Feeding Your Baby

Breastfeeding is healthy for your partner and your baby. Here are some reasons why breastfeeding is best:

Breast milk can help protect your baby against illness. It can protect her from allergies. The American Academy of Pediatrics says it's good for babies to be breastfed for the first year of life.

It's best for mom. Many breastfeeding mothers lose the weight they gained while pregnant faster than mothers who do not breastfeed.

It creates a bond between mother and baby. Your partner can learn your baby's signals faster.

Breast milk is easier to digest than formula and you don't have to prepare bottles or formula. Breast milk is always ready. Babies do not become constipated from breast milk.

Each baby has her own feeding schedule. Some babies need to nurse more often than others do. In general, nursing babies need to be fed at least eight to 12 times in a 24-hour period. That means feedings every two to three hours. If your baby has not fed for several hours and then dozes off after only a few minutes of nursing, gently wake her to encourage her to continue nursing. Your partner should try to help your baby feed until her breasts are emptied of milk or at least 15 minutes from each breast.

If you have any questions or problems with breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or nurse. To learn more about breastfeeding, you may call La Leche League at 1-800-LALECHE or visit their Web site at www.lalecheleague.org.

Your partner will want to follow your baby's lead while she breastfeeds. Babies tend to get as much milk as they need when your partner lets them nurse when they want and for as long as they want. The more your baby nurses, the more milk your partner will produce. Your partner's milk supply will keep up with your baby's demand.

How do you know when your baby is hungry? Here are some hunger signs to be aware of:

Early hunger signs:

Head moves toward voice, mouth opens
Lips smack, tongue reaches outward
Hands move "randomly"
Fists find mouth
Infant begins fussing

Late hunger signs:

Brow furrows
Mouth widens, head moves quickly from side to side
Fists clench, seeking the mouth
Baby cries

Next » Formula Feeding

Breastfeeding

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Month By Month has been adapted for Fathers from Healthy Start, Grow Smart, Your Newborn, Washington, D.C. 2002 - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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Breastfeeding