Your new baby's nutritional needs are greater than at any other time in his life. However, feeding your baby provides more than just good nutrition. It also allows you to hold your newborn close, hug him and make eye contact with him. These are relaxing and pleasant moments for both of you and it strengthens your bond.
Due to its nutritional composition and health-promoting properties, breast milk (also called human milk) is the ideal food for human babies. With support, most women can successfully breastfeed their babies. If you are unable to breastfeed, infant formula is an acceptable and nutritious alternative to breast milk.
Breast milk or formula should be your child's only source of nutrition for the first six months. When you add solid foods to your baby's diet, continue to breastfeed her for at least until she is 12 months or older.
During this time, you and your pediatrician will need to pay attention to his eating pattern and make sure he's getting enough to grow. (See, "How often and how much should your baby eat?") Regular medical checkups and monitoring of their growth is the best way to make sure this is the case.
Know your baby's feeding patterns
Each baby has a particular feeding style. A few years ago, some researchers at Yale University amusingly named five common eating patterns. See if you recognize your baby's eating behavior among them.
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Knowing your own baby's feeding patterns is one of your biggest challenges in the weeks after delivery. Once you understand her patterns, it will be much easier for you to determine when she is hungry, when she has had enough to eat, how often she needs to eat, and how long she needs for feedings. It's usually best to start feeding your baby at the first signs of hunger, before she cries. Babies also have specific positions that they prefer.
Talk to your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about your baby's feeding and nutritional needs.
