems such as diabetes, cholesterol, asthma, allergies and lower chances of being overweight or obese.
Newborn eats 8 to 12 feeds a day for the first week in life, and later on babies will breastfeed each 1 to 3 hours, and always make sure you breastfeed at least 15 minutes on each breast.
Advantages
Breastfeeding is great for moms too, it burns calories and protects moms from breast cancer and ovarian cancer and it also enhances emotional connection between mom and the baby.
Limitations
Breastfeeding requires a big commitment and you feel tied down by the demand. Breastmilk is digested easily babies will nurse every 2 to 3 hours, which is a big obligation for working moms.
Should I go on formula feeding?
Formula feeding offers flexibility for moms, as other family members can help with the feeding and also babies will have fewer feedings because formulas take more time to be digested by the baby. However, we should always make sure to discard any bottles left out of the fridge and always make sure to read directions on labels.
Signs that my baby is hungry
- Move the head from side to side
- Open the mouth
- Stick tongue out of the mouth
- Place hands in mouth
- Cry
Signs that my baby is satisfied
- 6 to 8 diapers a day
- Sleeps well
- Gain weight
- Alert when he is awake
N.B: Infants should not spit up after feeding, it can be a sign of allergy, digestive problem or other, consult your pediatrician
