Care to be Taken by Mothers and Breastfeeding

Welcoming a new baby into the family is one of the happiest and yet in some ways scariest life changing events.  Babies bring joy to any household.  However, it can seem overwhelming, knowing that a newborn depends on you for everything.  Their health and well being rests in your hands.

Many things about being a mother come naturally, but many things do not.  Fortunately, there are many people and resources to help you have some idea of what to expect from your baby in the coming weeks and months ahead.  You will probably be given some literature on baby care during your later prenatal visits.  Most hospitals offer classes for expectant mothers on general baby care.  You can read up on the topic of newborn care. And, of course, you will be given more advice than you can ever use from families, friends, co-workers and neighbors.

There are a few things to look for when caring for your newborn baby in the first few weeks of life.  You will want to make certain that they are wetting their diapers and having bowel movements.  Having an appropriate number of dirty diapers is a good indicator that the baby is healthy and receiving plenty of formula or breast milk.  After the first few days of life, your baby should have at least 6 wet diapers each day.  Babies will usually have 3-4 bowel movements per day for the first few weeks.  As a baby grows and their systems become more regulated, you can see a decrease in wet and dirty diapers.  Your babies pediatrician will tell you an average of how many diapers they should be going through each day and at what point you should call the doctor if they are not outputting near those amounts.  Please keep in mind that a breastfed baby is often likely to have a bowel movement only every 3 or 4 days. 

As a new mom you will make the decision to either breastfeed or use formula.  In some cases, you might be able to breastfeed primarily but still need to supplement the baby’s diet with formula.  Talk to your pediatrician to determine the best type of formula for your baby if you will be using formula at all. 

Babies are very good at letting you know when they are hungry.  Newborns will eat quite frequently (often as much as 8-12 times in twenty-four hours).  Generally speaking a breastfed newborn will want to eat every 2-3 hours, while a formula fed baby might only eat every 3-4 hours.  Of course, every baby is different.  Some will even eat more frequently.  As your baby becomes older he or she will start to eat less frequently but will gradually increase the amount they eat at each feeding.  Again, your baby’s pediatrician will be able to help you understand how often and how much your baby should be eating to stay healthy and for appropriate growth.

 

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

 

Sometimes it is not feasible or practical for a mother to breastfeed.  Other times, there might be a problem with breastfeeding.  However, if you can try to breastfeed it is advisable to do so.  Breastfed babies benefit from being held closely to their mother during feedings.  This helps the baby to feel very safe and secure.  Breast milk is better for a baby because it is natural.  It provides the proper nutrients to the baby.  It is usually easier for a baby’s body to be able to digest breast milk than formula and so they are less likely to have the negative effects of food allergies (problems with formula).  The natural antibodies that a baby ingests from breast milk will help to keep them healthy.  They are less likely to become ill from common viruses and bacteria.  Your baby will be healthier and perhaps happier on breast milk. 

Consult with a lactation consultant if you are planning to breastfeed.  Join support groups for breast feeding mothers.  It is not always easy for you or baby to breastfeed.   Many hospitals now offer help from lactation consultants even after you and baby go home.  Give breastfeeding a good try!